Go here for the 2017 edition of this list. I promise it’s worth the click. Thanks!
Here’s my list of South Sound 4th of July events, fireworks displays, and other family 4th fun. Looking for fireworks in Federal Way, the parade in Enumclaw, or Independence day fun in Puyallup? I’ve got you covered. I also have the links for 2014 4th of July fun in Steilacoom, Lacey, and Kent, plus what to do for Independence Day in Tumwater, Renton, Auburn, and Kent. And, of course, fun ideas for Tacoma and where to see fireworks in Kitsap.
If you’re new here, Welcome! My name is Maegen, and I write just about family events and activities in the South Sound. I have new ideas every day, so come back again and celebrate your South Sound family all year ’round. I’ve included tips from our Facebook community in this round-up, but I’d love for you to leave one, too!
Independence Day/4th of July daytime events for families and evening fireworks displays.
Listings are north to south (roughly).
July 4th
Tukwila Family Fun Fest at Fort Dent
Renton Family 4th Kids’ activities and face painting at Coulon Beach beginning at 12. Live, stage entertainment Professional fireworks display over Lake Washington at 10. The fireworks display may also be visible from several locations close to the park or from the hills surrounding Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.
City of Kent 4th of July Splash at Lake Meridian Whole list of family Activities and fun beginning at noon. Fireworks over Lake Meridian at 10PM. You’re encouraged to park at one of the off-site locations and take a shuttle bus. We’ve done this one before and enjoyed it.
Auburn 4th of July festival Les Gove Park 11AM-4PM Bike parade, kids’ activities, crafts, and more 5.00 for a wristband gives you unlimited access to activities Nice choice for families
Red, White, and Blue Festival in Federal Way 4th of July celebration in Federal Way at Celebration Park. Entertainment, games, and more beginning at 4PM. Fireworks at 10:15 There is a 7.00 charge for on site parking.
Enumclaw 4th of July parade kids and bikes welcome-meet at the staging area at 11:30AM Fireworks Display at the Southwood Soccer Fields 9:45PM This is a reader favorite for families. Note that while I’m quite sure this event is the same every year, I haven’t confirmed it yet. You may want to call before you go.
Puyallup-No public fireworks events planned . The Foursquare Church used to host events, but has turned their attention elsewhere. Want to see fireworks in Puyallup? SFM has discovered you can pretty much just look up anywhere in the city! 🙂 If you have a fav viewing spot let me know.
There are some daytime, family events at the Meeker Mansion
Orting- Sadly, Orting’s popular fireworks and 4th of July festival hosted by the Lions was canceled in 2012 due to finances, and I don’t see any info. indicating that it’s returning. If you know differently, let me know!
Tacoma- Freedom Fair Full day of events ending with the big fireworks show. Note that the event is in financial straits. Donate when you have a chance, or the show may not go on next year.
Need daytime fun in Tacoma? You can swim for free at Stewart Heights or Kandle today!
Dupont 4th of July Full day of activities beginning with a pancake breakfast and parade. Kids’ activities follow at Clocktower park; fireworks at dusk at Patriot’s Landing. Link opens a pdf flyer.
Independence Day in Steilacoom Full day of events-fun run, ice cream social, trike parade, flag raising ceremony and more. Fireworks at 10:30 Link opens pdf;
Freedom Fest at JBLM Full day of activities and entertainment; car show; fireworks Open to the public, but read info. on how to enter and be sure to have photo i.d.
Tumwater-City of Tumwater hosts an afternoon parade, followed by fun and activities at the golf course, with a fireworks finale at 10:15. Admission is free; parking is 10.00/car.
Olympia-Red Winds Casino Fireworks at dusk Reader Tracy says they usually have a kids’ area. This one was news to me! You may want to call and check on this one before you go, as there isn’t much detail.
Gig Harbor-No organized displays that I know about, but try to get yourself invited to a party overlooking a small body of water, and you should have a good show!
Port Orchard/Bremerton- 4th of July show over Sinclair Inlet views from Port Orchard and Bremerton Part of the Fathoms of Fun Festival in Port Orchard. 10:30 I don’t see 2014 info. on this one. I’ll try to confirm it for you.
Know one I missed? Need a hand with planning your family’s 4th? Just let me know! If you found your way here looking for this scoop-welcome! I write just about South Sound family fun, and I have new ideas every single day! You may want to subscribe to my emails, follow me on Twitter,
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A great line-up of festivities! No excuses for anyone to mope around home and just watch the show on TV. And, the prices for these events are right.
Great list! Thank you for gathering this info all in one place for us!
Thanks, Holly!
To say the Puyallup Foursquare Church has “turned their attention elsewhere” isn’t fair at all… We just got done financing a HUGE new campus in South Hill, and unfortunately due to finances cannot sponsor this free family event this year. It will be back though!
Hi, Amanda!
I just meant you were busy with other projects! I actually wrote that last year after one of your members wrote in to tell me you all had taken on expansion. It definitely didn’t occur to me it would sound offensive to anyone. Great to know it will be back! Thanks for reading!