Unique 4th of July in NYC

You’ve spent years celebrating “America’s Holiday,” good-old Independence Day, and it’s likely been much of the same — barbecues, parties, fireworks — you know the deal. This year, why not make your July 4th at the apartments for rent in Manhattan special? Now, that might sound like a lot of work, planning an out-of-the-ordinary 4th, but in truth, it’s a lot easier than you may suspect, and today, we’re going to show you exactly how it’s done. Read on, as we cover some unique Fourth of July ideas that will give you a break from the festivals and fireworks.

Have a Friendly Red, White, and Blue Competition

You have friends, correct? We’ll assume the answer is “yes,” and that you and your friends aren’t the ones to shy away from a bit of spirited competition. If that’s the case, why not theme your competition for the 4th, and make it and Independence Day to remember? It could be a sporting competition, something like basketball, football or baseball (appropriately American, we’ll mind you), or even something more relaxed like a water balloon fight (though that might be a better bet with the whole family involved). Just be sure the color scheme includes the stars and stripes (along with plenty of red, white, and blue), and you should be good to go!

Donate or Volunteer

While we don’t normally associate Independence Day with volunteer work, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities out there for you to take advantage of. You could help out at a specific Fourth of July event that needs some extra hands to ensure it goes off without a hitch, or lend your time to cleaning up the parks, mentoring, serving meals, or helping the homeless. Be sure to check out volunteer resources like NYC Parks, NYC Service, and New York Cares to learn more.

Make It a Kids’ Day

If you have children, why not them plan the Fourth? We don’t mean the whole thing, mind you, as you’ll still have to supervise and make certain they don’t pitch any ideas that are too wild, but you can hand them the reigns for a bit and see what suggestions they come up with, after which, you can refine them so that everything goes according to plan. Who knows, they just might surprise you with their ingenuity.

Catch an Outdoor Movie

Both in the lead up to and days after July 4th, there will be plenty of chances to sit beneath the stars and watch some “stellar” films outdoors. NYC Parks has the lowdown on all manner of free outdoor screenings, and, depending on your genre preferences, you should be able to find something that fits your fancy. If you’re determined to watch an outdoor movie on the 4th itself, you can even consider setting up your own makeshift outdoor movie experience. Grab a projector, find some open space, pop that corn, and get to watching. Make it a date, if you can, and even consider inviting the neighbors too, if you’re feeling generous.

Go Fly a Kite

We’re not even being sarcastic — kites and Independence Day go together like a hand and a glove. It’s an activity you can enjoy solo or with the family in tow, and you you can even get creative with a patriotic motif for you kites to make things interesting and holiday appropriate. Catch the breeze, watch that kite fly in your park of choice, and really make a day of it. Who knows, you might also think about pairing this activity up with a midday Fourth of July picnic...

Have a Picnic

You knew this one was coming. Picnics are great all throughout the summer, and the Fourth of July is the perfect excuse to have a special one. Instead of your usual picnic fare and cuisine, though, make this one “All American.” Spare no expense with the red, white, and blue-colored everything, and pick a spot that will give a good view of whatever else is going on during Independence Day if you’re aiming on staying in Manhattan. You’re not obligated to stay within the confines of the city, though, and you could just as easily find a spot further out that will provide some seclusion and gorgeous views of nature, if you prefer.

Turn Your Home Into a Patriotic Paradise

If your place is going to be the locus for the Independence Day festivities among your friend group, go crazy with the decorations, and plan something that will get everyone in the spirit to celebrate the holiday the way it was meant to be. A touching tribute to our great nation, perhaps? Maybe a patriotic movie marathon? Some history-themed games that simultaneously entertain and teach the story of America (a great option for kids, by the way)? This will be a chance to get creative, and show everyone that American spirit that’s been lurking deep inside.

Take a Virtual Trip

There’s plenty going on for Independence Day around the country, and you don’t have to be there in person to experience some of the magic. From the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular to a tour of some historically significant sites around the country, there are plenty of ways to enrich yourself with 4th of July wonder without even taking a step outside your home. Just make sure the internet’s working before you settle on this one as your option!

You Can Always Catch Up on Some Alone Time at the Apartments for Rent in Manhattan

There’s no rule that says you have to go out — or even do anything special — for Independence Day. In fact, you might find that the best Fourth you can have entails just staying home and enjoying some quality “me” time. That’s not too hard to accomplish at superb Manhattan residences like Renoir House, where comfort and convenience are second to none, and the simple luxuries form the basis for an experience few others can match. Come see what it’s all about. Learn about what life is like at Renoir House, then drop us a line to make these apartments your new Upper East Side home. We’ll be waiting to welcome you to the community with open arms.