It doesn’t get much more patriotic — or cute — than a red, white and blue bike parade. Throw in touch-a-truck, inflatables and a picnic, and your kids will zonk out by the time Plainfield’s fireworks start. Curve ball: It all goes down one day early, July 3. 6–9 p.m., 24120 W. Beggs Drive, Plainfield. Free.
You can’t exactly drag your cooler into the posh Saddle & Cycle Club (even its website is password-protected), but beachgoers report unparalleled views of the club’s Independence Day fireworks from the public beach. Bring your pup and come marvel with the rest of the plebeians. 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive. Free.
Although unsanctioned by the city, Winnemac Park’s impressive amateur fireworks put you up close and personal to dozens of displays. (Key words: “up close” and “personal.”) Exercise caution! 5101 N. Leavitt St. Free.
You could join the hordes at Navy Pier to watch top-notch fireworks, but why not hang out on the Adler’s manicured lawn? Unobstructed views of Navy Pier across the lake are lovely, and you’ll even have room to spread out a blanket. 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. Free.
Got small ones in tow? South Boulevard Beach showcases fireworks all the way down Chicago’s coast, but is a gentler (and quieter) way to enjoy the explosions. Bonus: You can’t beat the access to these public bathrooms. South Boulevard at the lakefront, Evanston. $6–$8 per person for a beach pass.
