Best Chicago Spring Break Activities

A guide to 25+ of the best Chicago spring break activities from a Chicago mom who has done them all! This list includes special events, museums, playgrounds, indoor play spaces, and day-off camps.

Chicago spring break is taking place the last week of March. Since it isn't a busy time for tourism, it's a great time to play tourist in our own city!

This list of Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids is more comprehensive and might also be useful!

Best Chicago Spring Break Activities

Experiential Museums

Part museum, part immersive play space, and lots of fun for the whole family.

Color Factory

This is my daughter's favorite experiential museum - we went twice last month. She especially loves it when Color Factory has scavenger hunts (she is always asking when the monsters from the Halloween scavenger hunt will be back). This spring, Color Factory is hosting Colors in Bloom. This limited-time event features a scavenger hunt, larger-than-life tulips, and a confetti installation. Color Factory includes 15 immersive installations and we usually spend about 2 hours here.

Color Factory is in the Lower Level of the Sears Tower (Willis Tower). There is a small food court on the ground floor, and if you need a dining option, we love Tortazo.

Balloon Museum

I've been raving about this museum with immersive inflatable art installations since it opened. I had to include the Balloon Museum on my list of best Chicago Spring Break activities since I've received many messages from people who went based on my recommendation and loved it! The Balloon Museum closes on April 6th, so Spring Break is the perfect time to visit.

Paw Patrol Experience at the CAMP Store

The CAMP Store has transformed into Adventure Bay. Children get to take on a series of challenges inspired by Paw Patrol characters, including Skye's Zipline, Rubble's Construction Zone, and Ryder's Raceway. You do need to book timed tickets in advance.

Museum of Ice Cream

This ice cream-themed experiential museum has putt-putt, ice cream tastings, and a sprinkle pool! The space is filled with fun photo opportunities.

Skydeck

A visit to the observation deck at the Willis Tower begins with an interactive museum where visitors can learn about Chicago's history and take fun photos, and ends with incredible views of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan. The bravst kiddos will want to step onto The Ledge, the glass floor balcony.

Events

The Cubs Home Opener

The Cubs are kicking off the 2026 season with a game against the Washington Nationals on March 26th. at 1:20pm. To celebrate Opening Day, Hotel Zachary is offering the Architecture of Baseball package that includes tickets to the architectural tour of Wrigley Field.

Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in Concert

The Auditorium and the Chicago Philharmonic are continuing their Auditorium Philms Concert Series with a live performance of Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark on Saturday, March 28, 2026. This would be such a wonderful way to introduce an older child to the Chicago Philharmonic. Tickets are available here.

Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are playing at home on March 20 at 7:30pm and on March 22 at 2pm.

Brookfield Zoo

Located in the Explore Oak Park and Beyond destination, the Brookfield Zoo presents Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope. This special exhibition showcases handcrafted lanterns inspired by wildlife, global traditions, and mythical worlds. It's a fun way to explore the zoo after dark.

Museums

Chicago has incredible museums. I've highlighted some special exhibitions and events that are taking place during spring break week.

Best Chicago Spring Break Activities: Paul Tazewell at MSI

Museum of Science and Industry

MSI has something for everyone. Right now, there are two great special exhibitions. Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing explores the superhero's origin story. This exhibit involves a lot of reading, so is best for children with reading skills. Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell explores the creative process of the costume designer behind Hamilton, Death Become's Her (Broadway), and Wicked (film). Videos explaining the design process are projected behind the incredibly intricate costumes.

MSI's children's play area, the Idea Factory, is always a highlight. Be sure to plan on spending at least 30 minutes here.

Chicago Children's Museum

The Chicago Children's Museum is open 7 days a week, from 10am-5pm, between March 23 and April 5 as part of its Spirit Days event. Be sure to visit the art studio to create animal collages.

Garfield Park Conservatory

The Spring Flower Show: Showers of Flowers features 80 hanging baskets of florals. Daily Spring Break programming will be offered March 21-22 and March 25-29 from 11am to 2pm. Admission fees are waived with proof of Chicago residency.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best Chicago Spring Break activities since it is free! Visit the giraffes, monkeys, zebras, and say hello to the red panda that just arrived!

Shedd Aquarium

Admire the sharks, watch the dolphin show, and wave to the penguins. Penguin encounters and shark feeding tours can be booked for children ages 6 and up! (This must be done in advance.) There is so much to do at the Shedd that it is easy to spend hours exploring.

Field Museum

Home to Sue the T. Rex, the Field Museum is free for Illinois residents on Wednesdays. Another reason to visit on Wednesday, March 25th is the PlayLab PlayDate. This is a free activity for children ages 2-6 that features a reptile/Women's History-themed storytime reading and show-and-tell. It's taking place from 10:30am-11am on March 25th, and again on March 28th.

Adler Planetarium

The children's space station-themed play area is a blast, and the dome shows introduce children to concepts like multiverses. Older children might enjoy The Dark Side of the Moon show that combines the iconic Pink Floyd album with a choreographed visual cosmic journey.

Chicago Botanic

The Orchid Show: Feelin' Groovy has a fun '60s and '70s theme and features over 10,000 orchids. The show runs daily from 10am to 4pm through March 22.

Ryan Learning Center at the Art Institute

The children's learning space at the Art Institute is free and open to the public (no, you don't need a museum ticket to enter). It's open daily from 11 - 3, but closed on Tuesdays. Spring Break Art Making will be hosted March 25-27 from 11am-3pm. This is a drop-in free event.

Best Chicago Spring Break Activities: Nature Museum

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Explore Nature's PlaySpace, visit the Butterfly Haven, and say hello to the turtles. My daughter loves the hands-on RiverWorks exhibit. Pro tip: there is a lot of water play at this museum; I always bring a rain jacket for my daughter.

Playgrounds

While March weather can be tricky, we usually get a day or two at the end of the month when it is warm enough for the outdoor playgrounds. These are our three favorites.

Walsh Playground

Located at the East End of the 606, on the border of Wicker Park and Bucktown, this is one of the better playgrounds for big kids.

Oz Park

This Wizard of Oz-themed playground is one of the newer playgrounds in Chicago.

A ranked guide to the best things to do in Chicago with kids, written by a Chicago local and parent. All of can't-miss museums, playgrounds, and Chicago experiences.

Maggie Daley Playground

This spectacular playground has sections for children of different ages and skyline views. Maggie Daley Playground is a short walk from the Ryan Learning Center at the Art Institute, we often combine the two!

Indoor Play

These indoor play spaces keep kids busy and happy for hours - and wear them out!

Blackhawks Ice Center

My daughter learned to ice skate over winter break and we were blown away by how incredible the new Blackhawks Ice Arena is! Located in the West Loop, just a couple of blocks from United Center, this is the practice home of Blackhawks and the home rink for the Chicago Steel. It is also open to the public for skating - just check the website to see what the hours are, since they do change.

While you are there, check out the two new One Off Hospitality restaurants. Raise the Cup serves coffee and pastries. Rocky's serves elevated concession-style cuisine. If your children are old enough to be on the ice by themselves, the ice center has lots of comfortable spaces for adults to relax.

Play Street Museum

Located in the South Loop, this indoor play space is best for kids aged 6 and younger. The museum has a tiny town with a fire station, a doctor's office, and stores.

Skyzone

Skyzone, in Lincoln Park, is a trampoline park and indoor play space. It has some more engaging activities for older children, including a warrior course, climbing wall, and trapeze and swing.

Altitude Trampoline Park

This trampoline park has locations in West Town and Roscoe Village. Toddler Time is for children ages 6 and under and is the perfect opportunity for little ones to jump.

Urban Air

Urban Air in Lincoln Park has giant slides, rides, bumper cars, go karts, mini golf, laser tag, a warrior course, and more. There is also an area for children ages 7 and younger.