The 4th of July is one of our country's most celebrated and highly anticipated summer events. Children and adults alike look forward to this festive occasion. If you're looking for some fireworks displays in the Baltimore / Annapolis, Maryland area, then check out the following opportunities. I have included show times, locations, and cost, so you will be well-equipped to plan for this special holiday.

1. Inner Harbor - This is probably the most popular and highly attended summer event in the Baltimore area. From noon until 9:30pm, the Baltimore Harbor will be flooded with entertainers and visitors participating in the 4th of July activities located in this most historical city. You can expect to find live bands, street entertainers, and vendors helping to create an atmosphere of national pride which culminates in a fireworks display over the water. The admission is free, but be sure to bring a little spending cash in case you want to purchase some food or snacks. One of the highlights of this event are the activities at Fort McHenry situated on the Baltimore Harbor. Those activities include dancing, games, fife and drum music, a musket salute, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Admission to the events at Fort McHenry is also free. Of course, the grand finale is the vibrant fireworks display that covers the skies over the harbor. This 4th of July fireworks extravaganza is both entertaining and educational for the whole family.

2. Annapolis & Baltimore Independence Day Fireworks Cruises - There is something really spectacular about being on the water during the 4th of July. Both Annapolis and Baltimore offer fireworks cruises that enable you to view the fireworks firsthand over the open water. Annapolis offers the Independence Day Fireworks Cruise on both Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. Boarding time is at 7:45pm on Friday and at 7:30 on Saturday. The cost for the Annapolis cruise is $20 for children and $40 for adults, and the cost for the Baltimore cruise is $25 for children and $45 for adults. Both of the cruises depart from the harbors (Watermark in Annapolis) and contain great music and entertainment that make the fireworks displays even more memorable. To purchase tickets, contact the main cruise office at 410-268-7601.

3. National Aquarium - Baltimore is hosting a Pier Party at the National Aquarium on the waterfront. This event is from 7-10 pm on Saturday, July 4th and includes fireworks and live entertainment. The cost is $20 for members and $40 for non-members with a $5 discount for children. Reservations for this event are required, and ample seating is provided. As a special perk, the aquarium will be open from 7-8:30pm for those would would like to take a tour before the fireworks show begins. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Aquarium at 410-727-3474.

I hope these 4th of July fireworks opportunities will help you prepare for this eventful summer holiday.