Spring break and summer travel planning is upon us!
Create the best spring break...ever. Whether you’re a Chicago-native, or you’re visiting from another state, we want to help you plan a vacation you’ll remember!
For the Adventure Seeker:
If you like adventure, thrill, and excitement, Chicago is the city to explore. View the city from 1,000 feet above ground at the 360 Chicago TILT ride. This is the highest thrill ride Chicago has to offer and lets you view the city from 360 degrees. Give this 94th floor observation deck a try!
Prefer stationary views? The Chicago Skydeck is a great alternative. Sitting at 1,353 feet high, this is a new view of the city for you to experience. Did you know, nearly two million people visit the Chicago Skydeck annually?
For the Movie Fanatic:
Here’s a fast fact! Over 800 movies have been filmed in Chicago, with the earliest dating back to 1896. Some of your favorites may include Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Dark Knight, or When Harry Met Sally. Find the full list on the Chicago Film Office page.
A popular filming location in the Batman movie saga was at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Visit this iconic venue, and once you’re finished, walk down the Mag Mile for all your shopping needs.
Prefer other movie genres? Enjoy them outdoors with Chicago’s notorious Free Movies in the Park! Check out the featured films during your next stay. Free outdoor movies are offered June-September.
For the Art Connoisseur:
Art comes in all shapes and sizes! From indie films to local and national musicians, to featured painters, Chicago has it all. Support local indie film artists by attending the 60th Anniversary of the Cinema Soirre. This philanthropic event celebrates connecting people together through movies.
Chicago hosts a variety of music festivals including Lollapalooza, Windy City Smokeout, Chicago Gospel Music Festival and Chicago Jazz Festival. No matter what your music taste is, Chicago is bound to offer a festival that matches.
Let your imagination run free at the Art Institute of Chicago. Located a brisk 5-minute walk from the public art sculpture, CloudGate (otherwise known as The Bean), this museum is filled with art from every era.
For the History Buff:
History nerd, history buff, however you identify, Chicago is dense with history and worth exploring. Learn about a wide variety of Chicagoan topics from the Chicago Fires to Polish Heritage to Abraham Lincoln at the Chicago History Museum! This museum offers multi-sensory and multi-cultural exhibits and has something interesting for everyone.
As you walk around downtown, you’ll notice the unique architecture and buildings that create the iconic Chicago skyline. If you're asking yourself about their history and what each building is, well, you’re in luck. Immerse yourself in architecture through a different perspective by taking an Architecture Boat Cruise. After your cruise, take a gander at the Art-K-Texture store inside Navy Pier featuring products and designs inspired by Chicago’s architecture.
For the Sports Enthusiast:
Chicago is rich in sports history and sporting events! Score yourself a ticket to the Chicago Cubs game, with games all summer long. This iconic team, and fan favorite, have won the prestigious World Series in 1907, 1908, and 2016. Need some gear to wear to the game? Stop by I Love Chicago and pick up an outfit that’s game day ready.
If baseball isn’t your scene, watch the Chicago Bulls shoot hoops or the Chicago Fire score a game-winning goal. Once the game is over, stay at the historic Downtown hotel, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, formerly a private men’s athletic club.
For die-hard sports fans, you may want to find yourself at the Chicago Sports Museum. This interactive museum offers exhibits on forensic sports, curses and superstitions, 2016 World Series memorabilia and lore. Be sure to visit the museum next time you find yourself in Chicago.
For the Budget Conscious:
Don’t let money stop you from exploring the Windy City. If you’re on a budget, walking is the way to go. Walk along the picturesque Navy Pier. This stunning shoreline and tourist attraction welcomes over 9 million visitors each year and is the perfect destination during your next trip. Stop by one of our four locations at the Pier: The Neighborhood, Art-K-Texture, This Socks!, or Dock Side!
Looking for another place to walk? Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk for a stunning and scenic view of the river and the city of Chicago.
Want to dive deeper into exploring the historic and cultural landmarks Chicago has to offer? Visit one of the incredible museums for free. The Field Museum offers free admission every Wednesday all year long. The Shedd Aquarium offers free museum days Tuesday evenings from 5pm-9pm. Chicago Children’s Museum offers free admission to veterans and active military members.
Chicago residents, you’re in luck. You have a much wider array of free museum days. From the Adler Planetarium to the Art Institute of Chicago to the Chicago History Museum to the Museum of Science and Industry.
There is a plethora of museums for Chicago-residents and non-Chicago residents. Take your pick and enjoy your vacation!
For the Family Favorite:
Be the hero of your family vacation and plan a trip the kids will love. The Lincoln Park Zoo is a crowd pleaser with tropical rainforests, lions, monkeys, zebras, seals, and more! The Lincoln Park Zoo offers youth programs for families & kids to enjoy and ignite a passion for wildlife.
However you travel, Love From USA has your back with the Ultimate Spring Break Chicago Travel Guide. Enjoy your visit? Bring a piece of Chicago back home by shopping Chicago apparel, drinkware, and giftables. Available online all season long!