Best Ideas For Fourth Of July In Chicago

(Photo Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

With Fourth of July weekend right around the corner, here are some ideas to help you celebrate the birthday of the greatest country in the world! Whether you choose to take a trip or stay at home, see a fireworks show or hang out at the beach, this list will have something for you!

Best Fest

Looking for the best Chicago spots for pre- and post-fireworks celebrations around the city on Independence Day, 2014? Choose to have your bare toes in the sand or in sandals dancing at a rooftop bar for a very liberating Independence Day. See what parties were cooking on July 4th, 2014 here:
 
Best Fourth Of July Parties In Chicago

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Make Patriotic Drinks At Home

This Fourth of July, skip the overly-expensive bars for some drinks you can make at home. Strawberry Rhubarb Daiquiris are red, Blueberry Margaritas are blue, and White Russians are, well, white. Or look at these cool drinks made by Connecticut's own Jon Ruiz and Joe Catomer:
 
Ask A Chicago Expert: Fourth Of July Cocktail Recipes

Know Your Firework Safety

If you don't want to end up in the hospital handcuffed and covered in burns, obey the law and use only permitted fireworks as you celebrate the Fourth of July in Chicago. Go through the fireworks safety checklist with your loved ones to make this Fourth of July ER-free:
 
4th Of July Fireworks Safety Checklist

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Hit the Beach

Many people don't realize the abundant beaches and parks that exist in Chicago! While some of Chicago's many beaches are heavily populated and geared toward the single crowd, there are others that are more quiet and geared toward families. If you want to spend the Fourth of July at the beach, find out which of Chicago's beaches is best for you here:
 
Best Places To Sunbathe In Chicago

Take A Trip

This year, travel to another state to celebrate your Fourth. NYC has some of the best firework displays on the planet. Watch fireworks light up the skyline over the East River on the Brooklyn Bridge. It doesn't get more New York than that. This list includes all the go-to spots this summer, if the Big Apple doesn't float your boat.
 
Best Places In America To Celebrate The 4th Of July

Stay In Chicago Area

The Chicago area has dozens of different firework displays going on during the first two weeks of July. Joliet, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire and many other towns will have fireworks and music set up for celebrators. Enjoy Fourth of July Chicago style and check out this extensive list of events right here in your home town:
 
2014 Fourth Of July Fireworks Around Chicago