Easter in Chicago is a gorgeous springtime affair! If you’re not sure yet what you’re plans are, we’ve hunted down some of the top things to do to celebrate the long weekend. From bountiful brunches to spring-centric gardens, the following list is filled with things that no-bunny can resist taking part in!
We’ve created the ultimate guide to Easter in Chicago to help you find all of the best happenings this Easter Sunday.
1. Grab Easter Brunch at a local restaurant
This year, Chicago restaurants have really prepared themselves for a fantastic Easter Brunch and are really showing out with delectable eats and festivities. Check out the top 30 brunch spots and make your weekend reservation now. Read the full Easter Brunch list here.
2. Take part in an Easter egg hunt
The South Loop Easter egg hunt is quickly approaching, filling your Saturday with joyous and classic games! Taking place this Saturday, April 8th, the annual Easter egg hunt will take place at the Chicago Womens Park & Gardens starting at 12 p.m. and going until 2 p.m. Tickets are currently $15 for 1-12-year-olds and $10 for those 13 and over. Make sure you have a ticket prior to attending!
Address: 1801 S. Indiana Ave. Chicago
3. Wander around a secret garden in the city
There are so many little pockets of Eden in the city. As spring starts working its magic on the city, what better time than now to visit one of these celestial paradises?! From the South Garden at the Art Institute to the Garden of Phoenix, there are so many green areas to kick back and relax! Find all of Chicago’s hidden gardens here.
4. Stop and smell the flowers at a local plant shop
Take in the fresh-cut beauty! From gorgeous bouquets to springtime arrangments, Chicago is bustling with local flower shops throughout the city. As spring comes into bloom, these locally owned shops are sure to stock up on colorful flowers galore! Find your neighborhood flower shop here! See the full list of local Chicago flower shops here.
5. Take a day trip to a natural spectacle
6. Go on a Jewish Deli tour
Did you know that Easter weekend often collides with Passover celebrations? This year, why not frequent one of the many fantastic Jewish Delis in the area for a bit of nosh? From Manny’s famous cafeteria style to Sam and Gerties vegan options, embrace the season of rebirth with a fantastic bagel and lox! Read the full list of Jewish Delis here.
7. Check out the Garfield Conservatory’s spring flower show
Chicago’s fantastic flower shows at the local conservatories are some of the most eagerly anticipated events of the season. Both Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory have begun their Spring flower shows already. The free activity brings you closer to nature, with The Lincoln Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show, “Cooler by the Lake” inviting visitors to peruse a range of flowers in cool marine color tones alongside features familiar to Chicago’s Lakefront, like the iconic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse! Make a reservation online beforehand for a secure spot!
8. Check out Chicago’s Harry Potter experience
Embrace the magic of spring at Chicago’s massive Harry Potter™: Magic at Play experience.
Taking over three floors at the Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue, guests of all ages can interact, explore, play, and climb their way through the most iconic moments at Hogwarts™.
Don’t miss this magical adventure for wizards, witches, and even muggles (gasp!)—Accio tickets!
9. Kick back this weekend with goats and a beer
This weekend, experience the pinnacle of wholesomeness by hanging out with the billy kids over at GlennArt Farm! Afterward, double down on those warm fuzzy feelings with a few flights of delicious craft beers complete with a stunning rooftop view at One Lake Brewing with this exclusive Brews n ‘Baahhs’ experience.
Grab tickets to Brews n ‘Baahhs’ here.
10. Visit Chicago’s first theater-centric bookstore and cafe in Andersonville
You have to visit The Understudy on a weekend stroll this year. The new hybrid cafe and bookstore just open in the ultra-cozy Andersonville neighborhood, bringing delicious caffeine, pastries, and a wide selection of reading material to the area. Read more about The Understudy here!
11. Enjoy Delicious Treats at West Loops Levain Bakery
For all the cookie lovers out there, boy do I have the perfect spot for you! Levain Bakery, a cult-status bakery known for its mega-watt perfectly baked 6 oz cookies has a can’t miss store in the bustling West Loop. With a curated list of delectable cookies, fresh pastries, and savory bread to choose from, the menu is filled with sweet treats and bites, adding an extra sugar rush to the already hopping easter egg hunt!