The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, and whether you’re staying in Boston or hosting a backyard BBQ, we’ve got you covered with tips to make your Independence Day spectacular.
BACKYARD BBQ TIPS
Kick off your Great American Summer with these sizzling ideas to elevate and supercharge the fun for any backyard get-together:
- Patriotic Décor: Go all out with the patriotic décor to put a smile on guests’ faces when they arrive. Red, white, and blue star silly straws and sunglasses for the kids, lawn games for all ages, and inflatable coolers (or even a remote-controlled one) will set the tone for a fun evening.
- Brighten the Mood: Brighten the mood with an assortment of string lights wall art (you read that right), color-changing glow balls, and/or battery-operated marquee lights that spell out anything you want.
- Ice Cream or S’mores Bar: Set up an ice cream or s’mores bar. Put cartons of various ice cream flavors in an ice-filled galvanized tub along with a tray of toppings and a special holder to display the cones. Set up a tray near the fire for the s’mores bar and lay out the essentials but go a little off the beaten path with offerings like fudge stripe cookies and white chocolate squares.
- Flower Vases: Visit your local thrift shop and pick up an assortment of vases, then fill them with flowers and set on the table. You can even go wild and order a DIY flower-arranging party box.
- Safe Sparklers: Want sparklers but don’t want the safety hazard? Consider twinkling LED fiber wands that promise to light up the evening with zero anxiety.
- Order Takeout: If you don’t have a backyard to grill or looking to save time, order a takeout feast from one of our favorite local BBQ restaurants including The Smoke Shop and Sweet Cheeks.
CITY ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
If you’re looking for activities to enjoy with family or friends in Boston this Fourth of July weekend, here are some great options:
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular: Enjoy the concert at the Charles River Esplanade at 8 PM, featuring special guests and traditional favorites like “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with live cannons and bells. The concert will be followed by the Boston Fireworks Spectacular at around 10 PM.
Paddle Down the Charles River: See Boston and surrounding towns from a different perspective on a kayak or canoe. Paddle Boston rents canoes and kayaks from several locations including Allston/Brighton, Kendall Square, and others.
Visit Boston’s Freedom Trail: Walk Boston’s Freedom Trail to truly appreciate the meaning of Independence Day. Action Tour Guide provides audio tours of Harvard Yard, the Boston Harbor Waterfront, and Boston’s Freedom Trail.
Visit the U.S.S. Constitution Museum: Plan a visit to learn about “Old Ironsides,” maritime culture, naval service, and the American experience. The museum is open from 10:00am-5:00pm.
See Boston by Water: Enjoy a Historical Boston Harbor Sightseeing Tour or a Sunset Cruise.
Planning your holiday celebrations doesn’t have to be stressful. Visit our Personal Admin services page to see how we can help make your 4th of July weekend a success. Happy July 4th and stay safe!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.