The buzz around our house lately is that spring break is quickly approaching.
Can you believe it?
The million dollar question, is where will your Spring break travels take you?
What about heading to Chicago for Spring Break with your kids?
Enter our suggestions of things to do on spring break in Chicago with kids
Chicago is such a fun city for anyone but it is especially great because families with kids of all ages are bound to enjoy it!
Chicago is the windy city for a reason and with the wind blowing off of the lake, you will want to make sure you bring clothes that will help you stay warm.
Places to stay in Chicago with Kids
The Loews Chicago Hotel is located on the Navy Pier and is surrounded by all of the hustle and bustle that this exciting city has to offer. In terms of budget, this hotel falls firmly into the treat yourself category, but we think that it is worth the splurge.
If you are needing to be slightly more budget conscious (who isn’t!) then we suggest checking out these hotels: The Crowne Plaza, or the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza.
If you would rather stay closer to Legoland Discovery Center in a hotel that your kids will thank you for, then check out Key Lime Cove. This is a hotel that features a 65,000 square foot water park. The nice thing is it has age appropriate areas for each member of your family.
Now, on to things to do and see while you are in Chicago!

Photo Courtesy of Holiday Inn
Things to do on spring break in Chicago with Kids
The Field Museum, makes our list of places to go when you are in town. This is a museum where you can breathe a bit more easily because your kids are encouraged to get hands-on with certain exhibits!

Photo Courtesy of Navy Pier
Navy Pier
No trip to Chicago is complete without a trip to the Navy Pier, you can find the Chicago Children’s Museum, and the iconic Ferris Wheel to name a few amazing things that you can do there.
American Girl Place
If you have little girls I am sure that you are already very aware that there is an American Girl Place in Chicago, but in case you didn’t this should be on your list!
Real Moment: If your daughter is living happily without a doll that costs $115 then you make the call on if you want to do that intro, if you are picking up what I am putting down!
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry, is right up any little (or big) boy’s alley if they are into planes, trains and automobiles (sorry I couldn’t help myself).
Millennium Park
Millennium Park, is a great space for you to let your crew burn off some steam and see their reflection in the bean of course!
Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a mile and a half long extending from the western part of the Loop to Lake Michigan. The riverwalk is filled with fantastic restaurant
LegoLand Discovery Center
I would be totally remiss if I left off LegoLand Discovery Center, well my kids would be so mad if I left it off. Legos are great fun for everyone, it is a sure hit with your family, at least it is with mine!
Skydeck Chicago
If heights don’t bother you, then the skydeck is a fantastic place to see sweeping views of the city. The website says: “…a one-stop Chicago experience full of interactive exhibits and…The Ledge, a glass balcony extending four feet outside the 103rd floor of Willis Tower!”
Shedd Aquarium
This aquarium really needs no introduction, The aquarium opened in 1930, and for many, many years was the largest aquarium in the world. Now, while it isn’t still the largest aquarium, it has an impressive 30,000 plus animals. Located right on Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum of Natural History are also extremely close.
The Adler Planetarium
The planetarium is home to three full size theaters, numerous space science exhibits and a huge collection of historic instruments that have been used in a wide variety space related projects. In addition, the Adler boasts the Doane Observatory, which is still an active research facility that is open to the public.
Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest botanical conservatories in the nation. The Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from all over the world the indoor display gardens. The conservatory is open year round and the tropical temperatures indoors are very welcoming after a bitterly cold winter. There are also nature play spaces for children, a water lily pond, and a lot more!
Places to Eat in Chicago with Kids:
Check out some of these places in the Windy City that your kids are sure to love!
Dylan’s Candy Store
Gino’s Pizza
Rainforest Cafe
All Aboard Diner
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Cheesie’s Pub & Grub
Safe House Chicago
Little Goat
We could go on and on about what there is to do in Chicago! Let us know if you decide to go and what you did while you are there. Better yet, tell us what you and your family love to do!
Rachel O.
Monday 25th of April 2016
Great list! We are trying to decide what to do for vacation this year so I'm pursuing your site looking for ideas! We've been to Chicago many times, and the Field museum is totally impressive. One of the largest natural history museums in the world, I believe.