My family and I are trying to determine the best spot to view the fireworks celebration. Any thoughts? Is the 86th floor observatory of the Empire State Building a good option?

Also, we are considering going to the 1:05pm Yankees vs Cleveland baseball game that afternoon. Will we have time to finish the game and still grab a decent spot to watch the fireworks?

Chris: Several years ago we viewed the fireworks form atop the ESB. It was very crowded and took quite awhile to get down. The perspective is different, i.e. looking down on the fireworks, but I think the view is actually better from the ground.

Since the fireworks begin around 9PM, you should have plenty of time to get a good viewing spot. We generally watch them from the south end of Sutton Place, around 52nd Street. Pretty good view and you can amble over right around 9PM.

A 1:00 game won't end any earlier than 4:00 - then its atleast about a 35 minute subway ride down to East Village on the number 4. and maybe a 10 minute walk over to the East River park- assuming thats where the best views are.
So at best you're there by five; probably late to get the best spots but certainly not the last minute. Maybe someone else knows when to get there for the best spots?
I think from the ESB is too far away and too high up to see much... probably just see all the smoke rising.
JK

If NYC is too cloudy, San Jose, Ca. always has perfect weather.

They don't open the FDR to pedestrians until 7:30pm so you will have plenty of time to get over there! Get out of the subway at 23rd, 33rd or 42nd street and follow the crowd.

My husband and I never get there before 8:30 and we always get a good view. It's not like other cities I've been to where you spread a blanket in the park, etc. You will be standing on the highway. A few people bring chairs. I think this may be the year I finally bring a light blanket so I can sit on the ground until it starts.

This is of course assuming that you want to watch from Manhattan?

Not sure where they are having it this year. Try South Street seaport, the FDR drive, or go to the NJ side in Weehawken on Blvd. East. Though they don't always do it on the 4th, it may be a day or two earlier.