Best place to watch fireworks for the 4th ?? (Tampa, Clearwater: house, refrigerator)

[ntfeldman]

Any suggestions for places to take small children (ages 4 and 7) to watch fireworks for the 4th? We've gone to Clearwater in the past and it's been nice but I'd love to find a wonderful balcony somewhere in the Tampa area with music and food. Anyone know a secret place they want to share?

Bugs, crowds and traffic don't bother me.

[tampaguy03]

Channelside, downtown Tampa!

[ChrisJ]

I still prefer clearwater to all the others (I normally take my boat and watch from there). St. Pete has a good show. You can go to the top deck of the Pier and watch from there.

[scorp200]

I'm told the roof of the Fort Brooke parking garage in downtown Tampa is the best place to watch the channelside fireworks. I can't vouch for this firsthand though!

The Pier is a lot of fun in St. Pete.

[Town&Country]

The roof of my house is the best place I know... plus, there's a restroom and a refridgerator 20' down, no crowds, parking problems, and traffic congestion getting home. This may not work for everyone.

[tonynorie]

One year, after celebrating all day long, I tried watching while laying passed out under the drip spout of the wall a/c at the rear of the Red Dog bar on Bay to Bay.......it's not something I'd recommend! Try Channelside and surrounding areas on the south end of downtown Tampa.......great view and some cool places to while away the remainder of the evening.

[ntfeldman]

Originally Posted by Town&Country

The roof of my house is the best place I know... plus, there's a restroom and a refrigerator 20' down, no crowds, parking problems, and traffic congestion getting home. This may not work for everyone.

OK, T&C, we're coming over to your house... I drink Corona - stock up

Seriously, thanks to everyone for the tips. Chances are we'll probably just go to Clearwater like we always do - I like the orchestra thing... I grew up in Houston and used to go hear the Houston symphony play every year at Herman Park. My b-day is the 5th and I've always considered the 4th my warm up party

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by ntfeldman

OK, T&C, we're coming over to your house... I drink Corona - stock up

Seriously, thanks to everyone for the tips. Chances are we'll probably just go to Clearwater like we always do - I like the orchestra thing... I grew up in Houston and used to go hear the Houston symphony play every year at Herman Park. My b-day is the 5th and I've always considered the 4th my warm up party

Well, have a Happy Birthday!!!

[Davachka]

Originally Posted by yourtampa

THere are a few show around the area... OF course the show at Channelside.... But that is not good for kids. Treasure Island does a show every year on the beach as well as Holmes beach. Those places are kid friendly as you can bring a beach blanket and chairs and pick a spot... IT doesnt get too crowded. THe beach is a great place since you will see fireworks going off up and down the coastline! visit my Tampa site Visiting Tampa Bay- Explore Tampa Bay The Right Way for more info on 4th of July and upcoming events

Just curious, I have never gone to Channelside on the 4th, why do you say its not good for kids?

[annaegel]

Speaking of Channelside, I have taken my kids to The Florida Aquarium down there. After 4 (I think) it is only $10 to get in. You walk around the aquarium. Then go outside to their water section. The kids play for hours until they shut off the water at 9:00. People gather their chairs and wait for 30 minutes until the fireworks start. Getting out of the parking lot was difficult though. It takes us a good 45 minutes to get out. Traffic is very difficult. If my youngest did not like fireworks so much, I would avoid the crowds. It seems the word has gotten out about the aquarium because each year, it gets more and more crowded.