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. It also is magical in the springtime, with glorious weather and a chance to see tulips up and down Michigan Avenue. If you’re looking for a unique adventure this spring, we have you covered with many amazing experiences that the entire family will enjoy. Keep reading for the 15 most memorable things to do with your kids in Chicago this May!
1. Venture to Harry Potter™: Magic at Play and step into Harry’s World
Witches and wizards of all ages will be excited to discover Harry’s world at Harry Potter™: Magic at Play, which made its worldwide debut in Chicago! The epic exhibition will have you start your adventure just as Harry Potter did at the Dursley residence at 4 Privet Drive.
Created by Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Original X Productions (formerly Superfly X), your kids will marvel at this one-of-a-kind Wizarding World experience that’s only in Chicago for a limited time, taking over three floors and 30,000 square feet at the Water Tower Place on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Guests of all ages can interact, explore, play, and climb through the most iconic moments at Hogwarts™ at this immersive experience. But like most things, this magical journey is only in town for a while! It leaves Chicago on Labor Day, so be sure to snag your tickets now before they disappear. Kids tickets start at $19 for a limited time! They also host epic birthday parties, so be sure to learn more here!
2. Wake up in a magical world at this exciting Harry Potter™-inspired hotel suite
🏨 🛎️Want to make your visit to Harry Potter™: Magic at Play even more epic? Spend the night in a magical world at an enchanting hotel suite inspired by the world of Harry Potter™ in downtown Chicago! Check out the ‘Wizards and Wands’ suite at Loews Chicago hotel, filled to the brim with magical décor like a flock of letters, potions, floating candles, and so much more. They even have the brand-new Hogwarts Legacy game as a complimentary add-on, and magical treats to enjoy upon arrival like sweets with golden Snitch Wings and chocolate frogs!
3. 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 an 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.
4. 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.5. The Museum of Ice Cream would thrill any child!
Venture to a museum dedicated to the sweet treat of ice cream! The 13,000 square foot ice cream emporium in The Shops of the Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue, dubbed “Willy Wonka’s factory comes to life,” has epic installations like the iconic sprinkle pool, plenty of sweet treats (of course!), a cafe, and a bar that you must take time to enjoy!
Read all about it here and snag tickets here!
6. Spend a few hours enthralled in an adventure on the big screen
Make a memorable day out of going to the movies with an epic blockbuster adventure to enjoy with the kiddos, or plan a special one-on-one date with one of your kids. There are several titles that little ones will enjoy, including the recently released Super Mario Bros. Movie at AMC Theatres® in the Chicagoland area.
Grab discounted tickets to a movie showing here.7. 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!
Get your tickets here8.Indulge in a Donut-smorgasbord at the first-of-its-kind Underground Donut Tour
The Doughnut Vault has the ultimate experience, perfect for all sweet tooth fanatics. Celebrate the mini donut lover in your life during this unique foodie tour and try out a curated selection of delicious treats like Do-Rite Donuts, Firecakes, Stans, and Doughnut Vault. It’s special knowing that there isn’t a tour quite like this out there, since it’s the first donut tour in the city, which makes it a unique way to indulge in your favorite treat.
Snag your tickets for a unique outing!9. Venture to Chicago’s world class museums
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! 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. Lastly, don’t miss one of Chicago’s most famous museums guarded by the prominent green lions … The Art Institute of Chicago for a memorable day viewing contemporary and modern art. If you’re an Illinois resident, check out the free days for 2023.
See upcoming not-to-miss exhibitions!10. Enjoy a scavenger hunt at Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a destination noted for being one of the only free and privately managed zoos in the country. So why not plan for an unforgettable day with your child by taking part in a scavenger hunt? Visit the best landmarks and hidden gems, answer trivia questions and solve extraordinary challenges at Chicago Scavenger Hunt: A Day At The Zoo this spring!
Secure your tickets here!
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.
Read more here!12. 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.
Snag tickets here!13. Take a road trip to Choco Town, just outside of Detroit!
If you’ve ever wanted to step into a sugary wonderland and sample an array of chocolates, you won’t want to miss this unique adventure called Choco Town! This delicious multi-sensory chocolate village has recently opened in Troy, Michigan, with plenty of Instagrammable moments and delicious samples throughout! It’s perfect for the entire family…so load up the car for an epic road trip! Just be sure to bring your camera and sweet tooth!
Grab tickets to Choco Town here!14. Plan a visit to this brand-new park!
The Green at 320 has just opened and is the newest spot to bring the family to spend the day! Enjoy monthly movies in the park, a farmer’s market on Tuesdays, musical performances at the custom mini-amphitheater, and more. Kids can even play games like foosball, table tennis, and various lawn games! Want to plan a date night? There are wine tastings, fitness classes, and live comedy shows too!
Check out the summer schedule here!15. Check out the tulips on Michigan Avenue
Of course, spring in Chicago is only complete with seeing the pretty blooms on Michigan Avenue! Thousands of bulbs were planted in the fall, from Oak Street to Roosevelt Road, and begin opening up in the spring, making for a gorgeous view on your stroll downtown. You could also plan a trip to the annual Richardson Farm Tulip Festival to see thousands of tulips in full bloom!