Breathe deeply, Chicago! We made it through winter! Like the gentle groundhog, we have come out of our hole and are ready to take on the city in a whole new light. We're here to help you find the best activities for you, your family, or your besties this spring!
Photo Via Sueños Music Festival
Spring Festivals
Sure, summer is technically “festival season” but the spring festivals should not be slept on! In our festival guide find all sorts of spring-themed festivities, from film festivals to craft festivals and fitness festivals. It’s the perfect warm up to the jam-packed summer.
Photo Via Facebook/Lakeshore Sport & Fitness
Get Healthy
It’s the perfect time to get moving! Shake off all the winter stiffness and join a run club, grab a yoga class (there’s even one with bunnies!) or go play some pickleball. Not the exercise type? No worries, maybe try a new fresh culinary class, or learn a new skill. Health can mean all sorts of things!
Photo Via Facebook/Gethsemane Garden Center
Flower & Garden Shops
Are you a grower? Now is the perfect time to work on your green thumb. Chicago has dozens of plant shops, and while it’s tempting to go to a big, cheap department store, you just are not going to get the attention to detail and plant expertise that you can find at local shops like Gethsemane Garden Center in Andersonville, Semillas in Pilsen, Adams & Son & Daughter in Humboldt Park, and many more!
Photo Via Aids Garden Chicago
Get Outside!
This one might seem obvious, but sometimes in a big city it’s hard to find time to just be outside without being “on your way somewhere”. Don’t worry, Chicago has plenty of great green space, take a walk in one of our best parks, or explore some of our great public outdoor art pieces like the Picasso downtown or the AIDS memorial garden in Lakeview. And there is always the Lincoln Park Zoo or the Brookfield Zoo that hold their own activities! If you want an elevated outdoor experience, we also recommend a trip to our favorite "plant stores".
Photo Via Unsplash
Take a Tour!
Soon the State Street Tulips will be abloom and it’ll be the perfect time to spend some time downtown! Grab a Big Bus Tour or an iconic architecture boat tour and learn more about our great city while also getting some sunshine.
Photo Via Facebook/Londonhouse
Dine Outside
It’s finally patio season, and Chicago steps up to the plate. Next time you go out to grab a bite, check out our list of the best patios in Chicago and soak up some vitamin D alongside your entrees. Need an even bigger wow factor? Try a rooftop bar!
Photo Via Choose Chicago
Attend a Sports Game
With baseball season in full swing, Spring is the best time to head over to Wrigley or Rate Field to see one of our beloved Chicago baseball teams. Plus, things are heating up at Soldier Field, as the Chicago Fire already kicked off their regular season games. What's better than spending time outdoors AND watching your favorite sport all at once?
Photo Shot for Do312
Prepare for Summer
Already done everything on this list? Are you just waiting for summer to start? That’s okay, just make sure you have all your tickets ready and your plans made. Anyone who has spent a summer in Chicago knows how fast things come up. Sign up for our festival giveaways and check out our Top Picks lists to make the best plans.
