Your guide to spring break 2025 in Chicago

In the springtime, Chicago lives up to its official city motto Urbs In Horto — “City in a Garden.” Our countless parks, green spaces, and sparkling waterfront (not to mention world-class museums, stunning architecture, and exciting events) make Chicago a truly spectacular spring break destination.

Here’s our guide to planning an unforgettable spring break in Chicago for families, outdoor enthusiasts, art and culture lovers, and beyond. And remember to check out Chicago attraction passes for reduced admission to museums, activities, and more.

Family-friendly spring break in Chicago

A Chicago spring break getaway promises equal parts fun, learning, and fresh air for the whole family. There’s an adventure for kids of all ages in Chicago, whether you’re looking to run wild at the zoo, be wowed by an interactive museum, or feel the thrill of a sky-high observatory.

• If you’ve ever wished you could fly, buckle your seatbelt for the immersive Flyover Chicago that will send your family soaring above Chicago’s most iconic sights.
• Join the Paw Patrol pups as they save the day in a live stage show at The Chicago Theatre during PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure on April 5 and 6.
• Mingle with butterflies at the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, located within the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, a greenhouse haven that’s home to more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies.
• At the Chicago History Museum’s Sensing Chicago exhibit, kids can ride an old-fashioned, high-wheel bicycle, catch a fly ball at Comiskey Park, and become a Chicago-style hot dog.

• Visit the lakefront Lincoln Park Zoo to come face-to-face with animals from around the world. Plus, admission is free for the whole family.
• 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck offers bird-eye views of Chicago from 1,000 feet in the air. Daring kiddos will want to take on the TILT!, a sky-high thrill ride that allows visitors to tilt out over The Magnificent Mile.
• Feed a shark, meet a beluga, or help train a sea lion at Chicago’s beloved lakefront aquarium. The Shedd Aquarium offers several animal encounters where you can get up close and personal with a marine creature.
• The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago offers Family Days every second Saturday of the month to encourage young visitors to get creative, think deeply, and work together as artists.

Explore more: Check out 30+ kid-friendly things to do in Chicago.

Chicago spring break for outdoor enthusiasts

Chicago in spring is a nature-lovers paradise. The whole city bursts into bloom, from the sprawling lakefront to indoor gardens to charming neighborhood parks. Here’s how to get outdoors in Chicago during your spring break getaway.

• Chicago is a biking city with over 300 miles of bike lanes. Rent a Divvy bike and ride the Lakefront Trail, a 19-mile-long lakefront bicycle path with sweeping vistas of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.
• Admire the first blooms of spring at Garfield Park Conservatory’s annual spring flower show. This year’s show runs through May 11.
• Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk, a waterfront stretch located on the south bank of the Chicago River, where you’ll encounter intimate coves, towering skyscrapers, and stunning public art.

• Stop and smell the roses while exploring the sprawling Chicago Botanic Garden in nearby Glencoe, where 27 unique gardens burst into bloom in the springtime.
• Soak in the gorgeous water views from the open-air upper deck of a Chicago lakefront cruise, from informative architecture tours to scenic sunset dinners.
• In the spirit of the Japanese “hanami,” the tradition of enjoying the transient nature of flowers, head outside for a stroll through the Japanese garden in Jackson Park. The garden is beloved for its cherry blossoms, which bloom every spring.

Explore more: Discover some of the best things to do in Chicago in spring.

Spring vacation for art & culture lovers

In Chicago, art is all around you. There’s public art lining the city streets, filling our acclaimed museums, and even lighting up our buildings after dark. Plan an art and culture-filled spring break with these events and exhibitions.

• The Art Institute of Chicago’s latest exhibit, Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris (open March 29 – July 13, 2025) highlights the famed Mexican artist’s richly creative time in Europe.
• EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair will host 170+ international exhibitors at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall from April 24 – 27.
• Every third Friday, the Bridgeport Art Center opens its studios for an evening of mingling with Chicago-based painters, sculptors, photographers, fashion designers, ceramic artists, and woodworkers.

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• Take a tour of the meticulously restored interior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located steps from the University of Chicago campus.
• Grab tickets for one of the diverse shows at our award-winning neighborhood theatres, known for their innovative and original works.
• Feel the magic of Broadway in Chicago during Moulin Rouge! The Musical, playing at the stunning Cadillac Palace Theatre from April 2 – 20.
• In the evening, head to the Riverwalk to experience Art on the Mart, which returns in April. The light and sound show will be projected on the riverfront facade of the landmark Merchandise Mart nightly.

Spring break for college students

Bike through the city’s dynamic neighborhoods, sample your way through the food scene, laugh ‘til it hurts at a local comedy club…Chicago is an unforgettable destination for young spring breakers looking for music, nightlife, comedy, and more.

• Tee off via high-tech golf simulators as you sip craft cocktails at Five Iron Golf in the Loop or set off in a bumper car to play a game that combines lacrosse, hockey, and at WhirlyBall in Bucktown.
• See a concert in a landmark circa 1892 opera house, Thalia Hall, which hosts concerts by well-known and up-and-coming musical acts. After the show, visit Punch House, a subterranean cocktail bar with a retro vibe.

• The Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. This year’s event occurs on Saturday, March 15, along with the downtown parade.
• Yes, chef! Sample iconic local bites during this The Bear-inspired Food Tour of Chicago, where you’ll walk in the characters’ footsteps, visit filming locations, and eat a ton of good food.
• See the city’s dazzling skyscrapers from the water with Chicago Electric Boat Company. Grab your friends, fill up a cooler, rent a boat, and explore the city via the river.
• Catch a rising comedy star at one of Chicago’s top-notch comedy clubs, a launching pad for names like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, Amy Poehler, and Steve Carell.

Spring break for sports fans

Spring is an excellent time of year in Chicago for sports fans. Kick off the season by cheering on your favorite Chicago teams in iconic stadiums and venues across the city.

• The Chicago Cubs will have their spring home opener on April 4 against the San Diego Padres at historic Wrigley Field.
• Across town, the Chicago White Sox will kick off their season with a home game on March 27 against the Los Angeles Angels at Guaranteed Rate Field.
• TheChicago Sports Museum offers a unique, interactive experience for sports enthusiasts, with exhibits featuring game-used memorabilia, high-tech challenges, and fascinating stories behind Chicago’s iconic sports history.

• Catch the legendary Chicago Blackhawks take the ice at the United Center. Their regular season runs through April 12.
• Also at the United Center, the Chicago Bulls bring an unmatched energy to the court. The Bulls have home games scheduled through April 11.
• Grab your paddle and reserve a court at SPF Chicago, an indoor pickleball emporium in Lincoln Park.