The second city is second to none when it comes to fireworks displays as thousands of people will flock to the shores of Lake Michigan to take in the show. The 15-20 minute show kicks off right at 9:30 p.m. Speakers will play patriotic music to accompany the pyrotechnics along Navy Pier and you can bet that the "1812 Overture" will make at least a cameo appearance. If you want to avoid the humongous crowds at Navy Pier for the simply very large crowds by the Shedd Aquarium that is also a fine vantage point.
Another great idea is to get your sea legs under you and to take a fireworks cruise out onto the lake. Seadog cruises offers excursions for groups both large and small.
If the idea of trying to get into the city with little ones gives you a headache there are plenty of celebrations in the suburbs.
Aurora Fourth of July Fireworks
Wayne and Garth's hometown fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. and take place at RiverEdge Park located at 360 N. Broadway Ave. Prior to the main event "Bruce in the USA" will rock the stage from 6-8:30 p.m. and the Fox Valley Orchestra follows them up from 8:30 until the fireworks go off.
Itasca Fireworks
The town of Itasca knows how to celebrate the Fourth to its fullest; they have a beer tent at their fireworks. Starting at 6 p.m. Pat McKillen will take the stage as beer and food vendors take care of the masses. A 25 minute fireworks extravaganza will kick off at 9:45 p.m. All of the fun takes place at Thorndale Avenue and Route 53, parking costs $20 per car.
Naperville Ribfest 2013
10 different vendors will be slinging their wares at the celebration that offers live music and carnival rides in addition to the succulent BBQ. Admission is free for kids under 12, $12-$15 for the grown-ups. Fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m. at Knoch Park, 700 S. West St.
Palos Heights Fourth of July Fireworks
This is for the people that still want to be on the shores of a lake but find it too much of a hassle to make it up to Chicago. The Palos Heights fireworks display takes place on the shores of the slightly smaller Lake Katherine. The festivities begin at 9:15 p.m. at 7402 Lake Katherine Drive.
Evanston Fourth of July Fireworks
Evanston has a mighty fine display of fireworks and is easily accessible from the city for city dwellers who are terrified by all of the visitors flocking to the Chicago this weekend. The action kicks off at 9:15 and can be best seen from Clark Street Beach, although anywhere east of downtown gets a pretty great view of the show.
Happy Independence Day!
