The best 4th of July activities for NYC kids in 2019

After a brief departure, the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show is back at the Brooklyn Bridge this year. The event’s 2019 return will mark the biggest ever, with three times more pyrotechnics across the entire bridge and four barges along Pier 17 in the Seaport District. The 43rd annual tradition is the largest show in the country and features musical guests, who will be announced at some point in June. Blake Shelton, Jennifer Lopez, American Authors, Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban and Charlie Puth have all graced past Independence Day stages in recent years. There will be more than a dozen designated areas to watch the 25-minute long spectacle. The show starts of 9:20pm on Thursday, July 4, but you might need to camp out all day to get a prime viewing spot. Macy’s estimates that millions of people will come out to watch tens of thousands of fireworks and pyrotechnic displays fill the sky. And if sweaty crowds aren’t your thing, the entire night will be broadcast on NBC. Stay tuned for more news from us, including prime places to watch! 

Pack the SPF! Trips to the best beaches for kids in NYC guarantee summer fun for the whole family. Not only will the littles love to search for shells and splash in the waves, but they'll get a kick out of other cool amenities. When in Coney Island, you're within striking distance of awesome amusement parks. Other locales boast some of the best picnic spots in NYC and fun water playgrounds. There are plenty of locales within the five boroughs that are perfect for days when you want to smell the salt water in the air and bury your feet in the sand. Be prepared for larger crowds than usual on the 4th! 

This beautiful season is pretty spectacular in general—why not amp things up even more with an exciting summer day trip? Once you've checked out all the coolest NYC parks, public gardens and carousels your neighborhood has to offer, plan ahead for a new adventure to one of these family destinations.

No restaurant, no problem. Our favorite picnic spots in NYC are great places to refuel (and take in gorgeous scenes to boot).   Grab your favorite snacks, set up your blanket in a cozy spot and get ready to chow down! Locations such as Central Park and Prospect Park, offer striking distance from the best kids' playgrounds NYC has to offer, so you can pack in a ton of outdoor activities for kids in one afternoon!