Spring is right around the corner in Chicago, and with the changing of the seasons comes warmer weather. The warmer temperatures can create the ideal setting for families in the Windy City to resume spending quality time outside of the home and in the great outdoors.
There’s no better time than the present to start making plans for those beautiful spring days when the children aren’t at daycare. Get a head start by reading the rest of this article for the top recommendations.
Outdoor activities
Lakefront Trail
Spring weather can offer the best of both worlds, remaining cool enough to avoid overheating but warm enough to stay comfortable. The rising temperatures can make the Lakefront Trail a fun family adventure. It’s a suitable activity for children of all ages, with those in infant daycare in Chicago able to ride in a stroller as the family takes in the view of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Families can walk, stroll, or bike the trail.
Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park
Another fun outdoor family adventure to plan for this spring is a visit to the Maggie Daley and Millennium Parks. These parks offer loads of fun things for children to enjoy, including seeing The Bean, the excitement of Play Garden’s slides, and the opportunity to splash around at the Crown Fountain once the weather is warm enough.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is an excellent place to enjoy with your children this spring, though it’s best to wait until the weather is warmer. The zoo is free for the entire family, making it a cost-effective bonding opportunity. The warmer weather can lead to the animals at the zoo being more active, enhancing the experience and potential learning opportunities for young students and animal lovers.
Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is known for its impressive spring exhibits, making it a great choice for Chicago families seeking a fun day out. The indoor gardens are also impressive and offer a respite from the weather if the cold returns.
Indoor fun and museums
Navy Pier
The Navy Pier is an iconic destination for local families and visitors alike. It provides several fun experiences for children, including the famous Chicago Children’s Museum. The warmer weather will bring other exciting attractions to the pier, and parents can cap off the day with an unforgettable ride on the Centennial Wheel for unparalleled views.
Legoland Discovery Center
Families with children who love building and creativity can visit the Legoland Discovery Center this spring to enjoy a hands-on adventure. Children can let their creativity and critical thinking skills they’ve developed at local preschools, such as Kids’ Work Chicago Riverview, and parents can bond with them through the experience.
Mindworks
Mindworks is a newer museum in the Second City, and it’s based around interactive experiences and learning geared toward children. Parents can indulge in the many hands-on exhibits with their children, learning new and interesting scientific facts along the way. It’s an excellent choice for a rainy spring day.
Unique Chicago experiences
Art on the Mart
Art on the Mart is a free art spectacle held in Chicago, where artists project their digital art onto the Mart Building. It’s an event unique to Chicago and one that can inspire children to develop a love of the arts.
Catch a ballgame
Chicago is famous for its baseball teams, and spring offers a return to the nation’s pastime. Depending on the month, families can indulge in the excitement of a new season at Wrigley or Rate Field to cheer on the Cubs or White Sox.
Architecture Boat Tour
The Architecture Boat Tour provides families with a unique and informative look at Chicago’s architectural wonders from a new perspective. Tours resume operating in the spring.
Tips for spring family adventures
Check for free days
Many museums in Chicago have scheduled free days on the calendar, making their exhibits and experiences more accessible to families with young children. Check the calendar of museums that stand out to your children to bond through the experiences while saving money.
Pack layers
Spring in Chicago can bring warmer weather, but the wind and weather conditions can change quickly. For a comfortable family outing in Chicago this spring, dress in layers.