Text size:

Cool things to do in the city on July 4th

By Janie Ho | Special to amNewYork

June 27, 2008

Fireworks explode over the New York City skyline Wednesday, July 4, 2007 from West New York , N.J. (Bill Kostroun, Associated Press / July 4, 2007)

Nothing says small town Fourth of July like the smell of backyard barbecues. But this isn't Kansas.

In New York City, you can have your cozy get-togethers and still go out with the biggest bang of all -- the Macy's fireworks display.

Check out these neighborhood bashes to go out on top this Fourth.

Brooklyn

Prospect Park's Celebrations of Liberty
718-965-8999
July 4 to 5
After the parade in southwest Brooklyn's Bay Ridge, escape to 585-acre Prospect Park, right in the heart of Brooklyn. At Lefferts Historic House, kids can enjoy making plumed hats -- the perfect accessory for signing remakes of the Declaration of Independence.

Pack a picnic or get sporty on 40 acres of field space where former Yankee manager Joe Torre honed his baseball skills. Take the electric boat Independence for a spin around Brooklyn's only lake or rock the pedal boats to go green.

Best fireworks view
Nothing beats sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline from outer boroughs, except when you watch Macy's fireworks at the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Head to the stretch between Montague and Middagh streets (Or, if that's too crowded, try Brooklyn Promenade between Jermone and Cranberry streets, or Furman Street between Atlantic and Cadman Plaza West.)

Bronx
City Island
City Island Avenue from Bridge Street to Belden Street
718-885-9100
Skip the block parties and Orchard Beach and check out the historic seaport community of City Island, just west of Pelham Bay. With the look of an old New England fishing village, City Island brings New York flair via eclectic artist and sailor community.

At just 1.5 miles long by half a mile wide, you're just steps away from serene waterfront vistas of the surrounding Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay. The area is full of shops, restaurants on City Island Avenue, as well as wildlife, a nautical museum and even a lighthouse.

Fill your day-away with history and top it off with fireworks.

Best fireworks view
An unobstructed rooftop in the South Bronx may do the trick, but with Roosevelt Island in the way, hop across the East River to Long Island City to see fireworks up close. Or check out the party at Orchard Beach for some local explosive fun.