Few cities in America have the historic importance that Boston does, and on the Fourth of July that history and nationalistic spirit are expressed to the fullest with Harborfest—a massive celebration of our country’s birth befitting the epicenter of the nation’s struggle for independence that takes place this year from July 1–6. Here’s a few highlights surrounding Independence Day that patriotic partiers throughout the Hub will want to make sure they don’t miss.

FOR THE KIDDIES
Most youngsters don’t fully appreciate the struggles our forefathers went through to become free men—but the great thing about Harborfest is that it’s jam-packed full of the kind of kids’ activities where participating pipsqueaks can have fun and actually learn something, too. (Shhhhh! Don’t let on.)

The New England Aquarium (refer to wild life listing) brings its star attraction to the forefront July 1–6 with a free show called “Whiskers, Fur and Flippers,” featuring the fabulous and popular Aquarium harbor seals. Meanwhile, if your tykes are more into sunken booty and imitating Jack Sparrow, you can bring them to the Samuel Adams statue at Faneuil Hall where local tour company Boston By Foot (refer to tours listing) sends groups on Captain Kidd’s Treasure Hunt, complete with real pirate map. Or just take your sea pups out onto the rolling waves themselves on a Liberty Kids Sail aboard the tall ship the Liberty Clipper, July 2 at 9:30 a.m. (refer to cruise listings)

And on July 2, the whole day is devoted to the young, as Harborfest hosts its 14th annual Children’s Day at City Hall Plaza from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Organizations from around the city provide entertaining and educational programs, and there’s live entertainment from jugglers Fly By Night and musicians The Wayne Potash Band.

ON THE WATER
With so much of America’s fight for freedom having happened around historic Boston Harbor, it’s hardly surprising that many of the activities on Independence Day involve getting out on the water in one way or another. Check out these ways to embrace your sea captain.

Both Massachusetts Bay Lines (617-542-8000) and the New England Aquarium (refer to whale watch listings) host Whale Watch Cruises July 2–6, all day from 8:30 a.m.– 9 p.m. It’s a great chance to get out onto nearby Stellwagen Bank and see these awesome mammals frolicking in their natural environment.

On July 1, 2, 3 & 5, Liberty Fleet (refer to cruise listings) welcomes guests aboard the Liberty Clipper for Tall Ship Sails beginning at noon, departing from Central Wharf. That’s not the only tall ship adventure to be found, as rabblerousers-in-training can also hop on the Liberty Clipper daily at 3 p.m. (July 1–6) to partake in a re-enactment of the famed Boston Tea Party, raiding a British ship, throwing overpriced tea into the harbor and firing off cannons.

And on July 4, Boston’s favorite ship—the USS Constitution—springs into action, as “Old Ironsides” honors the nation with an 11:30 a.m. Turn-Around Cruise through Boston Harbor, complete with 21-gun salute (call 617-242-7511 for more information).

WHAM BAM, THANK YOU CLAM
It’s hot, it’s steamy, it’s tasty and creamy, it’s one of Boston’s signature culinary favorites—it’s clam chowder, and one of the highlights of Harborfest each year is the competition to name the city’s best bowl at the ever-popular Chowderfest. On July 6, the event enters its 27th year as restaurants from around the state ladle out more than 2,000 gallons of chowder to hungry aficionados. Just $10 entitles you to all-you-can-eat samplings and to cast a vote in this contest to determine Boston’s Top Clam.

THE MAIN EVENT
Many visitors to the Hub looking to celebrate Independence Day cram in all their Harborfest activities by July 3—because they plan to spend the big day itself picnicking on the Charles River Esplanade and claiming the best possible spot to watch The Boston Pops perform its July 4 spectacular at the Hatch Shell. The event (this year featuring guest performers Rascal Flatts) traditionally draws close to 500,000 spectators, and culminates with the Pops’ signature performance of the 1812 Overture (complete with cannons ) that leads into a 20+ minute fireworks display over the Charles River.

Refer to special events listings.

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