On Independence day, we celebrate breaking out from under the spell of tyranny and what nicer place to commemorate our independence than in Magic City. Whether you’d like to hit up a parade, fill up on specials, jive to live music or chase after fireworks on a cruise, Miami has the best Independence Day fix for you.

We looked into some tried and true family-friendly Independence Day celebrations in Miami:

Key Biscayne 4^th of July Parade – Begin the day on an inspirational note with red-white-and-blue floats, marching bands, jets flying overhead and loads of cheer from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive. The parade starts around 11 and is free to attend, so grab your spot early on.

Miami Beach Fire On The Fourth Festival – This all-day celebration treats you to live music, rocking DJs, scrumptious food trucks and yoga to limber up for nighttime fireworks. Head over to North Shore Park Bandshell, Collins Avenue and 73^rd Street to enjoy this 11 to 9 festival for free.

America’s Birthday Bash At Bayfront Park – One of the largest firework displays in the city, this bayside bash is a must-see. What more could you ask for when you have live music, a beer garden, a kids’ zone, fantastic food and 30 minutes of bedazzling fireworks mirrored in the nighttime Bay waters. While the park opens at 10 a.m., most of the festivities begin by 2 p.m. and are free.

Coconut Grove 4^th Of July Celebrations – This old-fashioned picnic requires ticket purchase and encourages you to bring your own basket or get your lunch from the Barnacle Society with live music, games, kids’ crafts and a scavenger hunt for fun. Hosted from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Barnacle Historic State Park at 3485 Main Highway in Coconut Grove, we recommend hanging around a little longer for the free firework display at Peacock Park, from 5 to 9 with free ice-cream, balloon animals, face painting as well as a ton of free patriotic art activities.

City Of Homestead “Race to the 4^th” at Miami Speedway – This free event is more of a community tradition with live music, mechanical rides for the kids, fabulous food, drink and game as well as fireworks to top it all. Hosted at the Homestead Miami Speedway, One Speedway Blvd, catch the fun from 6-10 p.m.

July 4^th Fireworks Yacht Party – Looking for a luxurious retreat? There’s no better way to experience the fireworks than atop the $35 million luxury mega-yacht, Seafair Miami. With tickets costing upward of $100, this evening affair will treat you to a four-hour premium open bar, full dinner buffet as well as entertainment by the best local DJs.

While the above listing features annual events, do check 2015 schedules for any changes before finalizing your plans.

Source: miamiscapes.com

Photo credit: Fireworks - minewyearseve.com