On Independence Day otherwise known as 4th of July, most people are happy to have the day off and are looking for places to see fireworks in New Jersey. For good reason, it’s a day to fire up the grill with hot dogs, hamburgers, seafood (yes that’s right) and other grilled veggies!  It’s a family day no matter how small or large.  This year I thought to myself, “How many people remember that it’s actually “Independence Day”?

 

We did an easy day trip to Philadelphia and got a tiny history lesson.  Social studies and history was not my forte growing up, but I’ve come to appreciate it now that I incorporate learning in travel.  It’s not all about the best Philly cheese steak!  (Well that IS important)!

 

On July 4, 1776, a meeting held at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Thomas Jefferson crafted the original Declaration of Independence.  Recall the U.S.A was at war with Great Britain and on July 4, 1776 13 colonies now states declared themselves free of British ruling. Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island were once British Colonies.

To learn more for all you history buffs, head to the Independence Visitor Center and it makes learning history more palatable.  Since the visit, I think of Fourth of July as a big giant Happy Birthday U.S.A!  Thank you for Independence Day.

If you’re looking to celebrate, here’s a list to check out fireworks in New Jersey on July 4th (the actual day)! I focused this FREE list of FIREWORKS on the actual day only for Northern New Jersey.

 

Fireworks in New Jersey on July 4

 

Bergen County

Hackensack, NJ – 9:15 pm at Foschini Park

Leonia, NJ at Overpeck Park

Oradell, NJ – parade starts at 9 am on Oradell Avenue

Ridgewood, NJ – 6 pm at Veterans Field

 

Essex County

Belleville, NJ – 9:15 pm. at Belleville Municipal Stadium

Bloomfield, NJ – 9:30 pm at Foley Field

East Orange, NJ – 5:30 pm at Paul Robeson Stadium with Naughty by Nature (free performance

Livingston, NJ – 10 pm but celebration starts at 8:30 am at Memorial Oval on Robert Harp Drive

West Orange, NJ – celebration starts 6:30 pm at West Orange High School

 

Hudson County

Jersey City, NJ – fun starts at 1 pm, fireworks around 10 pm at Liberty State Park

Kearny, NJ fun starts 6:30 pm at Veterans Field

 

For a complete list:  Fireworks in New Jersey on July 4th Enjoy and let me know how you celebrate!  Snap a photo and share it on Instagram #judyhometrends Here’s mine from Jersey City!