July 4 Weekend- what to expect?

My kids wanted to visit Chicago for the first time this summer and a long weekend for July 4 was the only time we could make it work. We'll be there 4 nights total. Husband and I have already been there a few times so I booked a hotel that I know will be in a convenient location for the things we want to do.

My question is on July 4 itself, what do we need to know about crowd levels/what areas to avoid? I'd assume fireworks are launched from Navy Pier- any recommendations to view them that won't require camping out somewhere hours in advance?

To put things in perspective: I grew up with NYC as my closest local city. I was in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for several years and have attended sports victory parades in NYC, Philly, and Boston multiple times so when I think "crowded" I'm picturing shoulder to shoulder in a sea of people 😂 On a scale of 1 to that, what's Chicago like on July 4 weekend?