The Best Fourth of July Fireworks in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

One of the best times I ever had on the Fourth of July was when we went to the Irving Symphony Orchestra July Fourth Celebration in Las Colinas' Williams Square, located at 5215 North O'Connor Boulevard in Irving, Texas. In Williams Square there is a beautiful statue of Mustang horses galloping through water. The Las Colinas Celebration is absolutely free, with free parking and live patriotic music from the Orchestra. Garage parking is available for five dollars, and there are also concessions in the Square. You can bring your own seating, but coolers are not permitted.

Fireworks are always sublime, but with music they're even better. I thoroughly enjoyed this celebration when we attended several years ago, and my children were crazy about it.

Another fun Fourth of July celebration we attended was the Lakewood Fourth of July Parade on Lakewood Blvd in Dallas, Texas. It all started in 1962 as two kids on bicycles parading through the neighborhood, and has steadily grown since. When we attended last year, the streets were filled with parade floats throwing candy and favors in the street. My boys happily gathered up fun stuff like miniature American flags, hats, and noisemakers. We walked along the streets following the festivities as they moved through the neighborhood.

We've always been very clever about getting our Fourth of July entertainment for free. When we lived in Arlington, we would sometimes just watch them through our kitchen window. If we were feeling particularly adventurous, we'd head out to Lincoln Square Shopping Center, which features an equestrian statue and fountain similar to the one in Las Colinas, and which is just a few miles away from the Ballpark in Arlington where the fireworks take place. If you live in Arlington, this is by far the best spot to see the show for free, but watch out. Everybody else has the same idea. So be sure to get out there early before the place crowds up.