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Best Things to Do for Kids
in NYC in July 2026
Special Display: The Declaration of Independence at the NYPL
Midtown West – FREE
Opens Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The New York Public Library is commemorating America's 250th with a wide range of free offerings for all ages, including free exhibitions and displays, a special-edition library card, an anniversary book list, a public storytelling project, and free programs and events. Don't miss the Family Day and concert on July 1. Website
The Listies: Make Some Noise at AMT Theater
Midtown West
Opens Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Listies' celebrated stage show combines pop music, puppetry, visual gags, PowerPoint presentations, dad jokes, and a healthy dose of delightful nonsense. Will they be in tune? Almost. Will they be on time? Not quite. Will they be in order? Definitely. Can Rich dance? The jury is still out. Website
Fourth of July Ball Drop in Times Square
Midtown West – FREE
Friday, July 3-Saturday, July 4. 2026
For the first time in history, the Times Square Ball will drop not once, but eight times—marking midnight in every American time zone, each with its own special ball design, beginning in Guam and culminating in American Samoa—creating a nearly 24-hour celebration as the nation counts down to its 250th birthday. Website
Sail 4th 250: International Parade of Sail
Hudson River – FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
To celebrate America's 250th birthday, the largest fleet of the world's most magnificent tall ships and gray hull ships sails into New York Harbor, passes in Presidential review, and salutes the Statue of Liberty.
Website
Nathan’s Famous 4th of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest 2026
Coney Island, Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Hearty eaters compete to see who can chow down on the most franks at this classic NYC summer event, which takes place on the corner of Surf and Stillwell. Website
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
Lower East Side – FREE
Saturday, July 4, 2026
The 50th annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks are set to expand to both the lower East River in the Seaport District, the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, creating a shared experience that connects more communities than ever. The dazzling display features thousands of shells bursting forth, synced to an original, curated musical score. Website
Richmond Town Independence Day Celebration
Richmond, Staten Island
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Celebrate our nation’s independence with old-fashioned family fun! Visit Historic Richmond Town for home-churned ice cream, a patriotic pinwheel parade, and an inspirational reading of the Declaration of Independence. Website
Fleet Week NYC
Hudson River – FREE
Saturday, July 4-Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Fleet Week NYC takes a starring role in the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States in 2026, moving from its traditional Memorial Day weekend schedule to Independence Day. The US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard's celebration of sea services invites families to tour ships, watch the Parade of Ships, and enjoy exhibits, military band concerts, and aviation events throughout the week. Website
Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
North 8th and Havemeyer Streets,
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Wednesday, July 8-Sunday, July 19, 2026
The Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and San Paolino di Nola is one of the oldest Italian American feasts in America. Celebrate with the congregation of OLMC church during this blocks-long carnival. The celebration dates back to 1903, when the Nolani immigrants first held their transplanted feast, maintaining many of the traditions from the Mezzogiorno. Website
West Side Fest
Various Locations – FREE
Friday, July 10-Sunday, July 12, 2026
Go west, young families, for a weekend celebration of all the west side offers. Three days of festivities include free admission, crafts for kids and families, artmaking activities for all ages, performances, special indoor and outdoor programming, and much more. Website
Bastille Day on Madison Avenue
Madison Avenue from 59th to 63rd Streets FREE
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Celebrate France’s national holiday at this annual street fair on Madison Avenue! Featuring French cuisine, music, dance, and myriad attractions for the whole family, FIAF's fête populaire invites New Yorkers to revel in the flavors, sounds, and joie de vivre of France. Website
Balloon Museum Grand Opening at Pier 17
South Street Seaport
Opens Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The Balloon Museum opens with a pop—the inaugural exhibit, Daydream, invites visitors to wander through a field of shoulder-high inflatable grass and swirling artificial snow, dance with soap bubbles, created from the compressed air of sound, and swing among a constellation of shimmering lights and glowing orbs, inspired by an Italian festival tradition of looking for shooting stars. Website
Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 at the Javits Center
Midtown West
Thursday, July 16-Sunday, July 19, 2026
Sports fans of all ages can meet athletes and mascots, enjoy live entertainment and interactive games, explore the Kids Zone, and discover one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia. From autograph sessions and photo-ops to panels, competitions, and exclusive trading card drops, there’s something for every fan under one roof. Website
Big Kick at Asphalt Green
Upper East Side – FREE
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Head to Litwin Field for fun soccer-themed activities, entertainment, and giveaways. Website
Waterfront Festival on Randall's Island
Randall's Island – FREE
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Celebrate summer with water-themed everything, including games, crafts, snacks, face paint, and live performances, set against the confluence of the Harlem and East Rivers and the city skyline. Website
New York City Poetry Festival on Governors Island
Governors Island – FREE
Saturday, July 18-Sunday, July 19, 2026
The New York City Poetry Festival unites the vast and diverse New York City poetry community on Governors Island. The festival invites poetry organizations and collectives of all shapes and sizes to bring their unique formats, aesthetics, and personalities to the festival grounds. Website
Smorgasburg's Great Ice Cream Fair in Prospect Park
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Smorgasburg and the Prospect Park Alliance host a special event with curated ice cream vendors alongside your favorite Smorgasburg regulars, all offering special ice-cream-forward treats for the day. Enjoy playful installations, hands-on activities, and family-friendly entertainment designed for all ages. Website
Match Day Live at Brookfield Place
Financial District – FREE
Through Sunday, July 19, 2026
Brookfield Place goes all in for the World Cup, with a monumental 36 foot LED screen streaming games in the Winter Garden, a soccer pitch, digital target practice and a video game arcade. Website
Adidas Home of Soccer Watch Parties in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dumbo, Brooklyn – FREE
Through Sunday, July 19, 2026
Cheer on your favorite teams in Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, with live screenings of select matches, a soccer pitch for 3 v. 3 play, food vendors, a beer garden, interactive experiences, and cultural programming celebrating New York City and global soccer fandom. Website
Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Powwow at Queens County Farm Museum
Floral Park, Queens
Friday, July 24-Sunday, July 26, 2026
New York City's oldest and largest powwow features three days of intertribal Native American dance competitions, and the public is invited. More than 40 Indian nations are represented at this spectacular event held in the apple orchard on the farm grounds. Website
City of Water Day
Citywide – FREE
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Celebrate City of Water Day 2026 with thousands of people across the region. It's a day of free, family-friendly events that bring citizens closer to the water—from kayaking and boat tours to waterfront walks, performances, and hands-on activities for all ages. Website
BAAND Together Dance Fest at Lincoln Center
Midtown West
Tuesday, July 28-Saturday, August 1, 2026
See five of NYC’s most iconic dance companies—Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem—as the BAAND Together Dance Festival returns to the Koch Theatre. Website
Block Party at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn – FREE
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrates 30 years of its Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest with a party that includes the Garden’s summer exhibition, Block by Block—featuring stoops and streetscape gardening created by past Greenest Block winners. Jam out to music from the '90s and beyond with a DJ starting at 4pm and live music from Brooklyn’s own BrownstoneJAZZ at 7pm. Website