The 4th of July is coming up very shortly and I'm super excited to celebrate the birth of our great nation.  To help you get in the spirit, learn more about the holiday or simply celebrate America's birthday on a budget check out some of our freebies and fun activities.

• Download a free how-to make an America banner to decorate your home
• The Atlanta Braves invites all military personnel to come see a game for free 4th of July weekend
• Send a free greeting card to our troops thanks to Tiny Prints
• Free bowling at Brunswick Lanes July 1st - 4th
• Download a free 4th of July preschool educational pack
• Learn how to make some super cute Rocket Firework Cookies
• Get free printable copies of the Declaration of Independence
• Listen to Old Time Fourth of July Radio Shows to get in the spirit
• Find some great free 4th of July recipes at Taste of Home
• Send a free 4th of July e-card thanks to 123 Greetings
• Have the little ones color some patriotic coloring pages
• Make like Martha and have fun making these patriotic fans
• Check out these fun free 4th of July educational printable exercises

Nothing says "Happy Birthday America" like fireworks. Get some free fireworks for your 4th of July celebration or enjoy a display in your area.

Please exercise safety while using fireworks at home. Something as small as a sparkler can seriously injure you. Even though my husband has  extensive explosive training through the Army,  I still keep fire extinguisher, a hose and my cell phone ready just in case.  Cruise on over to the National Council on Fireworks Safety's website for safety tips.

• Fireworks Supermarket - Get a free $10 item with your $25+ purchase or get 50 free firecrackers with no purchase required. Find your nearest location here.
• When you sign up for TNT Fireworks emails to receive a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more.
• Phantom Fireworks - Sign up for emails to receive weekly coupons. If you live more than 25 miles from Phantom Fireworks bring in your gas receipt to get $50 worth of free fireworks with $150+ purchase. Find your nearest location here.
• Alamo Fireworks has a bunch of great in-store firework coupons for you! Find Alamo Fireworks locations here.
• Those of you near Sandusky Ohio head on over to Sandusky Fireworks with these coupons in hand.

Maybe seeing a great fireworks display is more your speed. Check out this list of some fireworks events across the country on July 4th 2011.

• New York City - Macy's 4th of July fireworks start around 9PM between 24th and 50th street on the Hudson River. If you can't make it this show will be on NBC Monday night. For more information please call the Macy's fireworks hotline at 212-494-4495.
• Boston MA - The Boston Pops fireworks start at 10:30PM. The CBS airing of this concert and fireworks show will start at 10pm. For more information please visit the Boston Pops 4th of July celebration page.
• Washington DC - The fireworks start at 9:30PM at the National Mall. If you can't make it to the celebration you can catch it on PBS' live broadcast.
• St. Louis MO - Fair St. Louise fireworks start at 9:15PM. The fireworks are held under the "Gateway Arch." For more information check out Celebrate St. Louis.
• Philadelphia PA - Starting at 10:30 PM the Sunoco Welcome America fireworks will start. Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th and 23rd street. For more information please call 800-770-5883.
• New Orleans LA - The 4th on the River Dueling Barges Fireworks starts at 9PM.  You can find more information on New Orleans 4th of July celebrations here.
• Los Angeles -  Starting at 9PM there will be fireworks at the Rose Bowl Stadium for people to enjoy. There are several great fireworks displays through out Los Angeles county.  Check out this list of fireworks shows in Los Angeles county put together thanks to the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Lose Angeles County Fire Department.
• Seattle WA - There will be Family Fourth Fireworks at Lake Union starting at 10PM. For more information visit Seattle Fun's list of 4th of July celebrations.
• Miami FL - Celebrate America's birthday with fireworks starting at 9PM. You can find more information about 4th of July fun in Miami here.
• Houston TX - Freedom Over Texas fireworks start at 9:30PM.  The fireworks display will be shot off at the Eleanor Tinsley Park along Buffalo Bayou. More information about Houston 4th celebration can be found here.
• Atlanta GA - There will be a full day of family fun at the Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta. Over 4000 fireworks will be set off starting at 9:40PM.
• Aspen CO - Aspen is celebrating the 4th all weekend long! You'll be able to see fireworks over Aspen Mountain starting at 9:15PM. A full list of activities in Aspen can be found here.
• Saint Paul MN - You'll be able to see fireworks set off on the 4th from Upper Landing Park along Shepard Road, behind the Science Museum) around 10:15PM.

To help you find more events in your area check out American Towns or take a look over this great list of 4th of July celebrations.

I'd love to hear some of your favorite ways to celebrate the 4th of July! Where is your favorite spot to see some great fireworks near you? I hope that you and your loved ones have a safe and happy Independence Day celebration!

Thank you Sweet Sugar Belle, 2 Teaching Mommies, Yesterday on Tuesday, Couponing 101 for sharing some great ideas!

Image thanks to Carissa GoodNCrazy