Spring break is around the corner and if you have kids attending a Chicago Public School, it’s next week. This year’s spring break is definitely different than last year’s – when we were in lockdown with nowhere to go and most of us had our spring break trips or plans canceled. As Covid-19 numbers and cases are significantly lower this year, Chicago and many other places have eased restrictions. I know some families that are traveling domestically for spring break while others are not ready for travel and staying put in Chicago. But even if you are staying home for spring break this year, there is always something to do in Chicago (one of the reasons why I love living in Chicago).
So…if you are staying in Chicago during spring break for a staycation, visiting Chicago for spring break, looking for something fun to do with your kids in the spring time, or just want to get out of the house and change up the routine a bit, I have a list of things you can do and see. I wanted to highlight some of these places in addition to the wonderful parks and world-class museums in Chicago (you can check out my Chicago Guide here and more fun things to do with kids in Chicago (for social distancing here).
Please keep in mind that that we are not out the pandemic yet, so please follow the social distancing guidelines and mask requirements at these places for everyone’s safety.
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit
Charlie and I attended the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in Chicago about a month ago and absolutely loved it (see my blog post here). I really want to go back and take Luke with me next time. I think the Van Gogh Exhibit is kid-friendly and the larger than life art installation and light show is sure to keep Luke interested. He may not know much about Van Gogh now but hopefully he will be able to recognize his art work after seeing the exhibit.
The Friends Experience
Luke has been watching reruns of Friends on TV now and then so he was familiar with the show when we previewed the FRIENDS Experience in Chicago this past fall (see my blog post here). I think the FRIENDS Experience is fun for both parents and kids, especially if you’re fans of the show. There’s plenty to do and see and a great way to capture this fun experience on camera.
The WNDR Museum
We got the opportunity to visit and check out the newly reopened and reimagined WNDR Museum this weekend and the boys loved it! The reimagined WNDR experience features one-of-a-kind installations from artists, collectives, and studios locally and globally. There is 20+ new installations and with multi-sensory experiences. I think the twins were on sensory overload. But there are so many opportunities for fun pictures with your family. My favorite room at the WNDR Museum is the Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room. You only have a minute in the room so enjoy it and take as many pictures as possible!
The Museum of Illusions
We had planned to check out the Chicago Museum of Illusions a few weeks ago but couldn’t make it happen. So it’s still on our list for things to do this spring. The museum is a self-described “one-of-a-kind edutainment” with immersive experiences. The museum has 80 visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms that sound like they will keep Luke interested and happy while he’s there.
Mini Golfing
Big Mini Putt Club is opening this weekend. It’s an indoor mini golf course with a 9-hole course. I checked with the owners who say it’s family friendly and kid-friendly. As Luke enjoyed the small mini golf setup at the new closed Three Greens Market, we are planning on taking him here to elevate his mini golf game.
Chicago River Architecture Tour
I always love playing tourist in the city and the Chicago River Architecture tour has always been my favorite and never gets old. It’s fun for kids because they’re on a boat! And they get to learn more about the cool Chicago skyscrapers.
Brooklyn Boulders
I think Brooklyn Boulders is a great activity for kids who like a challenge and to…climb! There are two locations in Chicago!
iFly Chicago
The iFly Chicago activity has been on our list for so long and I think that Luke is finally ready for it. I mean, what kid doesn’t love to fly?
Big Balls Are Back” Experiential Activation in Chicago
TBS is celebrating the return of the hit TV show “Wipeout” with an experiential activation and large-scale installation for consumers in Chicago called “Big Balls Are Back,” popping up at Pioneer Court 3-9pm on Wednesday, March 31, and taking place 9am-9pm daily through Sunday, April 4.There will be a whopping 25 feet tall and 70 feet long for fans and visitors to enjoy. This COVID-safe, touch-free, interactive activation in the form of an art installation. This should be a fun photo opportunity in front of the big red ball installation and mock contestant-style interviews for fun photos and video content for social. The Wipeout “sideline reporter” will be asking all the tough and hilarious questions.
Bike Along the Lakefront
With the lakefront finally open after a year of being closed, a bike ride with a few stops here and there to check out the city views or sit and watch the water is a great way to take advantage of one of Chicago’s gems.