Navy Pier Fireworks Viewing

Question

Hello!

I'll be arriving in Chicago with my two kids this Saturday and thought it would be a fun way to kick-off our visit by seeing the Navy Pier fireworks.

We're staying in Wicker Park. I saw one mention of watching the fireworks from the North Avenue Beach pier. Anyone know if there is likely to be parking available there? Or are we better off, overall, just taking public transit down to Navy Pier or somewhere else nearby? One factor is that getting the kids to bed ASAP after fireworks would be nice!

Thanks in advance and looking forward to exploring Chicago next week.

Answer

Hi there! It sounds like you have a fun Chicago trip planned, and the Navy Pier fireworks will be a great way to start things off with the kids. Here's some advice on how to make the most of the experience:

Parking at North Avenue Beach Pier: While the North Avenue Beach pier offers a great view of the fireworks, parking can be a bit tricky, especially on summer weekends when the beach area is crowded. There are parking lots nearby, but they tend to fill up quickly. If you're driving, I recommend arriving early to secure a spot, or you may end up needing to park further away and walking to the beach. There are also limited metered parking spots along the street, but these can be hard to find during peak times.

Public Transit to Navy Pier: Since you're staying in Wicker Park and the goal is to get the kids to bed quickly after the fireworks, taking public transit might be the best option. Chicago's transit system (CTA) is very convenient, and you can easily get from Wicker Park to Navy Pier using the following methods:

Bus: You can take the #72 bus, which runs down North Avenue and goes straight to Navy Pier. It’s an easy and relatively quick ride, and you won't need to worry about parking at all.
CTA Red Line: Alternatively, you could take the Red Line subway to the Grand or Chicago stop, and then transfer to a short bus ride or walk the remaining distance to Navy Pier. This is also a good option if you want to avoid the crowds on the bus.

Other Viewing Locations: There are a few other spots around the city where you can get a good view of the Navy Pier fireworks without dealing with the crowds at the Pier itself:

Lakefront Trail: You could walk along the Lakefront Trail, especially near Oak Street Beach or along the section near the Drake Hotel. These spots offer nice views of the fireworks, and the walk back to Wicker Park might be more pleasant compared to navigating through the crowded Navy Pier area.
Monroe Harbor: If you're looking for a more relaxed spot, Monroe Harbor also offers a view of the fireworks. It's not as crowded as the Navy Pier area, and you can enjoy the show without being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

Getting Back to Wicker Park: Since you mentioned that getting the kids to bed ASAP after the fireworks is important, taking public transit might be the best way to ensure a smoother, quicker exit. If you decide to park at North Avenue Beach or somewhere else, be prepared for a longer walk back to the car or a potential traffic jam, especially right after the fireworks. Public transit, on the other hand, will allow you to bypass most of the traffic and get back to Wicker Park in a timely manner.

Final Tip: Fireworks at Navy Pier are very popular, so expect large crowds no matter where you go. If you do decide to go to Navy Pier itself, be sure to arrive early to find a good viewing spot, as they fill up fast. But if you want to avoid the stress of parking and large crowds, the alternate viewing spots around the lakefront or from the North Avenue Beach pier can offer a more relaxed experience.

Enjoy the fireworks and your time exploring Chicago! Have a great trip!