Fun Spring Break Activities for Chicagoland Kids

From special museum exhibits to our favorite hiking spots, get ready to have the best Spring Break ever with these fun activities for kids.

With school out for a few days, how will you spend free time with your kiddos? If you need some exciting new ideas to change up your regular free time routine, we’ve got you covered with these Spring Break activities for Chicagoland kids.

Spring Break Activities

From special museum exhibits and exciting new attractions to our favorite hiking spots, get ready to have the best Spring Break ever.

Spend some time outdoors.

We’ve had plenty of “cabin fever” this winter, so there’s no better way to welcome spring than exploring nature. These kid-friendly hiking spots will let everyone in your family get some fresh air.

Go to a museum.

Now’s the time to revisit some of your favorite museums! Check out these new exhibits such as Circusville: Play Under the Big Top at Chicago Children’s Museum or Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition at Museum of Science and Industry. Check out our list of free museum days to get the best deals on tickets. 

Head to an indoor play place.

There’s no denying that we’re a big fan of indoor play places. It’s the best place for kids to let out their energy and let’s be honest, Chicago still sees some dreary days in the spring. Luna y Cielo Play Cafe and Itsy Bitsy Play And Cafe are two of the newest indoor play centers in Chicagoland. 

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these over-the-top desserts.

Spring Break is the perfect time to treat yourself. Your kiddos will love nothing more than to have an extra sweet (or two!). Check out one of these unique dessert spots and cross something off your foodie bucket list.

Try an art workshop.

If you want to get artsy without any of the messy supplies at home, head to a DIY art studio that supplies the materials, provides instruction and cleans up the mess for you. From painting and pottery to niche crafts like rug tufting, your kiddo will love trying their hand at a new craft! Plus, many art classes offer spring break drop in classes. 

Watch a movie.

There are plenty of new family movies we are excited to see this year, like the new Garfield and Kung Fu Panda movies that will be coming to theaters later this year. Watch a movie featured in our Watch This, Do That series to double the fun once the movie is over! 

Plan a road trip.

Are you thinking about getting out of town for Spring Break? We’ve rounded up Spring Break destinations within driving distance of Chicago and places you must see in Illinois so you can plan the perfect Spring Break road trip. 

Smell the flowers.

Nothing says spring like a fresh bloom of flowers. Stop by the Chicago Botanic Garden, Garfield Park Conservatory, Morton Arboretum or your local garden center to see the first signs of spring. You can also check out these nearby nature centers.

Visit the zoo.

Go wild during Spring Break! Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo are both worth visiting, so make a day of it to see your favorite animals.

Do some spring cleaning.

While the kids might groan at the idea of chores during Spring Break, it’s something they need to learn. Here are some ideas to get your home more organized.

Plan a staycation. 

You don’t have to go far to have a great family vacation. Stay at a family-friendly hotel with a pool, or find more Chicago staycation activities

Make a vision board.

Keep your kiddo’s hands busy and encourage them to dream big by creating vision boards together. This fun craft will allow you to learn more about your child by sharing your aspirations, inspirations and thought processes with each other. 

Take a splash at an indoor water park.

It might not feel like summer yet, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some water fun! Luckily Chicagoland offers plenty of indoor water park options from families. Plan a weekend trip or spend a day at these aquatic playgrounds.

Go rock climbing.

When you’re not sure how the weather will be during Spring Break, play it safe with indoor rock climbing. These local rock climbing places will give your kids the chance to climb their heart out in a safe environment.

Visit a new neighborhood.

There are so many new areas to explore in the Chicago area with kids. Explore new communities using our family neighborhood guides. Some of our latest family days out have been in Chinatown, Logan Square, Naperville and Woodstock

Build a charcuterie board.

Charcuterie boards are not only delicious to eat, but they’re also fun to make. Even your little ones can help out creating this kid-friendly charcuterie board filled with their favorite cheeses, meats, candies and more. Take your spread to the next level by creating a chili board — perfect for a cozy family meal. 

Drive to a roadside attraction.

Have you ever seen the Leaning Tower of Niles? Or the Big Monster Door? You’ll be surprised to find that Chicagoland is filled with wacky, weird and wonderful roadside attractions. Take a trip to visit one for Spring Break.

Try mini golfing.

Some outdoor mini golf courses start opening in April, but if the weather isn’t there yet, opt for indoor mini golf. These mini golf courses will get your putt putt on, and some of them even offer glow-in-the-dark golfing!

Find some local events.

Looking for more fun things to do? Check out our calendar filled with local events to keep your family entertained. Also, we list more family activity ideas in our Weekend Picks.


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