School’s out so it’s time to celebrate with free summer events. If rising prices and global turmoil have put a crimp in your travel style, never fear. These 15 destinations celebrating 33 free milestone events promise so much fun that you’ll be glad you went out of your way to catch them with the kids.
Why this summer?
Just as the kids will only be this age once, so will America. In honor of the revolution fought 250 years ago, the US is celebrating in a big way, with every state polishing its museums, enlarging its Independence Day rituals and expanding its cultural programming.
We selected these destinations and special events with our pals at TakingtheKids.com so you can stay within your budget, roam far and wide, or stay closer to home and join the celebrations. Here are 33 of the top free summer events for 2026:
NEW YORK CITY, ONCE THE NEW NATION’S CAPITAL, AT 250 AND 400
The Big Apple goes all out July 1-8 in commemoration of America’s 250. Do you prefer the Macy’s Fireworks July 4 to the tall ships that visit the harbor? The Blue Angeles flight crew is joining the Sail4th250 parade of more than 70 tall ships and international naval craft. The flotilla circles the Statue of Liberty and visits the Verrazano Narrows Bridge daily from July 3-8.
Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten Declaration of Independence will be showcased at the New York Public Library from July 1-3 as part of the large “Revolution: 1776 and Beyond” exhibit.
The Times Square ball drop starts July 3 — falling eight times to mark each US territory and time zone.
FIFA World Cup fever has already struck, with the opening of the American Museum of Natural History’s “For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence” exhibit. Check out the NYNJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center, with public watch parties and fan events from July 6-19.
George Washington watched the Battle of Brooklyn from Cobble Hill at today’s Trader Joe’s, and was sworn in as the nation’s first president in 1789 at Manhattan’s Federal Hall. Rebuilt after a fire, Federal Hall National Memorial is open daily, free, at 26 Wall Street.
New York City is also celebrating the 400th anniversary of its formal founding as New Amsterdam, a trading outpost of the Dutch West India Company. Put New York Historical’s terrific exhibit “Old Masters and New Amsterdam” (May 1-August 30) at the top of your list for a look at the way new settlers, Native Americans and the enslaved lived back in the day.
HONOR PAST PRESIDENTS AT MOUNT VERNON AND MONTICELLO
Both homes, major museums, major museums commemorating the careers of the best-known Founding Fathers, are well worth a visit any season. But this year, acknowledging a milestone means mounting special exhibits, guided, themed tours and free summer events.
Mount Vernon, home to George and Martha Washington, comprises their mansion, gardens, working farm, two museums and more. Learn about the first president’s innovative agricultural techniques at his farm and visit the couple’s final resting place. The historic area was maintained by more than 50 enslaved men and women. Chat with soldiers and learn about fighting the Revolutionary War at a new exhibit “A Revolutionary Life and the Patriots Path.” Take advantage of the new shuttle service from the King Street Metro station in Alexandria, Virginia, offering a convenient and direct connection to the historic estate. You can also travel there by boat along the Potomac, as the Washingtons themselves once did.
Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson near Charlottsville, Virginia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The powerful neo-classic mansion designed by Jefferson was redone several times, providing a fascinating look at his many passions and hobbies. For the America250 celebrations, there are new special tours and family events. “1776: Road to the Declaration“ explores the challenges and uncertainties of the year the US proclaimed independence. Visit Mulberry Row and learn about the lives of the plantation’s enslaved community. Allow time to walk the grounds and appreciate Jefferson’s eye for landscaping.
DIVE DEEP INTO HISTORY: VIRGINIA’S JAMESTOWN, WILLIAMSBURG, YORKTOWN
The region known as Virginia’s historic triangle includes 200 square-miles of history, natural beauty and contemporary tourist attractions. It’s sure to please every member of the family. Pick up the new free Virginia 250 Passport for tips on how to explore 70 premier historic sites, summer seasonal attractions and museums across five regions of Virginia.
The first of three major historic sites is Jamestown, site of the first permanent English settlement (1607) and the earliest arrival of enslaved Africans (1619).
Colonial Williamsburg is a recreated colonial village of the 18th century celebrating its own centennial. Interpreters and costumed reenactors in this living history museum welcome visitors into various periods from the 1600s to the colonial era. Nearby, Yorktown boasts a major Revolutionary War battlefield from 1781 and a comprehensive museum of the period. All are linked by the scenic Colonial Parkway.
Don’t miss the Crawford Archaeology Center, a working lab that gives visitors a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how historians and archaeologists uncover and interpret 18th-century life. The 500-foot-long Great American Birthday Quilt is created from submissions across the country and displayed in Merchants Square throughout 2026.
For more contemporary fun, Busch Gardens Williamsburg continues its popular, weekend Food & Wine Festival through June 21. Plan ahead to catch concerts from artists including Hoobastank and Skillet.
EVERYONE MAY BE HEADING TO PHILADELPHIA
You might call Philadelphia Ground Zero in the birth of this nation. It’s the first capital. It’s where the Second Continental Congress adopted the name “United States of America” in 1776. At 250, we can all celebrate the city where the Declaration of Independence was written. See founding documents at Museum of the American Revolution, Independence Hall and at two brand new galleries at the National Constitution Center. Historic Philadelphia will be filled with modern-dressed storytellers and period-costumed History Makers — a chance to witness history brought to life right where it happened.
This city has free summer activities and something to interest all ages. Kids will love the immersive “Universal Theme Parks” exhibit at The Franklin Institute.
Learn how our new nation built its economy Independence Seaport Museum. “A Nation of Artists” debuts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts showcases over 300 years of American art.
“The First Salute” looks at never-before-told stories of the Jewish community’s connections to the American Revolution at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
The Wawa Welcome America festival has grown into a 16-day festival (June 19-July 4) to commemorate the country’s 250th birthday, said to be one of the largest free festivals in the country.
BOSTON, HEART OF THE COLONIAL RESISTANCE
The monarchy sought to control the maritime hub of Boston while rebellious colonists organized boycotts and demonstrations like the Boston Tea Party. The region fought major battles at Bunker Hill, Lexington, and Concord. That’s why Boston is known as the Cradle of Liberty among American historians.
Major attractions like the Freedom Trail are already part of the Boston National Historic Park. The 2.5-mile route connects 16 important Revolutionary sites including Paul Revere House, the Bunker Hill Monument and Faneuil Hall. Join one of the many Walk into History tours led by costumed interpreters.
As part of Boston America250, there will be reenactments, free citywide summer celebrations and seven FIFA matches with fan events. The annual Boston Harborfest takes place July 2-4.
CROISIEUROPE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF LEADING EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISING
CroisiEurope offers a variety of itineraries that combine culture, scenery, and easy travel for families and multi-generational groups. Sailing on comfortable small ships with guided excursions and all-inclusive dining, families can discover multiple destinations while unpacking only once.
During the summer season, CroisiEurope also offers special CroisiFamily Club cruises, designed specifically for families traveling with children and teenagers. These sailings include family-friendly excursions, adapted menus, and activities created for younger travelers. On ALL Family Cruises, kids under 16 cruise free (up to 2 free per paying cabin). There is also free single supplement for single parents traveling with eligible aged children.
Those planning ahead can opt for one of the many Christmas Markets and holiday sailings – Andalusia, Venice, Amalfi Coast, Belgium as well as the ever-popular markets in France, along the Rhine and Danube.
TakingtheKids.com recently traveled with CroisiEurope on the 28-passenger Toum Tiou II on the Mekong River from Cambodia to Vietnam. It was an amazing opportunity to visit remote villages, ancient temples, major cities, cycle, kayak, and hike in a more active river cruise experience.
VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK TURNS 50
The Continental Army spent the challenging winter of 1777 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. General George Washington was set on protecting nearby Philadelphia from British attack. However, thousands died from starvation and illness during the brutal cold. The dense forest was cleared away to create a pastoral state park — a place of remembrance — in 1926. Feel the endurance and bravery of those who stayed to fight for the cause of independence. In 1976, President Gerald Ford declared this special place a national historic site.
From July 3-5, the NPS celebrates its 50th year with free Independence Day events throughout the park. Free shuttle buses will be provided from outlying parking areas to manage the crowds.
Tour it anytime with guided trolley tours or rent the National Park Service audio guides and drive yourselves.
The Hotel West & Main, a converted firehouse in nearby Conshohocken, has rooms with two queens from $257/N. All ages love the firepole in the lobby and the Dalmatian dog sculptures throughout.
ILLINOIS CELEBRATES 250 WITH A YEAR 1 MILESTONE IN CHICAGO
This summer, Illinois is promoting a Illinois250 Passport that covers historic sites and all the 2026 free and special programs across the city’s leading cultural institutions and public spaces.
On June 19, the Barack Obama Presidential Center will celebrate year one in Chicago. The former president and his family aim to inspire, empower, and connect people to make positive change within the space. The 19-acre campus includes a Teen Action Lab, sports, wellness and city gardening programs for youth and adults.
“US at 250: Civic Action in Chicago” has opened at the Chicago History Museum. June through September, the Chicago Botanic Garden features the legacy of victory gardens and community green spaces. The Chicago Gospel Music Festival (July 24-25) and the Grant Park Music Festival (June 10-Aug. 15) take over Millennium Park with free, outdoor concerts all summer.
SAN FRANCISCO’S PRESIDIO IS BETTER THAN EVER AT 250
The verdant public parklands overlooking San Francisco Bay at the Presidio were established as a fortified military outpost by Spain in 1776. Less than 50 years later after the Mexican War of Independence, Mexico took over the fort. By 1850, when California was granted statehood, the US was using the Presidio as an active military base. For more than three decades since its decommission, it has been part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Go this summer to enjoy one of their annual free festivals. The Urban Jazz Dance Company presents the Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival, a captivating performance featuring both deaf and hearing dancers.
The Clift Hotel, an SF staple since 1915, is celebrating this year with its curated list of 250 things to do in San Francisco and $250/N room rates, including cable car passes. Check out the list in app form here.
NEW MEXICO IS OLDER THAN 250 YEARS AND IS CELEBRATING TOO!
With an indigenous, Hispanic and settler tradition that goes back hundreds of years, New Mexico has a rich story to tell about every period of American history. Yet, they have a full calendar of special and free America250 events celebrating the state’s diversity; see the schedule here.
Kick off July at The International Folk Art Market (July 9–12.) The world’s largest international folk-art market brings together 100+ artists from 50+ countries at Santa Fe Railyard Park.
The Spanish Market two weeks later is turning 100. Look for more than 160 local artisans showing their handcrafts. The Indian Market (August 22–23) features more than 1,000 indigenous artists in the largest juried Native art show. They come from across the U.S. and Canada to sell jewelry, pottery, painting, and textiles.
The small town of Grants is using its July 4th festivities to honor its main street, Route 66, which is celebrating its centennial this year. Expect live music performances by regional bands, traditional Native American dances and cultural celebrations and interpretive activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of New Mexico’s stretch of Route 66.
COLORADO IS CELEBRATING 150 YEARS AS A STATE
This year, a Statewide Anniversary Events Calendar includes nearly 150 celebratory drone shows in conjunction with iconic events. Make your Colorado visit an affordable road trip and enjoy the state’s gorgeous scenery. Explore the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, four National Parks, nine National Monuments, three National Historic Areas and several certified Dark Sky Places. A free Digital Passport Program highlights attractions, businesses, and hidden gems.
Summer festivals include the Wildflower Festival in Breckenridge. Catch the “Moments That Made US” exhibit at the History Colorado Center in Denver.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is celebrating 85 years in operation. Nearly 300-foot-tall red sandstone rock formations create the best natural acoustics in this outdoor theater just 15 miles from Denver. This year’s lineup includes Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, The Avett Brothers, Hilary Duff, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mt. Joy and many more.
The Colorado Rapids will host the largest soccer celebration in the city. Enjoy live viewings of every FIFA World Cup 26 match, from the opening game on June 11 to the final on July 19.
Travelers with mobility needs appreciate the state’s partnership with Wheel The World on a new Accessible Travel Program. In 2026, Wheel The World will offer new small group tours, the first of their kind in the U.S.
THE CONSERVATION MOVEMENT THRIVES AT 150
AMC (formerly the Appalachian Mountain Club) is celebrating its 150th with a six-month-long cross- country relay! Whether you hike, bike, stroll or just enjoy hanging out in the great outdoors, there are free ways to participate in relay stages from Virginia to Maine.
Some examples: Hike in from the ferry port and enjoy a long weekend at their Fire Island hut in June. Paddle 11 miles from Lyme, New Hampshire to Norwich, Vermont on July 11. Hike in Acadia National Park on August 11. It’s all in celebration of the oldest conservation organization in the US.
All events are free and there is rental gear for those new to the outdoors life. Free events and affordability are what unite members of the volunteer-run organization in presenting hundreds of guided activities each season. Learn more about them and their family outdoors programs here.
A special tip for budget-watchers: Both Washington DC, celebrating the semiquincentennial, and stops along Route 66, celebrating its centennial, are running their special events through 2027. We’ll revisit each region’s major highlights in fall when prices and crowds will have dropped considerably.
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