A Busy Independence Day Weekend

We’ve got the best bets for when the work week is over and you're  and ready to get out. Check our picks for the activities to hit.

1. FAMILY CAMPOUT
Where/When: 5 p.m. Friday at , 1s151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.
Why Go: The first-ever family will feature a picnic dinner provided by the park, a twilight nature walk, children’s craft, s’mores around the campfire and maybe even a ghost story or two. Families are asked to bring their own tents, sleeping bags and flashlights.  A limited number of tents and sleeping bags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from the park.  Camp activities will be geared to children ages 5 and older, and there is a limit of three children per adult.
Pricing: $25 per person.

2. BALLOON RIDES FOR DISABLED
Where/When:  6-7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. until dusk Friday, Saturday and Sunday at , 1825 Short St.
Why Go: The nation's only FAA-approved wheelchair accessible hot-air , Serena's Song, is a part of the . Free tethered rides are available to people with physical and developmental disabilities. A family member or attendant may share in this exciting experience. Each ride takes approximately 15 minutes. To schedule a ride in Serena's Song, call 630-960-7600 or go to www.seaspar.org
Pricing: Free.

3. HOBBIT THEATRE HIKE
Where/When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Lincoln Ave, Lisle.
Why Go: J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is performed while hiking through the Arboretum grounds. Each theatre-hike presents a different scene at a different location on the Arboretum grounds. Audience members walk to each location to enjoy the unfolding story. Regular hikes, which can cover up to two miles with multiple stops along the way, are on Saturdays, and low-impact hikes (suitable for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs) are on Sundays.
Pricing: $13-$19.

4. STYX
Where/When: Saturday at , 724 S. West St., Naperville.
Why Go: STYX will be performing some of their greatest hits at . Ribfest consists of family activities throughout the July 1-4 event, 16 rib vendors from across the country and music on two stages.  All the proceeds from Ribfest go to support the elimination of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence.

5. INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Where/When: Noon-4 p.m. Monday at , 1s151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.
Why Go: Sights, sounds and for the whole family. A magic show starts at noon, and at 3 p.m. the Illinois Brass Band will perform in front of the First Division Museum.
Pricing: Free.