Our big list of July 4th 2024 things to do, from fireworks to boat rides to rollerskating

It's summer — summer! And we're kicking it off with a big bang.

The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show will be visible from New Jersey for the first time in more than a decade. And while that display is sure to be popular, there are plenty of other great pyrotechnics to see across North Jersey.

There are also Revolutionary War sites to visits, restaurants to reserve and roller skates to lace up.

Here's your guide to all things fun to go, see and do this July 4th holiday weekend.

Where to see the best fireworks

From NYC to North Jersey, here is our curated list of the best, most massive shows around. Boom! Read it: Best fireworks.

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks

You won't want to miss the the 48th Annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks. While this event is technically in New York City, the Macy's July 4th fireworks will take place on the Hudson River for the first time since 2013, meaning New Jersey residents can view them from places like Hoboken, Jersey City and Weehawken. The show begins at 8 p.m. You can watch from a number of waterfront parks, take a cruise or make a reservation at one of these 8 waterfront restaurants to enjoy dinner with the show.

Get a great view of the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks from these spots in NJ

For the first time in more than a decade, the annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display will take place over the Hudson River. This means that if you've been waiting to get a good view of the show right here in the Garden State, now is your chance. Here's where to go. Set up your lawn chairs: Get a great view of the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks from these spots in NJ

Want to see Macy's July 4 fireworks up close? NY Waterway offers harbor cruise

NY Waterway is set to host its annual 4th of July Cruise, promising unparalleled views of Macy’s 47th Annual Fireworks Spectacular over New York Harbor. Departing from the Port Imperial Ferry Terminal in Weehawken, the cruise offers guests a scenic tour of iconic New York City landmarks before anchoring in the Hudson River for prime viewing of the nation's largest fireworks display. Drop anchor: Want to see Macy's July 4 fireworks up close? NY Waterway offers harbor cruise

8 restaurants along the Hudson River to dine at during the Macy's July 4th fireworks

The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show is the perfect opportunity to make a reservation at one of the hottest restaurants along the Hudson River and enjoy a delicious meal or handcrafted cocktail as the fireworks light up the night sky. So beat the rush and make a reservation now to guarantee yourself an unforgettable Fourth of July experience. Your table awaits: 8 restaurants along the Hudson River to dine at during the Macy's July 4th fireworks

These are the fireworks shows in your North Jersey towns for July 4th. See when and where

Because North Jersey has celebrations taking place in every corner of the region, we've compiled a list of the currently scheduled events to make your life easier. See them by town: Local fireworks shows by town! See them by date: Local fireworks shows by date!

Wyclef Jean, Fat Joe to perform at Jersey City Fourth of July celebration

Grammy Award winner Wyclef Jean will headline this year’s Fourth of July celebration at Jersey City’s Exchange Place, promising a unique way to celebrate the holiday. The free event will kick off at noon, featuring performances by local talent throughout the day. See what else is in store: Wyclef Jean, Fat Joe to perform at Jersey City Fourth of July celebration

Fireworks are as American as Fourth of July — but they began somewhere else

The rockets' red glare! The bombs bursting in air! Those marvelous, multicolored skyrockets that we associate with John Philip Sousa, waving flags, and Fluffy cowering under the bed! Surely such a thing could only have come from our beloved U.S.A. In fact, fireworks come from China. Read it: Fireworks are as American as Fourth of July — but they began somewhere else

Enjoying fireworks when kids have autism. Tips for a spectrum-friendly Fourth of July

The loud booms and cracks that accompany the bright, dazzling lights can be overwhelming for some on the autism spectrum. That's no small matter in New Jersey, a state with the third highest rate of autism among children in the U.S. So how to make Independence Day festivities more enjoyable, or at least tolerable, for people on the spectrum? Check out our tips: Enjoying fireworks when kids have autism. Tips for a spectrum-friendly Fourth of July

July 4th fireworks can be stressful for dogs. Here's how to keep yours safe and calm

For some, fireworks for the Fourth of July are a spectacular, exciting entertainment. For canines, they can be a source of terror. It's more common than not for dogs to be afraid of fireworks. Check out our tips: July 4th fireworks can be stressful for dogs. Here's how to keep yours safe and calm

Want to shop on Fourth of July? Here are store hours in NJ on Thursday

NorthJersey.com broke down the Independence Day hours of operation for North Jersey’s malls, big box stores, department stores, grocery stores and other retail outlets. Remember, Independence day is on a Thursday this year.  And Friday, July 5, is not a holiday so most stores are back to their regular times of operation. Grab your wallet: Want to shop on Fourth of July? Here are store hours in NJ on Thursday

No haircuts, no books, no banks; here’s what you can’t do on July 4

Independence Day is on Thursday this year, so it’s reasonable to think you’ll be able to get your typical workday errands done. Supermarkets, convenience stores and big businesses will be open July 4, but not everything will be. See what's closed on Independence Day: No haircuts, no books, no banks; here’s what you can’t do on July 4

'Stars and Stripes Forever' is No. 1 on the July 4 hit parade. Why do we love it?

But there are marches, and there are Sousa marches. And there are Sousa marches, and the march supreme — the one tune guaranteed to get audiences on its feet cheering, stamping, whistling, clapping, waving the flag and calling for more. March on! 'Stars and Stripes Forever' is No. 1 on the July 4 hit parade. Why do we love it?

Walk through history this July 4th at these Revolutionary War sites in NJ

Independence Day is a good time to explore the historic sites around North Jersey that will transport the public to the fight for America's independence from Great Britain. NJ sites this way: Walk through history this July 4th at these Revolutionary War sites in NJ

Plan to fire up the grill for July 4th? Here's what you'll pay in NJ

New Jerseyans firing up the grill this week for the long July 4 weekend may be in for some unpleasant news when they head to the grocery store: inflation and price surges have not gone away. Check that receipt: Plan to fire up the grill for July 4th? Here's what you'll pay in NJ

Need July 4 weekend plans? 8 things to do, including live music, roller skating

July 4 and the long weekend surrounding it are all about fireworks, festivals and parades to celebrate America's independence from Britain in 1776. But what if you're looking for something to do that's a little different? Something a little less pomp and pageantry? Well, NorthJersey.com readers, there are activities that fit the bill in Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties, including board-game playing and Shakespeare. Go-and-do: Need July 4 weekend plans? 8 things to do, including live music, roller skating

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: July 4th things to do in North Jersey: From festivities, to fireworks