Top cities to celebrate Independence Day with kids

The 4th of July is something American families depend on each and every summer. It is a day when families and friends come together for parades and picnics and ultimately the day’s finale, Fireworks! If you are looking for an excuse to get away and do something different with your kids, Travel100Group can create a fun and unique family itinerary in one of these exciting cities.

CHICAGO

On July 3rd, Lake Michigan will light up with what is called one of the country’s most spectacular fireworks displays, accompanied by Christopher Bell leading the Grant Park Orchestra.

Navy Pier presents a ten-minute firework show over Lake Michigan on July 4th, complete with patriotic music. Many of Chicago's hotels will supply you with a picnic basket filled with the best July 4th recipes. Another fun option is to take advantage of the several dinner cruises offered where you can enjoy the amazing display up close and on the water.

WASHINGTON D.C

What better place to celebrate our country’s independence than in our nation’s capital? Head to The National Mall where an all day event will take place. Enjoy a parade along Constitution Avenue. Take in all the monuments. Experience the cultural festivities at the Smithsonian Folk life Festival and the White House Visitor Center. Listen to “A Capitol Fourth Concert” put on by the National Symphony Orchestra. Bands, giant balloons, floats, equestrian teams, celebrities, and dignitaries all participate in the parade. It will be quite a spectacle that should not be missed.

NEW YORK CITY

A tradition in the Big Apple, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage to what would become New York, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks this year will move to the Hudson River. Anchor yourself somewhere close to the river or Roosevelt Island displays a great view, as well as music, face painting, and a food court. Long Island City holds an annual Fireworks Festival at Gantry Plaza State Park offering music, food, games, and a fantastic view of the fireworks as well.

Another fun idea is to take the kids to the top of the Empire State Building for a spectacular view of the show. There are a limited number of tickets available, however, so it is important to purchase your tickets now! A dinner and fireworks cruise is also bound to keep the children's interest as well.

LAKE TAHOE, NEVADA

The American Pyrotechnics Association rates South Shore’s spectacular 4th of July fireworks celebration as one ofthetop 5 displays in the nation and is one of the largest shows west of the Mississippi. The fireworks show is nothing less than breathtaking. Shot from a barge on the lake, the fireworks can be seen from almost anywhere. Viewers gatheron the shores, on docks, and some even venture into the lake on paddleboats to experience the fireworks from the water!

To make the evening all the more special for the kids, we can book South Shore’s two Mississippi paddle wheelers. The Tahoe Queen and the M.S. Dixie II offer a unique opportunity to view the show from the water. Board the Tahoe Queen for a Dinner Dance Cruise or the M.S. Dixie II for a Fireworks Cruise. Both feature live entertainment and fantastic views of the evening’s display.