Sticking around Chicago this spring? Good plan. Make the most of it by signing the kids up for a Spring Break Camp or really digging into what the city has to offer together as a family. Discover new exhibits, go for hikes, race slot cars. . . the list goes on. Here are ideas for being a tourist in your own city and filling the days in amazing ways.

Museum of Science & Industry's The Art of Brick

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Museum of Science & Industry

MSI's The Art of Brick features intriguing works of art made exclusively from LEGO bricks. The collection of creative and inspiring pieces was created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. 

Ice Age Giants at Brookfield Zoo

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Cathy Bazzoni/CZS-Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo has unleashed more than 30 life-sized animatronic re-creations of giants that roamed free during the Ice Age. Ice Age Giants introduces kids to a 15-foot-tall woolly mammoth, an oafish 20-foot-long giant ground sloth, a 12-foot-tall giant bird, a fearsome 5-foot-long saber-toothed cat and more. Adding to the lifelike effects, parts of the animals move, making the experience even more realistic.

Morton Arboretum's Human + Nature

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Morton Arboretum

Five massive outdoor sculptures created exclusively for Morton Arboretum by artist Daniel Popper rise above the natural landscapes in the Human + Nature exhibition. The 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures are installed across the 1,700-acre site and lead guests to areas they may not otherwise explore. Using thought-provoking human forms paired with elements of nature, each piece will bring attention to the deep connections between humans and nature.

Race Slot Cars

Resurrect 1960s thrills at an old-school wonderland, Dads Slot Cars in Des Plaines. Armed with hand controls (and a rush of high-speed adrenaline) you power miniature cars on a slotted track. Once you’re done owning the track, top off the afternoon with a cone from the onsite ice cream parlor.

Pretend it's Summer at an Indoor Waterpark

family at great wolf lodge chicago waterpark
Great Wolf Lodge

Lazy rivers. Wave pools. Slides that go so fast you’ll forget to breathe. No matter your water park speed, or the age of your kids, you’ll find an indoor water park near you that will make you forget you're still in Chicago's chill. 

Instill a Love of Exercise

On Your Mark

It’s been pretty cool to see how many small businesses have popped up that focus on the physical fitness and mental health of our youngest Chicagoans. From indoor rock climbing to swim lessons and acrobatics to soccer, read our story to find an exercise facility that caters to kids near you. And, after they nail the workout, treat them to a refuel from one of our favorite juice or smoothie bars.

Take a Hike

two girls in nature at Morton Arboretum in Chicago
Morton Arboretum via Maria Chambers

Spring is fantastic. . . but add fresh air, unforgettable blooming scenery and a chance to spy on animals in their natural habitat and you're guaranteed a memorable family day. Lace up your hiking boots, strap an infant to your back and hit one of Chicago's many low-key hiking trails

Be Old-School Cool and Go Roller Skating

two girls roller skating
Stock

Impress the family with your 8-wheeled dance moves at one of these retro-fun spots that have stood the test of time. 

Immersive Art Experience at WNDR Museum

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WNDR Museum

WNDR Museum, the ever-evolving, immersive art and technology experience features one-of-a-kind installations from artists, collectives and studios globally and locally. 

Frida: Immersive Dream

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Michael Brosilow

Lighthouse Immersive and Maestro Immersive Art are presenting their newest installation, Frida: Immersive Dream. The exhibit focuses on the art and life of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), the beloved 20th-century Mexican artist famous for compelling self-portraits and radiant pieces inspired by life in her native country. The artist's best-known works will be brought to life and set to music, Feb. 24-May 28. 

Visit the Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo

No matter the time of year, a visit to the always-free-admission Lincoln Park Zoo is a no-brainer. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through October, kids can plant, weed, compost and harvest with Lincoln Park Zoo volunteers and staff from Green City Market. The green-thumb fun at Edible Gardens includes planting tomatoes, pulling weeds, thinning carrots, harvesting green beans and digging purple potatoes. 

Lookingglass Alice

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Lookingglass Alice will take ages 5 & up on a circus-infused trip down the rabbit hole and deep into your heart. This signature Lookingglass production has toured the country, enchanting audiences, painted each time with a fresh coat of magic. The awe-inspiring production has come back home to Lookingglass Theatre for a new generation to discover.  

Take a Music Class

The key to being a rock star is displaying a killer combo of enthusiasm and self-confidence. In other words, be a toddler. Channel all that energy into these music classes for kids in Chicago that focus on learning and fun.

Make Your Kid's Dream of Flying a Reality

iFly

If your kid has a need for speed, take them indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel at iFLY and capture their super silly faces in wind suits and helmets. It’s an adventure that’s thrilling for the whole family.

Chicago Kids Company's Rapunzel

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Chicago Kids Company

After stealing a precious plant, the King and Queen are forced to let their wacky gardener Nexus raise their daughter, Rapunzel. She is locked away at the top of a tower where she grows into a young woman with a beautiful singing voice and long flowing hair. After eighteen long years, Rapunzel meets a handsome prince who just might help her escape.

Practice Your Swing at Topgolf

Sun, rain, snow . . . whatever the weather brings, you can still practice your swing at Topgolf. They offer the perfect intro to golf for kids that are newbies to the game.

Tilt Over the City for an Unforgettable View

360 Chicago

Cruise 94-floors high in the building formally known as John Hancock and lean (squeal and maybe cry a little) 30-degrees over the city with 360 CHICAGO and TILT

Walk in Beauty at Chicago Botanic Garden

family at chicago botanic garden
Chicago Botanic Garden

Smell flowers, walk the greenhouses, breathe fresh air, and run around outside at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Visit a Park with Lake and City Views

Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park is arguably the best park in Chicago. Kids can climb, swing and crawl on a massive playground, go rock climbing or roller skate in the ribbon. All while enjoying panoramic views of the city in the background.

Visit Winnie the Pooh at Mercury Theatre

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Mercury Theatre

Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation introduces kids to Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl (and, Tigger too!). This fresh stage adaptation is told with impressive life-size puppetry, telling exciting new stories of iconic characters loved for generations. 

Good luck planning your spring in Chicago. If you’re looking to book a hotel, we have some ideas for you in our story Chicago Hotels with Amazing Kid Amenities for Staycationing.

— Maria Chambers & Wendy Altschuler

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