Family Insider

In Key Largo, you can watch the fireworks explode over Blackwater Sound on the bay side. The show starts at 9 p.m. Go early to Sundowners, Senior Frijoles Mexican, the Caribbean Club and Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort, all located around mile marker (MM) 104 bayside.

Holiday Isle at MM 84 oceanside is always filled to capacity and fun for all. Fireworks shoot off at 9 p.m. They'll have live music at Kokomo and the Tiki Bar -- plus good food for sale.

My favorite event can be found at Founders Park, MM 87 on Plantation Key. (My brother Jeff lives here, and this is a wonderful family event!) Activities for kids, teens, parents and dogs highlight the day. For an event schedule and more information, call (305) 853-1685. This place is awesome, with a playground, a beach and even a pool.

In Marathon, watch the patriotic parade right on U.S. 1! It will proceed along Sombrero Beach Road (MM 50 oceanside) to Sombrero Beach, where a picnic and celebration featuring food, drinks, kids’ crafts and entertainment lead into the night’s fireworks display. For more information, call the Marathon Chamber of Commerce at (305) 743-5417. THIS IS GREAT!

Heading further south, make your way to Sugarloaf Airport, MM 17 bayside on Sugarloaf Key. Here you'll find The Lower Keys Rotary Club’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks. There will be live music, food, drinks, games and activities for both adults and kids. Fireworks blast at 9 p.m. Admission is free; no coolers or personal fireworks, please. For more information, call (305) 395-3700.

Key West’s 24th annual July 4 picnic to benefit Hospice of the Florida Keys and the Visiting Nurse Association will be at the Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, 1500 Reynolds St., overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The event starts at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.

The cost of $20 per adult and $10 per child gets you a traditional buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings, and it goes to a great cause. For an elegant alternative, attendees can choose reserved beachfront seats with first-class service and a fresh seafood buffet. Tickets for the “best seats on the beach” section are $100 per person.

You can attend the picnic for $5 -- no food -- but still enjoy live music, a silent auction and lots of fun-filled family festivities. For information about the Casa Marina picnic to benefit the hospice, call (305) 294-8812.

Be safe and enjoy your holiday!

Jill Martin, Family Travel Expert, VISIT FLORIDA

follow me on twitter at: FLAfamilyexpert