Whether you’re a local looking for the ultimate staycation or you’re planning a trip to Chicago, spring break is right around the corner. There’s never a dull moment in the city—and no matter what your kids or teens love to do, you’ll find something for everyone, whether they love the arts or are sports fanatics. Keep scrolling for the ultimate itineraries for a memorable spring break in Chicago, packed with ideas for every interest!
1. For Arts, Culture, and Music Aficionados during Spring Break in Chicago 2025
Stay at the 21C Museum Hotel
Experience contemporary art at the 21C Museum Hotel in downtown Chicago. With 297 rooms, free rotating exhibits, and the current showcase ‘OFF-SPRING: New Generations’ featuring 100 artworks exploring rituals, it’s an ideal art-centric stay. Enjoy bright rooms with original artwork, luxe bedding, Malin+Goetz Bath Amenities, a 24-hour fitness center, and onsite dining at Lure Fishbar.
The Field Museum
Chicago is home to a slew of museums where you and your kids can explore and learn about fascinating things. Spend the day at The Field Museum, discovering the iconic dinosaur exhibitions and permanent collections, and don’t miss the largest T. Rex in history!
The Museum of Contemporary Art
For the best modern art collections, plan to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art for a day introducing the kids to the most iconic artists in history. The exhibitions rotate, but this museum has showcased the legendary work of artists such as Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, and Alexander Calder.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago offers a chance to explore world-class artworks with your children. The upcoming exhibition ‘Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection‘ showcases 58 rare Roman sculptures from March 15 until June 29.
Also on display this spring at the Art Institute of Chicago will be Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds from March 29 to July 13. Kids can also enjoy hands-on activities in the Ryan Learning Center during their spring break in Chicago, fostering a lifelong love for the arts. Check out all of the exhibitions to see in Chicago during spring break here!
Check out more museums and exhibitions to visit here.
Art On TheMART
Take a trip down by the river to see the Art on TheMART projections, known as the world’s largest permanent digital art projection. New shows will begin in April 2025.
Theater productions
Steppenwolf Theatre
If you have teens, consider checking out a thought-provoking production at Lincoln Park’s world-class Steppenwolf Theatre during your spring break in Chicago. Located at 1650 N. Halsted Street, it’s a must a must-visit for theater lovers. See the latest plays at Steppenwolf.org.
Broadway in Chicago
Families will love seeing Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from April 2 to the 20th!
Candlelight Concerts
Round out your cultural visit with a Candlelight Concert. These stunning concerts, illuminated by hundreds of candles, are found all across Chicago and the suburbs, showcasing different genres of music, including pop, jazz, and classical, so there’s something for every musical taste!
2. For Film and TV Lovers
Stay at The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline from many rooms. Movie buffs will love that it has also gained recognition for its appearances in films like The Dark Knight and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
A self-guided tour of famous filming locations
The Dark Knight: Lower Wacker Drive, Chicago Board of Trade Building, the Berghoff Restaurant which was made to look like Sirens nightclub, LaSalle Street Bridge, and The Richard J. Daley Center. Home Alone: The McCallister House in Winnetka, Illinois, O’Hare International Airport, including the unforgettable scene where Kevin and his family rush through the airport to catch their flight, and the Rookery Building was the filming location for “Polka King” at 209 South LaSalle Street in Chicago.
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York: The Hilton Chicago, the popular hotel in the South Loop, was a filming location for the popular movie!
Step into your favorite movies at Sony Pictures’ Wonderverse Chicago
If you and your family love movies, then don’t miss a trip to Wonderverse Chicago. This 45,000-square-foot entertainment destination will keep the whole family entertained for hours. Don’t miss the Jumanji VR experience, where you’ll transform into characters from the movie to find the stolen jewel! Try to break out of the thrilling Uncharted Escape Rooms before the pirates close in on you. If you love the Ghostbusters films, you have to try the two VR experiences—and parents will definitely want to sneak away into the hidden Ghost Trap Speakeasy!
Be a part of the action at the Flyover Experience
Feel like you’re in a movie at the FlyOver attraction at Navy Pier. The $40 million attraction opened last March, and take it from us, you’ll feel as if you’re in the movies as the huge spherical screen swoops you through some of Chicago’s most epic attractions. There’s also an Iceland experience that makes you feel as if you’re there. If you have kids that go to Chicago Public Schools, tickets are just $10 with proof of enrollment!
Watch a movie on the big screen
Catch a discounted movie at AMC theaters over spring break in Chicago. Grab the AMC Yellow Ticket to enjoy your favorite film on the silver screen.
Locations: Participating at the following AMC Theatres® locations in Chicago: AMC Randhurst 12, AMC River East 21, AMC Norridge 6, AMC Evanston 12, and more! For a unique theater, check out this list of movie theaters around the city to catch a film.
Want more ideas? Check out Cinematic Experiences For Film Lovers To Enjoy In Chicago!
3. For History Buffs
Stay at Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel
The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, is a Beaux-arts-style steeped in 150 years of history. Located in Chicago’s theater district, and near attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park. Parents will love to sneak away for a cocktail in the stunning lobby. Fun fact: the entire family will want to try their famous brownies, right where they were invented, in the Palmer House Kitchen during the Columbian Exposition World’s Fair in 1893.
Have a Night at the Museum
If you’ve ever wanted to have your own night at the museum, now’s your chance! Spend the night at the iconic Field Museum for Dozin’ with the Dinos. Enjoy the exhibitions after-hours, including the new Cats: Predators to Pets at the Field Museum, get an up-close look at the legendary T-Rex Sue, and participate in a ton of late-night activities like dissecting owl pellets.
📅 Next dates are March 7, March 21, April 4, and April 18
Go on an Architecture Tour
The entire family would love the Chicago Architecture Tour that offers a unique vantage point of Chicago’s most stunning buildings from the water. See over 40 landmarks such as Marina City, the Tribune Tower, and the Wrigley Building.
4. For the Foodies
Stay at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is the ultimate family-friendly hotel right on the river, offering proximity to Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Magnificent Mile for shopping. Kids will love the Sheraton Little Chef Experience, hosted by their onsite chef, learning basic cooking skills during a one-hour session. During your stay, don’t miss the chance to dine at the restaurant Shula’s Steak House. It offers delicious seafood, mouthwatering steaks the entire family will enjoy, and the best martinis, because parents should indulge too.
A neighborhood pizza tour
Love pizza? Go on a fun tour around town during the ‘only bus guided neighborhood pizza tour!’ Taking about three and a half hours, the day kicks off at Pizano’s Madison Street with stops at several pizza joints. Your ticket includes four slices of pizza, travel around the city in a private mini coach, and a guide who will divulge Chicago’s important ties to pizza.
Chicago Loop Secret Food Tour
The Chicago Loop Secret Food Tour is the ultimate idea for large families looking for a fun foodie experience with a guide who will show you some of our best-hidden gems and share great stories about the city. Ideal for groups of up to 12 people, prepare to enjoy some of our staples like deep dish pizza with sausage, gourmet popcorn, a Chicago-style hot dog, an Italian beef sandwich, a brownie, and a secret surprise dish!
Enjoy the sweetest time at the Museum of Ice Cream Chicago
For something sweet on your foodie adventure during spring break in Chicago, plan a stop at the Museum of Ice Cream. The whole family will love the whimsical installations like the banana room and the iconic sprinkle pool. Plus, who wouldn’t enjoy trying so many sweet treats? Make your Chicago spring break end on a high note with a delicious indulgence!
Check out our top recommendations for food and drinks in Chicago
- 🍽️ Best new restaurants
- 🍳Top breakfast spots
- 🥞 Brunch spots
- 🍵 High-tea services
- 🍕Pizza spots
- 🍝 Italian eateries
- 🥩 Top steakhouses
- 🍹Fun mocktails
- 🏞️ Riverwalk restaurants
- ⛱️ Restaurants with outdoor patios
5. For Sports Enthusiasts and Thrill Seekers
Stay at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel or the Hotel Zachary, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The historic Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, located near Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, was originally founded in 1890 as a prestigious private club for the city’s elite athletes and enthusiasts. Today, it offers modern amenities and vintage-inspired design within a landmark building that once served as a private athletic club. Throughout the hotel, guests can experience nods to its sporting heritage through various decor elements. Children, in particular, will love the signature boxing-style robes, the original basketball court for shooting hoops, and the game room featuring favorites like pop-a-shot, skeeball, billiards, shuffleboard, chess, and checkers.
Hotel Zachary, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, adjacent to the historic Wrigley Field. Named after Zachary Taylor Davis, the architect who designed Wrigley Field, the boutique hotel celebrates the rich history and culture of the area.
Take your adrenaline junkie to experience the thrill of indoor skydiving
Calling all thrill seekers! Take your son or daughter to Lincoln Park Indoor Skydiving and experience their state-of-the-art iFLY Chicago. Not only will you see what it’s like to jump out of a plane, but you’ll even go home with a personalized flight certificate, too!
Enjoy rollerblading and skateboarding at Maggie Daley Park’s ribbon, and if your kids are into rock climbing, they’ll find that there, too.
Spend hours at the Chicago Sports Museum
Just like ESPN SportsCenter Anchor Matt Barrie said, “If you’re a Chicago sports fan, this is a must.” He’s talking about the Chicago Sports Museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Chicago sports. If you love Chicago sports history, it’s a must-visit destination for spring break in Chicago. Explore exhibits and a vast collection of memorabilia that celebrates the city’s iconic sports teams and favorite athletes.
Catch a sports game
Experience the ultimate spring break in Chicago by catching a game! It’s only fitting, as Chicago was ranked as the second-best city for sports fans in North America. Whether it’s thrilling basketball with the Chicago Bulls or Chicago Blackhawks hockey at the United Center, baseball excitement with the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field or the Cubs at Wrigley Field, cheering for the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field, or catching the Chicago Hounds Rugby at SeatGeek Stadium, attending a game is a fantastic idea for families who love sports!
Tee off in style at Puttshack’s high-tech mini golf!
The entire family will love Puttshack, a brand-new 25,000-square-foot, tech-infused mini golf destination in Oak Brook. Beyond mini golf, don’t miss the mouthwatering menu, featuring bites like Chicago Tailpipes, shiitake mushroom potstickers, Thai fried chicken, delicious burgers, flatbread pizzas, and more. Plus, there’s a full bar with craft cocktails to sip while you play, as well as mocktails like Cotton Candy Crush and H2NO Ranch Water—fun options the kids will love!
6. The Ultimate Spring Break Camps in Chicago for Adventurous Kids in 2025
Hi-Five Sports Club
Hi-Five School-Break Camps will keep kids busy during two sessions this spring, including March 10-14 and another option from March 24-28. These campers will stay busy learning the fundamentals of team sports in basketball, baseball, football, soccer, kickball, dodgeball, and more.
Chicago Park District
The Chicago Park District is another solid, affordable option with locations throughout the city to keep kids entertained during CPS spring break, March 24–28. Spring Break camps feature everything from recreational activities to arts and crafts to sports!
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
For those interested in science, venture to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Fab Lab Studios for hands-on activities that merge art, engineering, and invention. Spring break camps are available for kids from preschool through high school seniors this year.