Spring break in Chicago is a mix of adventure, discovery, and iconic sights—but let’s be honest, planning a trip that keeps both younger kids and teens entertained can feel like a challenge. With unpredictable spring weather (one day might be warm, the next requires a winter coat!), I’ve put together a family-friendly Chicago itinerary that works whether you’re enjoying sunny park days or chilly museum explorations. My own children are six years apart, so I know the challenges of trying to plan fun times while appealing to different age groups.
From world-class museums and interactive exhibits to must-visit landmarks, shopping, and some seriously good food, this guide will help you make the most of your 3-day Chicago spring break adventure! I’ve also included some suggestions for family-friendly restaurants and well as some additional options of places to explore. So read on and start packing for your Chicago Spring Break getaway!
Day 1: Exploring Museum Campus & Navy Pier
Shedd Aquarium
📍 Address: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
👦 Best for Ages: 5-18
Kick off your Chicago trip at Shedd Aquarium, one of Chicago’s best-loved attractions. This isn’t just any aquarium—it’s home to beluga whales, sea otters, sharks, and an incredible coral reef exhibit. My kids loved the Abbott Oceanarium, where they got to watch dolphins swim and play. If you want an extra special experience, the 4D movie theater adds an immersive touch to your visit.
Field Museum
📍 Address: 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
👦 Best for Ages: 7-18
Next up: the Field Museum, home to SUE the T. Rex—the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever found! If your kids love dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, or science in general, this museum is a must. Younger ones will enjoy the PlayLab, while older kids can dive into the Underground Adventure exhibit that shrinks you down to the size of an ant!
Lunch: Half-Sour on Clark
📍 Address: 755 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605
After exploring, take a short drive to Half-Sour, a casual spot that serves up great sandwiches, bagels, and fresh salads. It’s laid-back, kid-friendly, and a great place to recharge before more fun. The hamburgers are some of the best in the city, and my daughter and I love to split the spinach-artichoke dip- it’s delicious.
Adler Planetarium
📍 Address: 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
👦 Best for Ages: 6-18
Space lovers, this one’s for you! Adler Planetarium is a must-visit for families who want to explore the wonders of the universe in a hands-on and immersive way. Kids can touch a real meteorite, step inside a spaceship simulator, and try their hand at controlling a Mars Rover replica.
The Planet Explorers exhibit is especially fun for younger kids, giving them the chance to crawl through space tunnels, launch pretend rockets, and explore a mini space station. Meanwhile, teens (and adults!) will be mesmerized by the Dome Theater planetarium shows, where stunning space visuals transport you to the farthest reaches of the galaxy.
Don’t forget to step outside and take in the amazing views of the Chicago skyline from the planetarium’s lakefront location—it’s one of the best spots for a family photo!
Evening Fun: Navy Pier
📍 Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
👦 Best for Ages: All ages
Wrap up the day with a visit to Navy Pier, where you can ride the Centennial Wheel, visit the Chicago Children’s Museum, or just stroll along the pier with a box of Garrett Popcorn.
🍽️ Dinner Idea: Giordano’s (700 E Grand Ave) for classic Chicago deep-dish pizza! I am a fan of the Giordano’s thin crust topped with Italian sausage – yum!
Day 2: Lincoln Park Adventures & Literary Fun
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
📍 Address: 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
👦 Best for Ages: 5-12
This hidden gem in Lincoln Park is perfect for younger kids! The Butterfly Haven is magical, and the interactive nature exhibits keep little explorers engaged. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a hidden gem where kids can immerse themselves in nature, science, and hands-on exhibits. One of the biggest highlights is the Butterfly Haven, a tropical greenhouse filled with over 1,000 fluttering butterflies—a truly magical experience, especially in early spring when outdoor flowers haven’t fully bloomed yet.
Little explorers will love the RiverWorks exhibit, where they can splash and play with interactive water displays, while older kids will enjoy the taxidermy animal collection and rotating science exhibits. It’s also one of the most kid-friendly museums in Chicago, with plenty of interactive learning opportunities and space for kids to explore at their own pace. Plus, being right next to Lincoln Park Zoo, it’s an easy stop to pair with other great attractions!
Lincoln Park Zoo
📍 Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
👦 Best for Ages: All ages
💲 Free Admission!
A visit to Lincoln Park Zoo is a must—it’s one of the last free zoos in the U.S. and home to everything from big cats to playful penguins. It’s a great spot to enjoy on a warmer day. Donlt miss the seals and penuins; it’s one of the first exhibits you’ll encouter when you enter the museum. I once spent an entire month walking through the tunnel to the zoo every morning(pushing a stroller with two chidren), just so the kids could could say Hi to the penguins. But trust me, those penguins are so cute, I never minded!
Lunch: RJ Grunts
📍 Address: 2056 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614
An old-school Chicago burger joint with killer shakes, a fun retro vibe, and a salad bar that parents will appreciate. One of the first (if not the first) resturant by the popular and ever-expanding local restaurant chain, Lettuce Entertain You, R.J. Grunts is a Chicago classic.
Day 3: Iconic Chicago & Water Tower Fun
The Bean & Millennium Park
📍 Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
👦 Best for Ages: All ages
TJust a short walk from Water Tower Place, Millennium Park is the perfect way to wrap up a day of shopping and sightseeing. Stop by The Bean (Cloud Gate) for some fun, reflective family photos before strolling through Lurie Garden, a peaceful urban oasis filled with seasonal flowers and greenery.
If the weather is warm enough, let the kids cool off at Crown Fountain, where giant LED faces of Chicago locals “spit” water from the interactive fountain feature. It’s always a hit with younger kids who love splashing around!
Shopping & Fun at Water Tower Place
📍 Address: 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
👦 Best for Ages: 5-18
- American Girl Place & LEGO Store (Great for younger kids!)
- JoJo’s Shake Bar for Instagram-worthy milkshakes
It’Sugar – A Sweet Ending to the Trip
📍 Address: 830 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
👦 Best for Ages: All ages
Right down the street from Water Tower Place, It’Sugar is the ultimate sugar rush before heading home! This candy superstore is packed with giant-sized sweets, novelty treats, and nostalgic favorites that will have kids (and parents!) picking out their favorites for the ride back. It’s the perfect way to end your Chicago spring break adventure on a high note!
Wrap-Up: Chicago Riverwalk or 360 Chicago
If you have time, take a sunset walk along the Chicago Riverwalk or head up to 360 Chicago for skyline views (older kids might love the Tilt Ride!). The 360 Chicago Observation Deck is located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. The highlight of this attraction is TILT, an exhilarating glass-enclosed platform that tilts you outward over the city at a heart-pounding angle! Teens and adventurous kids will love the thrill of being suspended over Michigan Avenue, while everyone can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the skyline, and even four surrounding states on a clear day. If you’re visiting in the evening, watching the city lights sparkle from this high up is truly a magical experience!
Final Thoughts
Spring break in Chicago offers the perfect mix of adventure, learning, and fun, no matter the weather. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny day at Millennium Park or hiding from the chill inside the Field Museum, this itinerary ensures your family makes the most of every moment.
Which stops are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments!