You will have more than enough options for the whole family when you travel to somewhere huge. When you are traveling you want to consider the whole family especially when it comes to holiday activities around the 4th of July. This annual holiday is a perfect time to visit somewhere big such as New York City itself while the kids are on summer break. The city comes alive for the 4th of July bringing out all kinds of activities to join in on. Here are the top family-friendly 4th of July activities in NYC:
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
No matter where you visit for the 4th of July, you will want to catch the closet fireworks show in the area. The kids will be ready for a dazzling show so make sure you take them to the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display. This is a classic New York tradition that has been strong since 1976 and will once again return in 2025. While the location has yet to be determined, previous years have been held at locales including the East River before being moved to the Hudson River last year in 2024. The best viewing areas for Hudson River fireworks can be found all over Manhattan, especially along the waterfront. The fireworks will hit the night sky around 8:00 PM making it an early enough event for even the little ones. You will not find a better fireworks display in all of New York City!
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
If your family loves hot dogs or the thrill of a little competition you cannot miss out on the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest that is held right here in New York City. This event is over 100 years old where contestants will try to scarf down as many Nathan’s hot dogs as they can in 10 minutes. It may not be the prettiest event to watch but you will be surrounded by lively folks who want to hang around one of the city’s longest standing traditions. The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is held at their restaurant in Brooklyn on Stillwell Ave taking place on July 4th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Come dressed up in your best hot dog attire!
Hit the Beach in NYC
One of the overlooked options for any summer stay in New York City is hitting the closest beach. You may be thinking “There are beaches in NYC?” and the answer is an astounding yes! You can find quite a few beaches actually if you know where to look around NYC. One of the city’s best kept secrets is Fort Tilden Beach that is located over in Queens. This is a 3-mile stretch of gorgeous sandy shoreline with tall trees and grassy dunes. It is often overlooked and can give you dozens of yards of space to you and your family with ease. Fort Tilden Beach can be a little harder to get to since it is very hard to access by car or subway but can easily be accessed by bike. There are no lifeguards stationed at Fort Tilden Beach, so make sure to look out for your kids.
Another popular spot is Jacob Riis Park Beach. It has been called “The People’s Beach” with it being easily accessible by public transit is quite popular in the summer time. If you make the venture out to Long Island you can have fun over at Jones Beach that features all kinds of fun including mini golf, shuffleboard, basketball courts, and a swimming pool, The nearby Jones Beach Theater has hit names playing shows in the summertime too. The architecture of the park is something art lovers will fall in love with. As you can see, there are so many beaches to choose from that you never knew existed!
Coney Island Fun
Family fun does not get any better than what you can kind over at Coney Island. You can feel just like a kid again when you visit this amusement park that is nearby New York City. Hope on the Ferris Wheel and see if you can catch any fireworks in the distance. Their infamous Cyclone is a wooden roller coaster that will take you around loops at high speeds. You can also catch as many midway games as you can to win fun prizes. There is plenty of fun to find here at Coney Island over your 4th of July visit!
Get Ready for More Fun in NYC
The summer season is already starting to heat up, so now is the perfect time to get ready for your visit to the area. Reach out to us to book one of our New York City vacation rentals with luxury amenities and features. You cannot go wrong with our many options.