Are you planning a vacation in Illinois and looking for things to do in Chicago is spring? You have stopped by the right place. I have to confess: I am partial to Chicago. We lived in Illinois for 10 years, 3 of which in the Windy City, so Chicago does hold a very special place in my heart. I am especially partial to Chicago in the months of March, April and May because there are so many wonderful things to do in Chicago in spring.
In addition to that, Chicago is not your traditional spring break destination, so it won’t be crowded or overpriced this time of year compared to major spring break locations. But at the same time there are lots of fun things to do in Chicago for spring break. So give the Windy City a chance in spring – and it will pleasantly surprise you!
Below is a list of my most favorite things to do in Chicago in Spring.
Things to do in Chicago in Spring # 1: St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Have you ever seen an entire river colored green? I don’t even think it ever happens in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day but it DOES happen in Chicago. You can walk along the banks of the Chicago river or take a river cruise, either way the sight of the emerald green water is very special.
There are also three(!) parades happening in Chicago to commemorate the occasion (all on different dates) – one in Downtown, one at the Northwest side and one at the Southside. You can find more information on these parades and other Chicago festivals at Choose Chicago.
Things to do in Chicago in Spring # 2: The Morton Arboretum
April is the time when flowering trees and daffodils start blooming in The Morton Arboretum and it is a sight not to miss. I love that The Morton Arboretum is never crowded (it is so big that it is really hard to crowd a place like that). Take a leisurely hike away from the hassle and bustle of the Chicago downtown and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Things to do in Chicago in Spring # 3: Chicago Botanic Garden
Similar to Morton Arboretum, spring is the beginning of the bloom season in Chicago Botanic Garden. April and May are the best months to see beautiful flowers in the Garden including tulips.
Also, there is typically a flower show or two happening in Chicago Botanic Garden in spring. This year, 2022, it is The Orchid Show (from February 12 till March 27)
Things to do in Chicago in Spring # 4: Tulip Festival
Speaking of tulips, 60 miles North of Chicago downtown you will find one of the coolest Tulip Festivals in the Midwest. Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, IL hosts a tulip festival every year some time between mid-April and mid-May depending on the weather. Peak bloom is for about 2-3 weeks and the farm will post up-dates on their Facebook page once they can predict with certainty when that will happen.
There are 5 acres of tulips on the Farm with roughly 300,000 bulbs planted so you can imagine the gorgeous field of tulips waiting for you together with games, food trucks and live music on weekends.
Things to do in Chicago in Spring # 5: Major Chicago attractions
Spring is a great time to visit all major Chicago attractions as they won’t be as crowded as they are during the summer. Museums, observation decks, the famous aquarium and planetarium and many other points of interest can fill your entire vacation in the city.
That said, major tourist destinations in Chicago are not cheap so it is essential that you get one of Chicago tourist cards that offer discounts on entry tickets to the biggest attractions. My personal favorite has always been Chicago CityPass because it gives you access to 5 major attractions (total 7 to choose from) at 50% discount. We bought Chicago CityPass when we lived in the Windy City and used it as if we were tourists because it is such a great deal.
Our most favorite attractions not to miss in Chicago are Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum, both covered by Chicago CityPass.
Things to do in Chicago in Spring # 6: View the waterfalls
Take a day trip from Chicago to Starved Rock State Park to see some pretty cool canyons and 14 waterfalls. The best time to see these waterfalls flowing is in spring, after snow melt and rains. Take a hike and enjoy some of the most picturesque views in Illinois.
PRO TIP: If you are ever in Chicago in winter, Starved Rock State Park is a must see too because these waterfalls turn into amazing frozen ice falls. In addition to that the Park offers one more BIG and BOLD surprise in winter. Check out my article about Starved Rock State Park in winter for more details.
What is the weather in Chicago in Spring?
The average temperature in Chicago in Spring is in the 40s F in March, in the 50s F in April and in the 60s F in May. You can expect 5-7 rainy day per month.
Where to eat in Chicago?
There are many great restaurants in Chicago and it would take an entire guidebook to list them all but what I think parents would find really helpful is to know where kids can eat for FREE in the Windy City – check the complete list of restaurants where kids can eat free at Chicago Parent.
Where to stay in Chicago?
My favorite place to say in Chicago is Lincoln Park area because it is right next to the lake and close to the Magnificent Mile and Downtown as well (short and scenic ride by bus). Also your kids love visiting Lincoln Park Zoo with its many adorable residents from around the world. And parents will love this attraction because the entrance is FREE!
If you found this article about things to do in Chicago in spring useful, please, share it with others as it may very well help them with their travel plans too. If your have your own suggestions for things to do in Chicago for spring break, please, share them in the comments below.
Enjoy your trip!
