Winters in Chicago can get seriously cold, so locals and tourists are more than ready for the thaw of spring when it comes. It’s no surprise that spring in Chicago is filled with tons of great activities and attractions to celebrate the return of warmer weather, blooming flowers, and a vibrant urban outdoor culture. If you’re looking for some inspiration when it comes to planning a trip to the Windy City this spring, check out our list of the best things to do in Chicago in the spring, including...
- Art Institute of Chicago
- The Field Museum
- Brookfield Zoo
- Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
- Enjoy Chicago’s Green Spaces
- New Exhibits at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
Find new springtime inspiration with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. One of the country's favorite art museums, this perennially popular institution is filled with enchanting permanent collections and exciting special exhibits. Highlights of the collection includes works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Matisse, and Chagall to name a few. They also offer temporary exhibits on textiles, photography, iconic paintings, and more. Exhibitions during spring 2020 include "Bauhaus Chicago: Design in the City" - a celebration of European Bauhaus designers who relocated to Chicago after Nazi Germany shut down this art form on the continent - and "The Impressionist Pastel" - a series of works that have for a long time been a favorite of avid collectors. Be sure to check out their new mobile app to help you explore their collections and find out more about the famous works. Getting In: Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is included with the Go Chicago pass.
Explore the Field Museum
Image credit: The Field MuseumHang Around With Animals
Animals love springtime, too! If you're a lover of all things furry, feathery, and even scaly, then you'll want to pay a visit to one of Chicago's top animal attractions to spend some quality time with your favorite critters. Greet the bears at the Brookfield Zoo in their popular "Great Bear Wilderness," and play around with the charming colorful insects in "Butterflies!" If you prefer aquatic life, then the Shedd Aquarium is a smart choice. You'll see fascinating creatures of the world's waterways -- great and small -- and learn a lot along the way. Getting In: Admission to the Shedd Aquarium and admission to the Brookfield Zoo are both included with the Go Chicago pass.
Play at Navy Pier
As the weather warms up, Navy Pier becomes an immensely popular springtime destination. It's filled with so many delightful attractions, from amusement park rides to bike rentals to a fun children's museum, that you're sure to have a lovely afternoon at this iconic Chicago locale. Relax while playing a fun round of mini-golf or ride to the top of the Centennial Wheel for that perfect photo. You can also take in a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, showing Emma, Taming of the Shrew and As You Like It through March - May. If you're traveling with family, you can visit the Chicago Children's Museum and take in an IMAX film. Or, simply people-watch, eat and shop. You can do it all at Navy Pier! Getting In: Navy Pier ride tickets and admission to the Chicago Children's Museum are both included with the Go Chicago pass.
See New Exhibits at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
A must-visit attraction for families with younger kids is LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. This spring, they're opening up two brand new exhibits that are sure to delight their visitors. A popular permanent exhibit, LEGO® Friends Heartlake City brings guests into the world of Olivia, Mia, and all their friends. Build something new with inspiration from their flipbooks, and get your photo taken with a life-sized model. For the Star Wars fans, the next exhibit will be a blast. Found in MINI LAND, this exciting exhibit is called LEGO® Star Wars Episode IV and offers tons of fun for all. Adults and kids will all enjoy this amazing interactive display, where Obi-Wan and Vader fight, the Millennium Falcon soars, and the cantina band on Mos Eisley plays. Plus, you'll get to mingle with life-sized figures. A treat for any Star Wars fan! Getting In: Admission to LEGOLAND Discovery Center is included with the Go Chicago® pass.
Tour the City
If you're a first time visitor to Chicago, then a perfect springtime activity for you is a comprehensive bus tour. It's a great, low-stress way to see the city's top highlights (like the beloved Bean, pictured above), and your tour guide will make it an enjoyable experience, too. Choose a hop-on hop-off option for the ability to get off at places that interest you and to be able to explore the city at your own pace. Then, catch the next bus to continue on your adventures! Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Chicago tickets are included with the Go Chicago® pass.
Ride a Bike
Chicago is a bike-friendly city, with short-term rental facilities popping up all over the place and streets being revised to accommodate bike lanes. Even if you’re not up to using a bike as your sole form of transportation during your trip, there are plenty of lakefront and park side trails for you to enjoy. It's an especially lovely time of year to pedal around Lake Michigan and Millennium Park. If you're not a local or weren't able to bring a bike with you, simply rent a bike and you’re all set for a day of adventure. Getting In: Chicago Bike Rentals are included with the Go Chicago® pass.
Enjoy Chicago’s Green Spaces
Millennium Park and the surrounding green space make for a beautiful natural expanse in the heart of downtown Chicago. One of the best things about spring for Chicagoans is the return of the many fun (and often free) events that these amazing parks host during the spring and summer. While the renowned Grant Park Music Festival won’t come around until the summer, other great special events like “Beyond the Aria” (beautiful operatic and musical theater performances at the Pritzker Pavilion) are still going on. Getting In: It's free to visit Chicago Parks.
Save on Springtime Activities in Chicago
Admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Go Chicago® pass. You can take your pick from the city's most popular attractions, and save up to 55% on combined admission compared to paying at the gate. Check out all available Chicago attractions, passes, and prices. Please note, some of these special spring events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Chicago® pass.
Local Spring Events
WhiskyFest Chicago
Hyatt Regency Chicago March 27, 2020
Image credit: Whisky Advocate.Baconfest
UIC Forum April 18 - 19, 2020
Image credit: Baconfest Chicago official Facebook page.Chicago Latino Film Festival
AMC River East 21 April 16 - 30, 2020
This year marks the 36th annual offering of the Chicago Latino Film Fest, which attracts tens of thousands of participants and viewers each year. Over 100 films of varying lengths will be on view, produced by directors and artists from Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and the U.S. It’s truly a comprehensive Latinx artistic experience and is a must-see for film buffs. Getting In: Admission to the Latino Film Fest is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Chicago® pass. For more information, please visit the event website.
Lincoln Square Wine Stroll
Lincoln Square & Ravenswood May 7, 2020, 6:30 - 9.30 pm
Wine fans have a lot to love in Chicago already -- why not make it even better with a "Wine Stroll" through some of the city's trendiest neighborhoods? Stop by local businesses throughout the area to sample wine and paired appetizers, with several different "routes" to choose from. It's a nice way to spend an evening exploring new parts of the city and getting to enjoy some of the best wine and food around. Getting In: Admission to the Lincoln Square Wine Stroll is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Chicago pass.
Remember to Save on Admission
Did we miss anything? A few things to do in Chicago in the spring, including some special events, other seasonal activities in April, May, and June. Please note, the spring events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available with the Go Chicago® pass. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your spring vacation itinerary.