Want some concepts for spring break 2021? Within the springtime, Chicago is bursting with bustling inexperienced areas, glowing waterfronts, world-class museums, beautiful structure, scenic outside eating, thrilling occasions, and a lot extra.
Whereas spring journey will look completely different this 12 months, Chicago is targeted on opening responsibly and going above and past to be sure you really feel comfy whereas exploring the town. Right here’s our information to planning a spring break (or staycation!) in Chicago for households, outside fanatics, artwork and tradition lovers, and even locals. And don’t overlook to take a look at these special offers from hotels throughout the town.
Household-friendly spring break in Chicago
In search of a getaway that’s full of equal components enjoyable, studying, and recent air? Chicago is the place to be for an all-ages adventures, whether or not you’re seeking to scoot round a downtown park or say good day to stingrays at a lakefront aquarium.

- Calling all superhero wannabes! The interactive exhibition Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes that celebrates the superheroes of the Marvel Universe ― Spiderman, Batman, Hulk, Captain Marvel, and extra ― is launching on the Museum of Science and Business this March.
- Meet the most recent residents of the Lincoln Park Zoo ― together with bare mole rat pups and a child gray seal ― when it reopens for spring on March 4. Make sure that to seize a reservation prematurely.
- The Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park reopens for rollerblading and scootering in April.
- Head to Chicago’s lakefront Museum Campus, the place households can dive deep into the fascinating underwater world at Shedd Aquarium or meet the world’s largest dinosaur (hello Maximo!) on the Field Museum.
- 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck provides birds-eye views of Chicago from 1,000 ft within the air. Daring kiddos will need to tackle the TILT!, a sky-high thrill trip that permits guests to tilt out over The Magnificent Mile.
Chicago spring break for outside fanatics
Chicago in spring is a nature-lovers paradise. The entire metropolis bursts into bloom, from the glowing lakefront to the charming neighborhood parks. Right here’s how you can get open air this spring throughout your Chicago getaway.

- Garfield Park Conservatory is reopening to the general public on Feb. 27, simply in time for his or her annual spring flower show. This 12 months’s present, dubbed Saturation, options vegetation throughout the whole spectrum of the rainbow and runs by Might 9.
- Stroll, run, or bike certainly one of Chicago’s scenic trails, together with the 18-mile Lakefront Trail or The 606, an elevated park and path that runs throughout 4 neighborhoods.
- Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk, a waterfront stretch positioned on the south financial institution of the Chicago River, the place you’ll encounter intimate coves, waterfront cafes, and beautiful public artwork, with Chicago’s iconic structure as an unforgettable backdrop.
- Cease and scent the roses whereas exploring the sprawling Chicago Botanic Garden in close by Glencoe, residence to 27 distinctive gardens.
- Don’t miss a springtime hike alongside the winding trails of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, residence to over 222,000 vegetation from 40 nations.
- Bobby’s Bike Hike provides award-winning excursions of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods and parks. Burn energy as you pedal to eateries the place you’ll be able to pattern every of Chicago’s 4 favourite meals teams — pizza, scorching canines, brownies and beer — on a Bikes, Bits & Brews Tour.
Spring trip for artwork & tradition lovers
In Chicago, artwork is throughout you. There’s public artwork lining the town streets, filling our acclaimed museums, and even lighting up our buildings after darkish. Begin planning an arts and tradition spring break in Chicago with these occasions and exhibitions.

- The Artwork Institute of Chicago is again open, with a restricted capability and a newly prolonged Monet and Chicago exhibit — catch it earlier than it’s gone. Or rejoice Ladies’s Historical past Month by studying in regards to the historical past, values, and heritage of the Apsáalooke Women and Warriors.
- Admire the work of painters, sculptors, photographers, vogue designers, ceramic artists, woodworkers of the Bridgeport Art Center.
- Immersive Van Gogh is a visually spectacular digital artwork exhibition that invitations audiences to step inside the long-lasting works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh by way of an authentic rating and hovering digital projections.
- Expertise the town’s legendary structure from the perfect seat in the home — the three branches of the Chicago River — on a Wendella Chicago River Architecture Tour, which resume March 12.
- Within the night, head to the Riverwalk to expertise Art on theMart, which relaunches on April 1 with the world premiere of Astrographics, developed in collaboration with the Adler Planetarium. The sunshine and sound present might be projected on the riverfront facade of the landmark Merchandise Mart nightly at 8:30 and 9 p.m. all season lengthy.
Chicago staycation for locals
Simply since you reside right here, doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t plan a spring staycation. Begin by exploring a brand new neighborhood, lastly testing that museum you’ve been which means to go to, or checking an area eating places off your eating bucket listing. And don’t overlook to take a look at out hotel deals to make it a real spring staycay.

- Discover a brand new neighborhood with a free Chicago Greeter strolling tour. Led by fellow locals, you’ll be able to take your decide of Chicago neighborhoods. A number of favorites embrace the town’s solely nationwide monument in Pullman, Pilsen’s colourful road artwork, or the historic boathouse and tranquil lagoons of Humboldt Park.
- On the College of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, you’ll discover putting Gothic structure, the free Smart Museum of Art (reopening April 8), and the Oriental Institute (now open), an intimate museum that highlights the historical past, artwork, and archaeology of the traditional Center East. Take a tour of the meticulously restored inside of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, positioned steps from the campus.
- Assist our native eating neighborhood with particular prix fixe, multi-course menus from 200+ eating places throughout the town throughout Chicago Restaurant Week 2021, from Friday, March 19 to Sunday, April 4. And reap the benefits of the spring sunshine at certainly one of Chicago’s many patio dining hot spots all spring lengthy.
- Within the spirit of the Japanese “hanami”, the custom of having fun with the transient nature of flowers, head outdoors for a stroll by the Japanese garden in Jackson Park. The backyard is beloved for its cherry blossoms, which bloom for lower than two weeks each spring. Peak bloom is anticipated within the first two weeks of Might this 12 months.
- Study a little bit about your individual metropolis on the Chicago History Museum. Climb aboard the first-ever ‘L’ automobile, go to a duplicate of a historic jazz membership, image your self within the fashions of a Marshall Discipline’s retailer window, and be taught what makes Chicago residence candy residence on the Chicago: Crossroads of America exhibit.