With July 4th just two weeks away, it is time to start planning for your perfect patriotic weekend. Whether you need the perfect place to stay downtown or activities that the whole family can enjoy, this list highlights every aspect you may need to enjoy Independence Day festivities in Chicago!

Celebrate with a Bang: The Best Spots to Catch Some Fireworks

Nothing gets better than catching the fireworks from the comfort of a beautiful outdoor patio in picturesque Oak Brook. On July 3, visit The Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook to experience their special fireworks package with the perfect vantage point from the stunning, spacious patio at the Hearth Lounge, or for a VIP event in the Q Room. From 7-10 pm, enjoy an outdoor lakeside table to catch the fireworks with a package to include access to a special menu including mouthwatering Carne Asada and Pork Carnitas Tacos, Fajitas and more. Beer buckets will be available for $15 and a DJ will be spinning throughout the evening. A $50 minimum per guest and reservation are required to attend. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the VIP 4th of July Celebration event in the Q Room is a perfect choice. Limited tickets are available for this 21+ private viewing experience, where guests can enjoy the Oak Brook fireworks with 3-hour open bar, while dining on a gourmet buffet of delicious Mexican favorites and a dessert station featuring chocolate-covered churros. The experience sweet sounds from a live DJ and is available for $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations for these July 3rd events can be made through OpenTable, with limited availability!

This 4th of July, celebrate in an unforgettable way right on the water with City Cruises Chicago. Set sail and celebrate the nation’s birth aboard one of three Independence Day Dinner Cruises including their Signature Dinner Cruise or Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan, or Premier Plus Dinner Cruise the Chicago River. This unparalleled celebration features panoramic views of the city and a front row seat to the city of Chicago’s Independence Day Firework celebration. Upgrades include Premium Open Bar, specialty appetizers, and even a commemorative photo to celebrate the festivities. City Cruises is currently offering a special 20% off promo using JULY 4, to be redeemed between 6/15-6/25. The offer provides 20% off for parties of 1-19 and is not valid on groups or charters of 20+ guests. Valid on new bookings only, and cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers. Valid  For ticket information and details about all cruises departing from Chicago, visit CityCruises.com.

Enjoy a 4th of July weekend getaway to The Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare with a shopping spree at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago just around the corner! Book The Rose’s Fashion Outlets of Chicago Shopping Package, which includes a Fashion Outlets Savings Pass and Complimentary Coat/Bag Check at the shopping mall, 3 p.m. Late Checkout, Continental Breakfast, Free Overnight Parking, and a Complimentary Shuttle to Fashion Outlets in Chicago. End your night by watching the incredible fireworks display from Impact Field, right across from the hotel! To book your stay or to learn more, please visit here.

Stay and Play on Independence Day: Downtown Fun for the Family

If you’re headed to Navy Pier for the iconic holiday fireworks with the family, be sure to stop by Pixar Putt, the interactive 18-hole mini golf course themed around Disney and Pixar’s most iconic films including Toy Story, UP, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc. and more! Pixar Putt is located just outside of the entrance to the Pier at Polk Bros Park. To book a tee time, please visit their website. Another great option to keep the kiddos entertained is with a visit to the Chicago Children’s Museum, now proudly featuring the return of their Zoom Room experience! Zoom Room features more than 40 toy car tracks up to 20 feet long and 12 feet high with bi-level crash sites and hundreds of toy cars in all shapes and sizes.  For more information and to buy tickets, visit the museum’s website.

Canopy Chicago Central Loop is the perfect place to spend Independence Day in the city due to its unbeatable proximity to all the downtown festivities! Directly next to Willis Tower and the Union Station, and just a quick trip to Navy Pier and a 5-minute walk to Grant Park, you will be immersed in the Fourth of July action! Canopy Hotel offers amenities, such as an onsite chef-driven restaurant, a first-class fitness center, and spacious guestrooms and suites. Book this Chicago landmark for this classic holiday! For more information on booking details, please visit their website.

If you’re looking to get some sun and play splashfully, visit Raging Waves, Illinois’ largest waterpark located just outside the city in Yorkville, IL! Celebrating 16 years of delivering family fun for all ages, guests will be able to experience various mega-fun attractions including their signature 32 water slides, a wave pool, three kiddie pool areas, relaxing lazy river, 43 private cabanas, and more. Raging Waves offers various waterpark experiences for any age, perfect to kick-off the 4th of July festivities with the family. Purchase your tickets for the 4th on their website.