West Broward Insider

Red, White, and 250:
A West Broward Fourth of July.

Family-friendly ways to celebrate America's 250th birthday right here at home, from neighborhood fireworks to a quiet night in.

America turns 250 this year, and you do not have to fight the beach traffic to celebrate it. Some of the best family-friendly fireworks and festivities are happening right here in West Broward, close to home.

The Occasion

Why This Year Is a Big One

This is not just another Fourth of July. 2026 marks the nation's 250th birthday, a milestone we will only see once in our lifetimes. Closer to home, the City of Weston is celebrating its own 30th anniversary at the same time. Expect this year's local celebrations to feel a little bigger and a little prouder than usual.

Where to Go

Two Hometown Shows Worth the Trip

If you want the full festival experience, two West Broward cities deliver it every year, both free and built for families.

Coral Springs goes all out at Mullins Park with live bands, nearly two dozen food trucks, a Fun Zone full of inflatables and games, and patriotic contests before the fireworks finale. Admission and parking are free, but spots fill up fast, so carpool and arrive early. One tip for parents: grab a child safety wristband at any city tent when you get there. Note that pets, outside alcohol, and personal fireworks are not permitted.

Weston gets the party started a night early on July 3, which is perfect if you have little ones who fade before a late show. There are interactive games, photo stations, live music from the Frequency Band, and a fireworks finale at 9 p.m. This year's theme honors both America's 250th and Weston's 30th. Early risers can also catch Weston's Fourth of July 5K and hometown parade on the morning of the 4th, a fun way to start the day before the heat kicks in.

For Locals

A Note for My Parkland Neighbors

A question I get every year: does Parkland host its own fireworks? It does not, and that is by design, keeping our community quiet and residential. The good news is that Coral Springs sits just a short drive away, and Weston is an easy trip the night before. Plenty of Parkland families make a tradition of heading to Mullins Park, watching the show, and beating the crowd home.

At Home

Celebrating Close to Home

Not every Fourth needs a crowd. Some of my favorites are spent right in the backyard. A few easy ways to make it feel festive: