Are you looking for things to do during spring in Chicago? You are in for a treat!
Chicago is beautiful in spring! You might not think of this big city as a place that is full of flowers and greenery, but there are so many parks and gardens that burst with color during spring.
There are also many events in Chicago during spring for all sorts of interests.
With warm and mild weather, Chicago in the spring is a great time for outdoor activities. Dine al fresco at some of the many fantastic restaurants in Chicago or soak up the sun on a boat cruise.
I love Chicago because there is so much to do and the city is gorgeous with shining skyscrapers and lively parks. In spring, the Windy City is even more pretty.
You will quickly find out that a visit to Chicago is one of the best things to do in Illinois!
Let’s take a look at the top things to do in Chicago in spring!
Spring in Chicago: 10 Best Things to Do
Watch a Baseball Game
Sports fans will love the opportunity to attend a Major League Baseball game while visiting Chicago in spring. The MLB season kicks off at the end of March.
Interestingly, Chicago is one of just three cities in the U.S. that is home to two baseball teams. The Chicago Cubs are part of the National League while the Chicago White Sox are in the American League.
The Cubs play at Wrigley Field, the second oldest ballpark in the country. The stadium opened in 1914 and is one of the must-see attractions in Chicago for anyone interested in baseball history.
The White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field which opened in 1991.
Whether you are cheering on the home team or the opponents, a baseball game is easily one of the best activities in Chicago in spring for the whole family.
Book Here: Chicago: Chicago Cubs Baseball Game Ticket at Wrigley Field
Enjoy a Bike Ride
Another way to spend a spring day in Chicago is by biking along Lake Michigan and taking in views of the skyline.
Breathe in the fresh air as you pedal the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. The paved path will lead you to many attractions in Chicago so you can stop along the way.
There are a bunch of Divvy bike-share stations throughout the city where you can rent a bike for a small fee. There are classic bikes as well as e-bikes and scooters available.
Biking is a fun and affordable way to explore Chicago during spring and summer.
Book Here: Chicago: Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour
Admire the Tulips on Michigan Avenue
One of the best spring things in Chicago is the plentiful flowers. Each year, tulips take over two miles of Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and Roosevelt Road.
The delicate flowers add a touch of natural color to the cityscape. They are the perfect addition to any Chicago photography.
The over 100,000 tulips are sure to provide a dash of happiness to your walk through the city.
The tulips have been a staple in Chicago since the 90s. The flowers bloom in late April and stay around until the end of May.
Book Here: Chicago: Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
See Cherry Blossoms in Jackson Park
Jackson Park is the best place to visit in Chicago for cherry blossoms!
There are around 190 cherry trees here that become fluffy with white and pink petals each spring. The best time to view the flowers is late April to early May.
The trees surround the Columbian Basin in front of the Museum of Science and Industry. They are also found in the Japanese Garden on the Wooded Island.
Enjoy the Japanese tradition of hanami, or “flower viewing.” This park is perfect for a spring photoshoot in Chicago. Or bring a picnic to eat in the dreamy landscape.
This is one of the top things to do in Chicago in May.
Take a Boat Cruise
A boat cruise is one of the top things to do in the spring in Chicago when the weather is nice and the sun is shining.
There are a ton of options for boat tours in Chicago. Cruising along the Chicago River and around Lake Michigan is the perfect way to experience the city.
Architecture boat tours are very popular among tourists who want to learn about the outstanding buildings in Chicago. Spot the Willis Tower, Tribune Tower, NBC Tower, Wrigley Building, and more.
If you want a meal on board, there are brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises to enjoy. A sunset cruise is one of the best date night ideas in Chicago.
For something unique, book a speedboat tour or a ride on a tall ship.
Book Here: Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise
Book Here: Chicago: 1.5-Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise
Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar
Spring in Chicago is also a great time for dining and drinking outside since it is not too hot or cold.
Downtown Chicago is full of great rooftop bars that offer views of the city and river. Watch the sunset light up the glass buildings as you sip tasty cocktails or craft beer.
Cindy’s Rooftop sits atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel under a glass atrium. Sit out on the terrece and gush over views of the Bean in Millenium Park.
Head to the 22nd floor of the LondonHouse Chicago to order a drink at LH Rooftop. Relax in a comfy seat while toasting over a classic view of the river cutting through the city
Other rooftop bars dotted throughout Chicago include ROOF on the Wit, Upstairs at The Gwen, the I|O Urban Roofscape at the Godfrey Hotel, and Raised at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.
To secure a table at any popular rooftop bar, you should make a reservation in advance.
Geek Out at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo
The annual Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, also known as C2E2, is a fun event dedicated to all things pop culture.
Dress up as your favorite movie, TV show, or video game character. Browse Artist Alley to find awesome fan art.
The Pop Asia section is perfect for anyone who loves anime, manga, K-pop, and general Japanese culture. Learn more with cool demonstrations and workshops.
The expo also has games, tattoo artists, a beer garden, live music, speaking panels, and autograph signings.
This weekend of entertainment takes place at the end of April.
Visit a Spring Flower Show
The Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Garfield Park Conservatory both host a spring flower show each year with a different theme.
With so many blooming flowers in a rainbow of colors, these conservatories are some of the best places to visit in Chicago in spring!
There is a variety of vibrant flowers to admire including hydrangeas, delphiniums, daffodils, geraniums, and more.
The flower showcases are from mid-February through mid-May so there is plenty of time to check out the displays.
After walking through the showrooms, you can check out what else the conservatories have to offer. Each has a palm house, fern room, and other themed gardens.
Both of the conservatories are free to visit but reservations are recommended.
Discover Art at EXPO Chicago
Art lovers will want to attend EXPO Chicago at the Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. This event is held for a few days each April.
The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art features about 170 international exhibitors from over 30 countries. Local, regional, and international artists are all represented.
Wander the galleries and discover your new favorite artist.
This is one of the best events in Chicago for anyone interested in art and culture.
When Visiting Chicago In The Spring Check Out One of the Many Museums
Spring weather in Chicago is not perfect. If you experience a rainy or chilly day, you can seek shelter inside one of the many world-class museums in Chicago.
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most popular things to do in Chicago with over 300,000 artworks!
You will be able to see many famous paintings including American Gothic by Grant Wood and Nighthawks by Edward Hopper.
The Field Museum is dedicated to natural history. Adults and kids alike will be amazed by dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, rare jewels, and other cool artifacts.
Other museums to visit include the Museum of Science and Industry, the Museum of Contemporary, the Chicago History Museum, and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Book Here: Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Ticket
Book Here: Chicago: Museum of Science and Industry Ticket
Where to Stay in Chicago In the Spring
From rental apartments to boutique hotels in Chicago, there are plenty of places to stay.
Whether you visit for a family vacation or a romantic getaway in the Midwest, Chicago as a great accomedation for your trip!
Here are a few hotel options, but make sure to check out my complete guide on where to stay in Chicago!
Affordable Hostel: Chicago Getaway Hostel. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range Hotel Next to Parks: Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago. Check Rates: Booking.com
Mid-Range Hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Loop. Check Rates: Booking.com
Luxury Hotel with Views: The Langham Chicago. Check Rates: Booking.com
Packing List When Visiting Chicago In Spring
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to Chicago, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when spending spring in Chicago.
It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone as I have. And wow is it fast!
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking photos during your London activities.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean drinking water when you want it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc…. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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Hopefully, you have a fantastic weekend in Chicago during spring! There really are so many beautiful places in Chicago to discover in April and May!
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