Don your red, white and blue and celebrate Independence Day by enjoying the many activities in central Arkansas. Events include water activities, music, crafts, parades, fireworks and more. Happy Fourth of July!

18th Annual 4th of July Family Celebration at Sherwood Forest: Munch on free hot dogs and chips (while they last!), and enjoy entertainment and a fireworks display to close out the evening. July 4 from 6-9 p.m. For info: 501-833-0476, Facebook. FREE!

36th Annual Pops on the River at the River Market: Be part of a central Arkansas tradition, which includes free children's activities, a shopping marketplace, food trucks and lots of entertainment. Entertainment inside the First Security Amphitheater includes a performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Around 9:30 p.m. sit back and enjoy a glorious fireworks show. July 4 from 3-10:30 p.m. For info: 501-378-3807, Pops.ArkansasOnline.com. FREE!

43rd Fleet Feet Sports Firecracker 5K: At this race, firecrackers are given out to the first 50 men and first 50 women who cross the finish line. All kids ages 12 and under receive a medal. The course begins at Kavanaugh and University and ends at War Memorial Stadium. $25 until July 2; $30 July 3-race day. Registration begins 6 a.m.; race starts 7:30 a.m. July 4. For info: Facebook, website.

Big Bang on the Range at Shooting Sports Complex in Jacksonville: Bring lawn chairs and blankets for lawn seating and a festive fireworks show. There are inflatables for kids and concessions for everyone. Event is special needs accessible. Gates open at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. July 4. For info: 501-241-2441, CityOfJacksonville.net. FREE!

Fourth of July Fireworks Aboard the USS Razorback: Get a great view of the fireworks at this party in North Little Rock. Doors open at 7 p.m., fireworks start at 9 p.m. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soft drinks available for purchase as well as a donation bar. Tickets cost $10 and kids 5 and under get in free. July 4 from 7-10 p.m. For info: 501-371-8320, Facebook.

Fireworks at Dickey-Stephens Park: Head out to the ballpark for fireworks as the Travs take on the Springfield Cardinals at 5:30 p.m. on July 4 at home. Concessions are open throughout the evening. Enjoy the fireworks after the game from the seats at the ballpark! $6-$12. For info: 501-664-1555, Travs.com.

Fireworks at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs Village: The fireworks will be shot from the middle of Lake Hamilton from barges located on the east side of Highway 7 at the first Highway 7 bridge. Directly opposite from the Clarion Hotel. July 4. Begins at dusk. For info:www.HotSprings.org, 501-321-2277. FREE!

Fireworks at Magic Springs & Crystal Falls: Spend a day playing on roller coasters and water slides and then enjoy a fireworks display at dusk. July 5 at dusk. Admission $35.99 in advance. For info: MagicSprings.com.

Frontier Fourth of July at Historic Arkansas Museum: Celebrate Independence Day as it was celebrated on the Arkansas frontier. Activities include an old-time patriotic parade, 19th century music, free watermelon and cold lemonade, and encounters with people from the past. Children can walk on stilts and play other pioneer games, and they'll be invited to take up brooms and wooden rakes to train with the militia. They will also have the opportunity to create flags, streamers and signs to use in the parade. 10 a.m.-noon. July 4. For info: HistoricArkansas.org. FREE!

Fourth of July Activities at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Stop by the park for a variety of fun and educational activities. The fun includes a reptile roundup from 9-10 a.m., a hike on the Kingfisher trail from 1-2 p.m. and a time to learn about a view different bugs from 3-4 p.m. July 4. For info: 501-868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!

Red, White & You Picnic in the Park at Hot Springs National Park: Join this family-friendly, old fashioned July 4th celebration in Hot Springs National Park. Food is available for purchase and kids can pay a nominal fee for bounce houses, temporary tattoos and face painting. Nominal charge for bounce house, tattoos and face painting. No charge to attend. The fun goes from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For info: 501-538-4547, HotSprings.org. FREE!

July 4th Events at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa: Begin the holiday at 9 a.m. with a patriotic Fourth of July Four Wheeler Parade. After a heart warming flag raising ceremony with kids, dogs and group singing, the parade rolls through Harbor South and heads to the Lodge. At 9:30 p.m., the lake's largest fireworks displaylights up the lake with patriotic music. July 4. For info: 870-867-2191, MountainHarborResort.com.

July 4th Fun and Games Day at Petit Jean State Park: Join the park staff at the picnic area for a celebration of our nation’s birthday! There will be a bicycle parade, wheelbarrow race, watermelon eating contest, water balloon volleyball and more! 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4. For info: 501-727-5441, PetitJeanStatePark.com. FREE!

July 4th Island Fest at DeGray Lake Resort State Park: Park guests and community members enjoy traditional Independence Day games and activities, including a watermelon eating contest, water balloon games, a 5K and more. Activities culminate for those 12 and under with an underwater treasure hunt in the lodge pool. The traditional fireworks show lights up the night sky over the lake after dark around 9:30 p.m. July 4 from 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. For info: 501-865-5810, DeGray.com. FREE!

Maumelle 4th Fest at Lake Willastein Park: Celebrate Independence Day in traditional Maumelle style! The 4th of July Parade begins at 4:30 p.m., the Cardboard Boat races begins shortly after at 5:30 p.m. (register here), followed by games, music and more. The evening culminates with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. For info: 501-851-6990, website. FREE!

Independence Day Bash at Holland Chapel Baptist Church: Enjoy live music, face painting, a mobile video game station, bouncy houses and prizes for the first 300 kids admitted. The fireworks light up the sky at 9 p.m. July 3 from 7-9:30 p.m. For info: 501-776-5900, BentonAR.org. FREE!

Let Freedom Roar at the Little Rock Zoo: Celebrate Independence Day with special activities at the Zoo! At 11 a.m., meet and greet with a bald eagle; at 11:30 a.m. head to the front plaza for activities and crafts and at 1:30 p.m. watch the freedom parade  starting at the front plaza and ending at the big cats overlok. July 4 the zoo is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; regular admission applies. For info: Facebook.

4th of July Skate at Arkansas Skatium: Celebrate the holiday with some afternoon fun! Burn some calories in the cool air conditioning roller skating and ice skating! Think you might get hungry? Hot dogs and corn dogs will be sold for only $1. July 4 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission and rental fees apply. For info: Facebook, ArkasasSkatium.com. 

Cabot's 4th of July Celebration: It's a great time for the whole family in Cabot on July 3! There will be live music, face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses, food trucks and a dunking booth to keep everyone entertained all evening. The fireworks show starts around 9:15 p.m. July 3 from 6-9:30 p.m. For info: Facebook. FREE!