How to Spend the Fourth of July in New Jersey

Fireworks, shore parties and good old-fashioned family fun are highlights of a New Jersey Fourth of July celebration. Since New Jersey only allows fireworks displays with a permit, you'll have to find a local fireworks display-which is never a problem. Here are ways to ring in the Fourth in New Jersey.

Things You'll Need

• Blankets and lawn chairs for watching fireworks displays
• Fixings for an old-fashioned Fourth family picnic

Instructions

1. The biggest event of the year in Ocean City is the annual kite-flying contest at Carey Stadium off the Boardwalk. People from all over the region participate and then stay for the entertainment and fireworks.

2. Watch the world-famous Macy's fireworks from a boat in Jersey City. It's only ten minutes away from Manhattan by water taxi, and many boat operators run charters on the Fourth for watching the fireworks from Liberty State Park (see Resources below).

3. Ridgefield Park hosts one of the oldest Fourth of July parades in the United States, a celebration dating back to 1894.

4. Plan an old-fashioned Fourth of July picnic. Many cities and towns sponsor full-day festivals that include cookouts, picnics, sack races and kids' events--fun for the whole family.

5. End the day by watching fireworks at the Jersey Shore. You'll find many displays scheduled up and down the coast.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan early if you want to watch the fireworks displays from Liberty Park. Spaces there fill up fast.

• Fireworks are illegal in New Jersey unless you have a permit.