suelise3

Our son who's 8th birthday will be on July 4th would like to go to the U.S. for a celebration. What U.S. cities have the best fireworks and family fun on the 4th.

suewoo

Hands down, Washington DC. It will be hot and crowded so prepare for that.

starrs

If "the best" means the biggest, you're looking at big cities. You may also consider smaller (and less crazy) smaller venues that are more Americana than huge.

familythattravels

NYC, Philadelphia also have large fireworks displays. Some beach towns in NJ have nice displays - check out Point Pleasant or Wildwood, NJ.....depends what type of setting you want - lots of options.

Ackislander

Boston has famous fireworks and a free outdoor concert along the Charles River featuring the Boston Pops Orchestra. Their concert always culminates in the 1812 Overture, featuring real cannons firing and all the church bells in the city ringing.

On a much smaller scale, Bristol, Rhode Island, has the oldest Fourth of July parade, which reportedly has a great deal of old-fashioned charm.

longhorn55

In addition to a great fireworks display, Washington D.C. also offers a free concert on the grounds of the Capitol with performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and big name performers. (I've seen Steve Martin, Barry Manilow, Gladys Knight, Jerry Lee Lewis, Huey Lewis and the News, Reba McIntire, and even Elmo from Sesame Street.) The performers for this year have not yet been announced. Also, you might want to go to the dress rehearsal on July 3rd so you can get a better spot to see the fireworks on July 4th.

Also during the July 4th week, the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival will be going on which has a lot of child-friendly activities.

Finally, you've got all the great (and free) Smithsonian museums which appeal to both kids and adults.

spirobulldog

Sadly, Mount Rushmore is cancelled again this year due to the Pine Beatle.

One "off the radar" place is Addison Texas. There are a few hotels that you can stay at and somewhat avoid the crowds, as you just walk back to your room after the fireworks or other events that are going on. It is usually held on July 3.

I haven't ever been, but supposedly one of the best is the fireworks that kick off the Kentucky Derby(a couple of weeks before the derby).

I have watched a few smaller events held at lakes. These are pretty goo, because you can see everything without trees being in the way. Some allow boats on the water. I would love to see San Francisco Bay fireworks.

Most would consider DC to be the best.

nytraveler

The most famous are Boston, NYC and DC. All are mobbed - in the hundreds of thousand of people - and to be close enough to see much you need to arrive early in the day for the musical program and fireworks.

DC has a "national" concert on the mall and fireworks afterward - at about 9:30-10 pm.

NYC has a program, sponsored by Macy's, over one of the rivers/harbor. Nor sure which river it is this year - traffic into the area stops at about 4 pm and you must walk in and out - viewing is from the waterfront or a boat (very big $).

Boston has a concert by the famous Pops on the Esplanade with a patriotic sing along and fireworks afterward.

I've been to all 3 and liked Boston the best. It's the smallest - and was easy for us since we wer staying with family tha lived right up on Beacon Hill (a few minutes walk away).

Be prepared for it to be very hot and humid (80s or even 90s is possible) and carry a lot of water to stay hydrated.

Frankly - an 8 year old might prefer something smaller - in a a town that does it's own on the town square - and with little kids getting to hold sparklers - if that is still allowed (individual fireworks are not only very dangerous but illegal in most states). The small neighborhood by B lives in on LI - only about 30,000 people - has a parade early in the day - with fire trucks, kids, local marching units - and then fireworks in the town triangle at night (no cars - walk-ins only).