Can you believe it? July is already here! Many a firework-loving kid’s favorite holiday is just around the corner and we know you’re looking for some great ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Chicago with your kids this year!
We’ve handpicked a few ideas for your family’s 4th of July in Chicago this year:
1. Enjoy a free Concert at the Grant Park Music Festival: Independence Salute
The traditional, free, Grant Park Music Festival at Millenium Park will surely make you and your family smile. From 7:30-9:00pm on July 4th, come enjoy some favorite patriotic songs as Christopher Bell conducts the Grant Park Orchestra.
2. Go to a Parade and then see the Fireworks
Of course, the parade and fireworks combo is often one of the most favorable thing to do every Fourth of July.
Bring the kids to one of Chicago’s many parades and firework shows to celebrate in style.
Here are just a few of the parades and firework shows you can choose from around Chicago:
Skokie’s Parade & Fireworks Festival
At noon, Skokie’s great 4th of July celebration will kick off with a parade of vintage cars, marching bands, drill teams, clowns, and many other things that will delight your family.
Then at 6:30p, food, drinks, and music will be on at Niles West High School for Skokie’s Fireworks Festival. There will be an exciting evening of live music, family activities and a fireworks display after dusk.
Glen Ellyn’s 4th of July
If you find yourself a bit further west for this Fourth of July, Glen Ellyn has a Downtown parade with plenty of bands and floats, a carnival in the afternoon, music, dancing, and a dusk fireworks show.
The Navy Pier’s Independence Day Fireworks
The Navy Pier are hosting the largest and longest firework display in their history this year. The award-winning show starts at 10pm with a 15 minute performance.
3. Set sail on a Cruise
If you want an even more memorable way to view the fireworks with your friends and family, a family cruise is great way to do it. Grab some friends, the kids, and maybe Grandma and Grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins and make it a real holiday memory for years to come.
Here are a couple samples of the July 4th cruises on offer:
Shoreline Sightseeing
Bring your family to take in the whole length of the Chicago skyline on a 60-minute panoramic tour and watch the Navy Pier fireworks from the boat before returning to land.
Wendella Boats
Wendella Boats also offers a very affordable cruise and fireworks viewing that is kid-friendly.
Enjoy the skyline with a brief narrated tour, then watch in awe as the fireworks go off at Navy Pier. All tours will return about 30 minutes after the fireworks show which is set to begin at 9:30pm.
However you choose to celebrate the 4th of July in Chicago with your kids this year, play safe and have a very Happy Fourth!