Chicago is one of the best places to show your kids art, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will leave lasting impressions on the youngest members of your family. If you’re looking for a unique adventure during spring break, we have you covered with many amazing experiences that the entire family will enjoy. Keep reading for the best things to do in Chicago with kids this spring!
1. Zoom over the city at Navy Pier’s thrilling new FlyOver experience
Navy Pier’s thrilling $40 million, 48,000-square-foot FlyOver experience is now open, and one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids right now! Whether you’re a native Chicagoan, a longtime resident, or a first-time visitor, don’t miss the chance to experience this brand-new adventure. The three-part journey begins with a gallery-style presentation featuring Chicago characters set to themed music. The pre-show, one of our personal favorites, delves into the city’s rich tapestry, sharing captivating stories accompanied by powerful music. Be prepared for a few tears!
Next, you’ll embark on a 9-minute flying experience, soaring past iconic skyscrapers and getting up close to landmarks like the Bean and the Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. You’ll also catch glimpses of the L-train, Joffrey Ballet dancers in rehearsal, and a car chase—which turns out to be a film being made! Sports fans will love the aerial views of beloved stadiums, while aviation fans can marvel at the Air and Water Show from a unique perspective. Tickets are priced at $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for children under 13. Chicago Public Schools students can enjoy $5 tickets until April 30th, 2024, and groups of 15 or more students can book field trips at the same rate. Other school districts can take advantage of $10 tickets for groups of up to 15 guests.
2. Have your own night at the museum…
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Have you ever wanted to spend the night at a museum? Now you can! The Field Museum offers the most exciting overnight experience with ‘Dozin’ with the Dinos’, providing you with an after-hours adventure. Get an up-close look at Sue, the famous T-Rex, explore the exhibitions, and take part in all of the late-night activities like exploring Chicago wildlife, previewing the Unseen Oceans exhibit, and dissecting owl pellets. There are several dates coming up in March and April, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy a fun sleepover at the Field Museum.
Learn all about ‘Dozin with Dinos here!3. Catch a thrilling Chicago Fire match at Soldier Field
If your family loves soccer, attending a Chicago Fire match this spring is a must. We had the pleasure of experiencing ‘Kids Day’ during a thrilling match against CF Montréal. It’s a day filled with fun activities tailored for children, including meeting the beloved mascot Sparky, interacting with members of Paw Patrol, enjoying performances by the School of Rock Chicago, and even participating in painting a themed banner in the Kids Zone for the game.
Even if you didn’t get the opportunity to check out ‘Kids Day,’ seeing a Chicago Fire game is a fantastic day out for the entire family! Tickets are more affordable than other major sporting games, and matches only last about 90 minutes, which is great for younger children. Plus, the electrifying atmosphere of Soldier Field, along with the chance to witness world-class soccer players in action, makes it an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages!
Find an upcoming match!4. Check out the Chicago Philharmonic’s new live concert movie series featuring Black Panther, Batman & More!
The Chicago Philharmonic orchestra is offering Chicagoans a creative way to enjoy some of our favorite blockbuster movies starting with Blade Runner on February 17 at the Auditorium Theatre stage. So, if you’re looking for fun kids activities in Chicago, mark your calendars for Batman (1989), which is celebrating its 35th anniversary year, on April 13, followed by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther on June 22 and 23. Watch these iconic movies accompanied by an 11-piece chamber orchestra!
Check out more information here!5. Sail into the past at this jaw-dropping Titanic exhibit, now open in Chicago
Experience the captivating Titanic the Exhibition, now open in the Chicago area. This intriguing exhibition tells the compelling story of the iconic liner, from its design in 1908 to its recovery in 1985. Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness real artifacts from the famed ship, providing a firsthand connection to the historic journey.
6. Check out this new Afrofuturistic Multiverse at the Adler Planetarium
Visit the Adler Planetarium and embark on an imaginative journey with ‘Niyah and the Multiverse,’ following the adventures of a creative Chicago pre-teen. If you’re looking for kid activities in Chicago, join her on a visually stunning Afrofuturist voyage through the multiverse.
Learn more here!7. Teach them the art of thrifting!
It’s official, I’ve passed on my love of thrift shopping to my children, so if your kids are anything like mine, they are going to love scouring the city for the perfect thrifted piece to add to their collection. While I nudge them to look for unique clothing items that can be deemed ‘cool’ at school, they are often on the hunt for old toys, dolls, or other fun gadgets they can add to their collections. It’s definitely the thrill of the hunt for us!
Check out the full list of our favorite thrift stores across the city!8. Go to this rad science shop for unique items and check out science night this month!
If you and your kids are looking for kid activities in Chicago and have a passion for science, you can’t miss out on one of the most fascinating shops dedicated to all things quirky and scientific! Explore a treasure trove of items at the American Science & Surplus store, from dissection frogs to vintage Russian microscopes and 1950s Geiger counters. This store promises to captivate the minds of both young kids (and their parents!), offering a thrilling journey through the wonders of science! Don’t miss the upcoming ‘Science Night’ on February 9th from 7-9 p.m., featuring exciting experiments, games, and step-by-step instructions on how to make a lava lamp!
📍27 N. Northwest Hwy. Park Ridge, IL 60068
9. Check out this live-action gaming experience
An exciting and competitive indoor gaming facility has opened outside of Chicago that you must visit! The high-tech Activate Games in Oak Brook offers fun for the entire family by combining technology and physical activity. These live-action games require families to work together to test their mental and physical agility and complete the games in three-minute face-offs.
We loved the variety of games offered, such as Hoops, Push, Hide (which reminded us of a family-friendly version of Squid Game), Megagrid, a massive space with color grids on the floor (make sure you step on the right color!), and laser games, similar to thrilling spy movies like Entrapment. This heart-racing family adventure is perfect for kid activities in Chicago and would add a dose of fun to any dull mid-week night or weekend!
🤸Learn more about Activate Games here!
10. Marvel at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Endless
The Museum of Contemporary Art’s Endless exhibition, on display until April 07, 2024, offers a thought-provoking and enriching experience, particularly for older kids. Focusing on the concept of infinity, a topic that often intrigues young minds, the exhibit showcases the work of artists across mediums such as painting, sculpture, drawing, and photography. Through techniques like repetition and abstraction, the artwork explores endlessness, whether in spatial, temporal, or spiritual dimensions. This provides viewers with unique opportunities to interpret the art, sparking curiosity and prompting questions from inquisitive kids.
While visiting the MCA, be sure to explore all the current exhibitions and take advantage of the free public art installations. My kids always enjoy posing with the three yellow figures known as Ganz Grosse Geister (Big Spirits XL) 2004 by Thomas Schütte.
📍220 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
11. Don’t miss these CityDays – Scavenger Hunts
CityDays Scavenger Hunts allow thrill seekers to see sights and landmarks in the city while working on challenges and puzzles! You can “Get Lost In The Loop” or choose from other exciting trails! Explore Old Town, the Magnificent Mile or Chicago’s China Town for unforgettable cultural and historical fun and challenges!
Discover secret treasures all over the city. No matter what trail, you will have lots of fun and adventure around every corner!
🕵️♀️ Head here for more info on CityDays Escape Room Games in Chicago.
12. See City on Fire: Chicago 1871 at the Chicago History Museum
Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum
The Great Chicago Fire exhibit at the Chicago History Museum promises to be a learning experience for the entire family, allowing you to delve into one of Chicago’s most famous tales. “The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was a pivotal event in the city’s history, setting it on a path of unmatched resilience and constant evolution that still defines Chicago today,” said Julius L. Jones, Curator at the Chicago History Museum. This interactive and family-friendly exhibition features over 100 artifacts from the museum’s collection, along with engaging multimedia components and shares personal stories from survivors.
📍1601 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
13. Take the kids to a tribute of their favorite musicians at an upcoming Candlelight Concert
Expose the kids to some incredible sounds under the dim glow of candlelight at one of these fantastic Candlelight Concerts. From tribute concerts of world-class singers like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to talented musicians performing popular classical ballads like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & more, there’s never been a better time to introduce your youngsters to the gift of music.
🕯️See the full list of candlelight concerts taking place in Chicago here.
14. Learn about Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches at the Field Museum
Bloodsucking creatures take center stage at the Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches exhibit at the Field Museum until September 2nd. “There are plenty of opportunities in the exhibition to get a close look at creatures that would normally evade us,” said Marie Georg, Senior Exhibition Developer at the Field. “From leeches to live ticks safely contained in an aquarium, to an audio experience immersing yourself in a cloud of mosquitoes, there’s a wealth of content to savor and learn from without worrying about being bitten.”
📍1400 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
15. Go on a skydiving adventure
Calling all adventure seekers to Lincoln Park Indoor Skydiving! The state-of-the-art iFLY Chicago is home to an epic indoor skydiving destination right here in the Windy City! If you’re looking for a thrilling afternoon and the opportunity to take part in a unique experience with your son or daughter, consider spending the afternoon learning a fun new skill here. You’ll even go home with a personalized flight certificate too!
16. Enjoy a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo
Explore the wonders of Lincoln Park Zoo, noted for being one of the only free and privately managed zoos in the country. Plan for an unforgettable day with your child as you visit the best landmarks and discover hidden gems at this winter.
Besides the zoo, Chicago has also had some pretty unique animal sightings! Chonk, the giant snapping turtle, was spotted as a couple of Chicagoans kayaked the Chicago River, and a family of the sweetest red foxes has been spotted in Millennium Park!
17. Check out Funtopia, an exciting adventure playground
Venture to this dynamic new adventure playground in Glenview, IL, for an exciting day out with your family. This fun-tastic Funtopia play center is perfect for children of all ages. Kids can enjoy areas separated by Fun Zones so they can play with children in their own age group! There’s a climbing wall for older children, an obstacle course suitable for kids ages six to 13, and a playpen area for toddlers to enjoy.
18. Visit the mindbending Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions (25 East Washington Street) offers a mind-blowing day out with an interactive, immersive, and educational experience for its guests by featuring 80 different mystifying exhibits. The museum is temporarily closed, but will reopen this fall with more space and over 20 new exhibits!
19. Check out ways to have a cinematic experience in Chicago, including checking out top filming locations
Chicago may not be Los Angeles when it comes to filming movies, but we’ve had our fair share of major Blockbusters filmed in this city. If you and your family love movies, check out these 15 cinematic experiences that you must do in Chicago!
🎥 Film lovers can read more here!
20. Take the kids to explore Chicago’s longest-running street
Besides checking out some of the unique events, museums, zoos, pop-ups, and cultural institutions, why not spend the day exploring Chicago’s longest-running street?
That’s right, one of our streets in this city stands out as the longest-continuous street in Chicago! It’s a cool 20+ mile stretch with car dealerships, unique neighborhoods, the Rosehill Cemetery, and everyday buildings and businesses you’ll find as you explore. It’s something your kids will absolutely love and one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids.
🚶Can you guess which street it is? Details here!
21. Enjoy a decadent high tea service!
Sure, Chicago boasts some of the most beautiful restaurants and new spots we can’t wait to try, but there’s something decadent about sitting down for a high tea service with your mini-me for an assortment of teas, pastry towers, and decadent cakes. It is one of the kid activities in Chicago that will make them feel regal!
Check out our full list of top spots here!22. Escape to one of these charming small towns near Chicago this winter
Sometimes you just need a getaway! Are we right? If you live in Chicago with kids, planning a little escape to a smaller and charming town can be just the respite you need.
Whether you meander over to New Buffalo, Michigan, to take in the sunset at the beach after dinner at the Stray Dog or venture to the charming town of Galena, Illinois, to stroll the cutest main street filled with shops, you’ll want to bookmark this list of top small cities near Chicago!
23. See 360-degree views of this magnificent city at the Willis Tower Skydeck
A trip to Chicago is only complete with making a trip up to the Sears Tower, or as we locals like to call it, the Willis Tower, for incredible 360-degree views of the city from the Skydeck. Check out this list for more kids activities in Chicago that are on our bucket list..
24. Take the kids to see the Blue Man Group!
This is definitely one of our favorite things to do in Chicago with kids. Thirty-five million people worldwide have enjoyed the spectacle of the Blue Man Group, so we can be sure to say that the kids will love to see them at Chicago Briar Street Theater. Watch as three men doused in cobalt blue engage the audience through art, music, and jokes, all while not saying a word!
🥁 Get your tickets here!
25. Immerse yourself in The Art of the Future at Holographic Art Gallery
One of the more incredible summer kid activities in Chicago can be found at Navy Pier. Verse: The Art of the Future fuses art and technology allowing guests to step right into the metaverse in a digital art exhibition featuring augmented reality holograms and artwork by top-selling artists from the burgeoning world of NFTs.
With the help of an AR headset, smartphone, or tablet, each guest will experience their own reality in the same activation area (like a silent disco for holograms!). Verse provides an introduction to the people, technology, and stories that are shaping this disruptive evolution of the art world.
26. Impress your little ones with a game of soccer in the sky at Chicago’s first-ever rooftop soccer pitch
Looking for an elevated spot with incredible views to train and play soccer? Look no further than this 25,000-square-foot elevated soccer venue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. “Chicago is an amazing soccer town, and we built Skyline Pitch to celebrate the beautiful sport in the world’s most beautiful city,” said founder and managing director Ivan Lopez. “The only thing better than gathering with friends and teammates to play is to do so with an incredible panoramic view of Chicago’s skyline. Playing at Skyline Pitch will be an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.”
27. Find something to do that’s FREE!
Isn’t that right because…the best things in life are free! Some of the best kids activities in Chicago cost absolutely nothing! From checking out the marvelous digital projections of Art on the Mart to visiting cultural institutions like the Chicago Cultural Center to marvel at the Tiffany Dome, there’s plenty to do in this city that won’t cost you a dime.
🎨 Check out the full list here!
28. Learn all about the past at the Chicago History Museum
Spend a marvelous day out with the kids learning all about Chicago’s history, as well as the U.S., through thoughtful exhibits featuring around 20 million items at the world-class Chicago History Museum.
29. Explore the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry
Photo: Museum of Science and Industry
Since 1970, the Museum of Science and Industry has hosted the longest-running exhibition of African American art. The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition showcases a diverse array of art for the entire family to enjoy, including paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, and photography. One of the best things to do in Chicago with kids—don’t miss the chance to explore this extraordinary exhibition, which is open until April 21, 2024!
📍5700 S. DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
30. Go on a marvelous street art and graffiti tour
There’s no doubt that Chicago has a stellar art scene, especially our murals that bring vibrant art to all 77 neighborhoods in our incredible city. If your child loves art, this is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids. Explore Chicago’s exceptional street art masterpieces, learn all about the amazing history, and see where to find them.
🖌️ Check out 25 of our favorite murals here!
31. Take your kids to a Chicago bookstore
If you’re looking for an alternative to an iPad or iPhone, visit one of Chicago’s favorite bookstores. Wander through the Children’s section, or grab a TikTok trending book. Whether they love reading or you want a pile of more books in your home, a bookstore is a splendid way to start and one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids.