So long, pencils, books, and teacher's dirty looks. Hello, fireflies and footloose schedules. Nothing lets newfound freedom ring like a few well-chosen family outings for the July 4th holiday. We’re turning for inspiration to ParentsConnect Local, whose great events calendar features hundreds of summer happenings in more than 50 cities around the country. Here's a sample of what we found on the Independence Day calendar in historic Boston:Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks: Join the Boston Pops Orchestra and conductor Keith Lockhart for its annual July 4th concert under the stars at the Hatch Shell. The world-class fireworks extravaganza is scheduled to begin at 10:30pm. Free for all ages. (July 4, 8pm-11pm, gates open at 9am)
A Sailor's Life for Me?: Kids can show their patriotic colors during a full day of sailor crafts and fun activities throughout the galleries and courtyard at the USS Constitution Museum. Free for ages 4-19. (July 4, 10am-3pm; 617/426-1812 x 146.)
Sea Shanties with The Jolly Rogues: Hop the ferry and head to Georges Island in Boston Harbor, where families can gather 'round the Fort Warren stage for lively music straight from the 1700s and 1800s. Shanty songs and revolutionary classics are sure to inspire a patriotic mood. Concerts are free for all ages; roundtrip ferry is $14/adult, $8/child. (July 4, 12:15pm and 2pm; 617/223-8666.)
