Wake up Chicago, springtime is here! Spring is a time when Chicago starts to come alive again; flowers blossom around the city, outdoor events pop up, and Chicagoans start to brave the outdoors again. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local, this list is for you. Check out the best things to do in Chicago this spring (2021)!
1. Wander around the botanical gardens
The thing about Chicago weather is: it’s always a mystery. It could snow in March or it could be 70 degrees. On cold or rainy days, head to the botanical gardens for some warmth and beauty!
There are two botanical gardens in Chicago: one in Lincoln Park and the other in Garfield Park, both are accessible by train.
The Lincoln Park Conservatory is located in the heart of Lincoln Park nearby Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lakefront Path Trail. Both a botanical garden and conservatory space, Lincoln Park Conservatory has four display houses filled with thousands of exotic and unique plants.
With over 10-acres of lush gardens, Chicago’s Garfield Conservatory is one of the largest botanical gardens in the nation. Their mission is to change lives through the power of nature. The Garfield Conservatory has been around for over 100 years and holds an important place in Chicago history. Creator, Jens Jenson, wanted to give Chicagoans a glimpse of what Chicago might have looked like millions of years ago.
2. Enjoy Chicago’s green spaces
Spring is the perfect time to go on walks and enjoy nature as the weather warms up. Chicago is home to hundreds of parks and green spaces. You can find a park or green space in every single Chicago neighborhood. Pack a lunch and have a picnic outside for a fun weekend activity.
Some favorites include walking along the 606 trail in Logan Square, going for a walk in Humboldt Park, and enjoying the skyline view in Milton Lee Park downtown. Other popular green spots include Millenium Park, Navy Pier, and the Lakefront Trail. Pack a backpack with water and snacks and enjoy your day outside!
Click here for a list of Chicago parks and other free things to do in the city.
3. Go to an outdoor festival or market
Spring is the beginning of the festival season in Chicago. Whether you’re looking for live music, a beer festival, or a flower show, you can find just about everything. There are events and festivals to go to every weekend of the month.
There are also weekly farmer’s markets around the city. My favorite is the Andersonville farmer’s market.
Click here for a list of outdoor Spring events in Chicago!
4. Visit the Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is an indoor public aquarium that holds over 32,000 animals including belugas, stingrays, and sturgeons. They are more than just a tourist destination, The Shedd also protects endangered animals and acts as a rehabilitation center for wildlife in need.
The Shedd Aquarium is open every day from 9am to 6pm with limited capacity. Advance ticket purchase is required. Buy your tickets here.
5. Ride a bike around the city
Did you know Chicago is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the USA? Rent a Divvy bike, Chicago’s bicycle sharing system, for the day and ride around the city. I recommend riding along the Lakefront Trail, 606 Trail, or along Clark St. (Lakeview to Andersonville).
Click here for the best bike trails in Chicago.
6. Visit the cherry blossoms at Jackson Park
Jackson Park, located on the south side of the city, has over 500-acres of green space. The park includes a gymnasium, fitness center, Japanese-styled Osaka garden, golf course and driving range, and an artificial turf field. In the spring, the park is the perfect spot for cherry blossoms photos! There are over 150 cherry blossom trees to discover around the park.
The cherry blossoms pop up for 6-8 days usually during late April and early May.
Click here for a guide on finding the cherry blossoms in Chicago
7. Visit the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit
Looking for something unique to do? Check out the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit located in Old Town. The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit uses stunning projections to view iconic artworks in a unique way. Moving images fill each room taking guests on a tour of more than 400 Van Gogh paintings.
Check out some other Chicago Resources:
Save this post or share with friends: