4 Free and Fun Places to Celebrate the Fourth of July in NYC

Planning a trip to New York City this July? Have you thought about what to do for the 4th of July with your family? After 472 days, New York has officially lifted all COVID restrictions! Here are 4 fun places to celebrate July 4th with your family in NYC.

1. Visit Little Island at Pier 55

With its highly anticipated grand opening on May 21st, and after 7 years of planning and construction, Little Island at Pier 55 is finally open to the public! For those planning to visit, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning. From 6 am to 12 pm, no reservations are required for entry. After noon, free timed-entry reservations are necessary. Once inside the park, there's no time limit to your stay. Additionally, consider bringing a picnic blanket with you, as there is plenty of grass to lounge around on. You can also grab a quick bite at the food truck located inside Little Island and enjoy a picnic at one of the park's spectacular landscapes. Here's our recommendation: Beach House Towels.

2. Picnic at Central Park

Grab a picnic basket and enjoy NYC's iconic 843-acre park! Our favorite picnic spots include Sheep Meadow, Strawberry Fields, Great Lawn, Belvedere Castle, and Bow Bridge. Start your journey straight from 86th Station to take in the breathtaking views of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and head towards Great Lawn. Don't forget to bring along some fun activities! Pack a badminton racquet or a flying disc and make the most of your evening. Afterward, treat yourself to a glass of wine at Amsterdam Wine near 72nd Street and indulge in some sweet treats from Levain Bakery!

3. Fourth of July Brunch Picnic at Domino Park

Domino Park, a 5-acre public park along the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is a fantastic location for families to celebrate the Fourth of July. Start your visit by grabbing a bite at Tacocina while enjoying the grand sight of the Williamsburg Bridge. Adults can also check out Other Half Brewing Company and order a beer to go! Meanwhile, kids will love the excitement and buzz of Domino Park's playground. Don't miss out on the water fountain, which is always a hit with children—just be sure to bring extra clothes for them to change into afterward. Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent! Our recommendation is Isabella's Clearly, an all-organic, nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty-free option. This insect repellent is made with a blend of essential oils that smell great.

4. Coney Island & Luna Park for Fourth of July Vibe

Experience unique attractions, thrilling roller coasters, and more at Luna Park! Be sure to reserve wristbands before your visit. Upon arrival at Luna Park in Coney Island, make sure to arrive within 30 minutes of your reserved entry time. Tip: If you reserve a family fun wristband, you can also receive individual tickets for Cyclone, the second-steepest wooden roller coaster in the world. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Coney Island boardwalk for fun games and delicious bites. Don't miss Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, back for this Fourth of July.

Be sure to bring a swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the sea afterward! Consider bringing a She Live Aloha subscription box with you to transport yourself to Hawaii. These kits include 5 unique items made by Hawaii artists and small businesses, offering a specific Hawaiian experience. In the evening, don't miss Macy’s iconic Independence Day fireworks show, returning to New York City in 2021. Watch it from the Coney Island Boardwalk from 10:00 to 10:15 PM.