Independence Day in New York City and out east means lots of FabULyss fireworks, BBQs, beaches, DeLysscious picnics, and more that make this summer holiday one of my family’s favorites. Not to mention my 6-year-old son’s birthday is July 3, and he loves that he will always have fireworks on his birthday. We usually spend the holiday weekend at the beach. The boys love to swim, play ball, and, of course, we stay up late to watch the fireworks. This Fourth of July I am going to put my new beautiful baby girl in a red-white-and-blue bathing suit. The Fourth of July in New York City is amazing! The weather is almost always wonderful for our family celebrations.
One of our favorites of course is the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, which, by the way, this year makes its return to the East River and will light up the night from one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Brooklyn Bridge! Also note that you can enjoy the gorgeous fireworks over the East River with your choice of boat cruises.
If you can watch the fireworks from the water, it can be a truly amazing experience. The Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise is a great choice, as well as City Sightseeing Independence Day Cruises. The best outdoor free spots will be: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Promenade and some areas of the South Street Seaport. We also love a great rooftop at a lounge, hotel, and or friend’s building to watch the fireworks. If you are lucky enough to live in a building that has a roofdeck, invite some friends over and throw a party. The kids will also love to help get ready for the party, and you can bake red-white-and-blue cupcakes together and make fun colorful patriotic decorations. My boys love making spangled fruit smoothies (strawberry, blueberry, cream) and patriotic pudding pops.
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks on the East River. July 4, 9 pm. The best viewing spots will be from Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and along the east side of Lower Manhattan.
Now don’t tell my boys that I am suggesting this (they are the biggest Mets fans), however, what better way to celebrate Independence Day than with America’s favorite pastime? A ball game, with, of course, a good old-fashioned hot dog, and crackerjacks. There’s a Mets vs. Rangers game at 7:10 pm.
Mets vs. Rangers at Citi Field [123-01 Roosevelt Ave. in Willets Point, Queens, (718) 507–6387, newyork.mets.mlb.com/ticketing/singlegame.jsp?c_id=nym&y=2014&mlbkw=ma-s-2Kv4oDqv] July 4, 7:10 pm.
Since a lot of families might be out of the city for the long weekend, it’s a great time to go see a Broadway show. Perhaps get tickets to see “Aladdin,” “Matilda,” and or “Rocky.” These are three shows that I know the entire family will enjoy (and you might be able to get excellent tickets).
One of the funniest Fourth of July traditions in New York City is the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. At this fierce Fourth of July event, 20 able-bodied competitors will fight to see who can consume the greatest number of Nathan’s hot dogs in under 10 minutes. Famous world-class competitors such as Joey Chestnut and Kobayashi have ensured that this Coney Island competition will have an attendance in excess of 40,000. My boys think get a kick out of this.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest (Corner of Stillwell and Surf avenues, www.nathansfamous.com/index.php/hot-dog-eating-contest). July 4, noon.
Whatever you decide to do on this special holiday, we hope that you get to spend some extra quality family time and don’t forget to power down and unplug.
Of course, make sure to take lots of photos of the beautiful fireworks and post them on Instagram. Happy family memories will be made this holiday weekend.
Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLysscious Moms (www.divamoms.com).
