4th July in NYC
Mar 2, 2015, 2:00 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Leicestershire, UK
Posts: 146
4th July in NYC
I'm taking the family to NYC from 7/1 to 7/6, it's their first visit there and I've only just twigged that we'll be there for the 4th July weekend. My sons are 18 and 15 - anything in particular you'd recommend to do over the holiday that isn't normally on? Things like the hot dog contest etc.
Anything else to consider, are some things we might have planned to do/see shut over that weekend?
TIA.
Anything else to consider, are some things we might have planned to do/see shut over that weekend?
TIA.
Mar 2, 2015, 4:08 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 55,189
If you feel like standing with thousands and thousands of people for a 12 minute hot dog eating contest, that's up to you.
As for tourist attractions in general, nothing should be closed for the most part. The exceptions are related to ferry and other boat traffic as they will be suspended during the fireworks.
As for tourist attractions in general, nothing should be closed for the most part. The exceptions are related to ferry and other boat traffic as they will be suspended during the fireworks.
Mar 2, 2015, 4:13 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Leicestershire, UK
Posts: 146
To 18 and 15yo boys, Man vs Food is the height of sophisticated entertainment :-)
I very much doubt we will do Nathan's, just wondered what other one-off events there might be that I'll never have heard of as a Brit.
I very much doubt we will do Nathan's, just wondered what other one-off events there might be that I'll never have heard of as a Brit.
Mar 2, 2015, 10:22 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 83
Coney Island is a nice day trip, about an hour from Manhattan. It's long past its heyday, but still has a funky amusement park atmosphere. I highly recommend seeing the minor league Brooklyn Cyclones. The games are lots of fun, with corny audience participation entertainment between innings. And it's easy getting back to Manhattan on the subway.
http://www.brooklyncyclones.com/home/
http://www.brooklyncyclones.com/home/
Mar 2, 2015, 11:40 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 8,498
For 15yo and 18yo boys, look for all-ages rock concerts and things like that.
There are several arts festivals that put on tons of mostly outdoor, mostly free performing arts events each summer. Schedules generally won't be out for a few more months, but pick up a copy of Time Out New York magazine when you arrive (make sure to check which dates are covered as the one on newsstands on Wednesday may not yet be the one covering the coming weekend) and it should have pretty complete listings of what's going on. Just be aware that many indoor venues (particularly the smaller ones) have 18+ or 21+ age restrictions.
And of course on July 4 the fireworks are amazing, although you may have to get to the prime spots many hours in advance to claim a good spot. If the weather is good, many locals will pack a big picnic and hang out all afternoon/evening in anticipation. There are also expensive cruises with good views, and many buildings have rooftop decks with good views, although snagging an invitation can be a challenge.
There are several arts festivals that put on tons of mostly outdoor, mostly free performing arts events each summer. Schedules generally won't be out for a few more months, but pick up a copy of Time Out New York magazine when you arrive (make sure to check which dates are covered as the one on newsstands on Wednesday may not yet be the one covering the coming weekend) and it should have pretty complete listings of what's going on. Just be aware that many indoor venues (particularly the smaller ones) have 18+ or 21+ age restrictions.
And of course on July 4 the fireworks are amazing, although you may have to get to the prime spots many hours in advance to claim a good spot. If the weather is good, many locals will pack a big picnic and hang out all afternoon/evening in anticipation. There are also expensive cruises with good views, and many buildings have rooftop decks with good views, although snagging an invitation can be a challenge.
Mar 2, 2015, 2:08 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2010
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Coney Island is a nice day trip, about an hour from Manhattan. It's long past its heyday, but still has a funky amusement park atmosphere. I highly recommend seeing the minor league Brooklyn Cyclones. The games are lots of fun, with corny audience participation entertainment between innings. And it's easy getting back to Manhattan on the subway.
http://www.brooklyncyclones.com/home/
http://www.brooklyncyclones.com/home/
We went to Coney Island on the 5th of July a couple years ago and loved walking around there early-ish in the day (9AM to 11AM or so).
Mar 2, 2015, 2:30 pm
#8
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Mar 3, 2015, 5:44 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2010
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I hope they move back to the Hudson for 2015 (I have a fireworks view hotel room booked . . . but it's only a view if they are on the Hudson!)