So long, backpacks and chock-a-block schedules. Hello, barefeet and wide-open summer days. 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 Philadelphia:Betsy's Independence Day Bash: Come to the Betsy Ross House where kids can make patriotic crafts, meet Betsy Ross, and enjoy Colonial entertainment. At 1:30pm, visitors can help welcome 13 of America's newest citizens at a children's immigration ceremony, and observe a ceremonial bell-tapping at 2pm. (July 4, 11am-3pm; 215/686-1252. Admission: $3/adult, $2/child 12 and under)
Sweet Freedom, Declaration of Independence Reading: Listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, enjoy fife and drum music, and have a taste of an eight-foot cake decorated with quotes from our nation's Founding Fathers at the Independence Visitor Center. Free for all ages. (July 3, noon; 800/537-7676)
Party on the Parkway: An afternoon of food, music, and live entertainment takes places on the Ben Franklin Parkway before the annual concert with fireworks. This year's event features live Australian animals and edutainment, children's activities from the Please Touch Museum, a visit from the Philadelphia Zoo's mobile Zoo on Wheels, a Go 4th & Learn Pavilion, inflatables, face painting, sand art, a mobile children's theater, crafts, and more. Free for all ages. (July 4, noon-6pm; 215/683-2200)
