July 4 Family-Friendly Activities in the San Francisco Bay Area 2013

July 4 is coming up. Do you have your plans? Here are to consider:

See the fireworks from the Jeremiah O'Brien.

Palo Alto Summer Festival & Chili Cook-off

Live music, line dancing, food vendors and kids' activities, you can plan an afternoon of fun. Free admission, and a nominal fee for "tasting kits" for the cook-off. The festival runs 12 to 5 p.m., with the chili tastings starting at 1:30 p.m. Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive

JULY 4 AT SHORELINE

When I lived in Mountain View, I lived on Shoreline Blvd, and could watch the July 4 fireworks from the front steps. Granted, I couldn't hear the San Francisco Symphony playing at the same time, but I had a newborn, so it was okay. But now I'd love to go in person. The Symphony plays each July 4. You can get tickets here.

Pier 39 in San Francisco 

Head to the wharf for the fourth. Festivities run noon to 9:30 p.m. for free live music, street performers, and ultimately, the fireworks!

The Fillmore Jazz Festival runs July 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy in SF. Three stages feature jazz groups, plus you'll find cooking demonstrations and art vendors. Plus food!

Marin County Fair - what's more American than the Preservation Jazz Hall Band? On July 4, you can hear Eddie Money and the Kingston Trio. Weird Al Yankovic plays on July 3rd. The fair runs July 3-7. While every day is a good day to go to the fair, if you do go on the 4th, you can enjoy pig races, a lion dance, Chinese circus of Beijing, "Bike Blender" (smoothies and exercise in one), beef judging, Irish dancers, dancing with horses (?), and so much more including fireworks (they have fireworks nightly). And it's one price includes all (except food) - it even includes rides and concerts. $16 for adults, $14 for kids 12 and under.

Gilroy Gardens - If you or someone you know is (or was) in the military, that person can get in free July 4-7th at Gilroy Gardens. Plus up to 6 people with that special person will pay only $22 admission. If you go on July 4-7th, Gilroy Gardens is hosting a Independence Day BBQ (separate cost).

Foster City Fireworks - bring a picnic and watch the firework display over the lagoon at Leo Ryan Park. The party goes on all day.

Redwood City Parade - this parade is more than 70 years old! And it's perfect for families with young kids who wake up early. The festival starts at 9 a.m., the parade at 10 a.m. Lots of family-friendly activities. The festival runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. so even if you miss the parade, you can still roll out of bed and make it to the festival.

Great America - fireworks on July 5 and 6 at 9:30 p.m. Active or retired military personnel get in free July 4-7 (plus you can purchase discount $19.99 tickets for up to 6 in immediate family).

Want more fireworks? Red Tricycle has a list of six places to watch fireworks in the Bay Area.

Here are 4th of July events listed at sfkids.org, Savvy Source and Red Tricycle.