If there’s one thing Chicagoans are ready for its sunny skies, lakefront walks, and rooftop patios. Spring has sprung, and sunny days and warmer temps are just ahead. If you’ve already worked your way through our winter picks and are looking for some fresh ideas for spring, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten of our favorite things to do in Chicago this spring!
Spring Flower Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory
Dates: February 12 – May 11
Location: Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N Stockton Drive.
Cost: Free! Timed reservations required. Book here.
Details: This year’s Spring Show celebrates the color spectrum of spring! Plants in the show include hyacinths, tulips, flowing baskets of calibrachoa, and many more. You can find more details here.
The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Date: Saturday, March 15, the river is dyed at 10:00 a.m., parade begins at 12:15 p.m.
Location: The parade begins at S. Columbus Drive and E. Balbo Drive, and proceeds north to E. Monroe Drive through Grant Park.
Cost: Free! VIP grandstand seating is available for a fee. Learn more and purchase here.
Details: The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest parades in the country with an estimated attendance of more than two million guests! You can check out our blog about the parade, and be sure to secure yourself a primo spot along the parade route! Click here to learn more about the parade.
Book Yourself Some Spa Time
Location: Various med-spas in the Chicago area. You can search for your perfect spot here.
Price: Varies.
Details: If your skin is in need of some self-care after the rough winter months, consider a day of pampering at a med spa for a fun way to start off your spring season. Your skin will thank you for the attention—and for all the compliments! Don’t feel like venturing out? You can book at-home services with Pinch, and get a day of pampering without leaving home!
Walk, Bike, or Run the 606
Date: Every day, 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Bloomingdale Trail. The are several access points. You can view them on the interactive map here.
Cost: Free
Details: The 606 is an elevated trail connecting several Chicago neighborhoods. It stretches along the Bloomingdale Trail for 2.7 miles between Ashland Avenue and Ridgeway Avenue. There are 12 access points, approximately every quarter-mile, and a total of 17 access ramps. Walk, bike, run — and then stop by Small Cheval for a burger afterward.
Montrose Dog Beach
Date: The Dog Beach is open during all regular Chicago Park District hours— roughly from sun-up until 9:00 p.m. Morning hours are the most popular with dog beach users.
Location: The dog beach is located on the northwest corner of Montrose Beach (the point closest to the city). Just follow Wilson Avenue until it curves to the left at the lake. If you see the big corrugated steel walls of the old boat launch, you made it.
Cost: The dog beach is free, but Chicago Park District’s DFA tags ($5) are required for all dogs.
Details: It may be a little too cold to swim in the spring, but it’s not too early for your dog to run some laps along the shore of Lake Michigan. The Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago’s first legal off-leash beach.
Cheer on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field
Date: The Cubs home opener is Friday, April 4. You can view the entire regular season schedule here.
Location: Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison Street.
Cost: Ticket price varies based on opponent.
Details: The Chicago Cubs home opener kicks off against the San Diego Padres on April 4. Get your tickets today and grab yourself a hot dog — hold the ketchup, of course.
Cheer on the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field
Date: The White Sox home opener is Thursday, March 27. You can view the entire regular season schedule here.
Location: Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35th Street.
Cost: Ticket price varies based on opponent
Details: Nothing says spring like a day at the ballpark. When the weather is nice, grab your friends and head down to Guaranteed Rate Field to catch the White Sox in action.
Green City Market – Outdoor Market in Lincoln Park
Date: The outdoor season operates rain or shine every Saturday from April – November, and every Wednesday from May – October, from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Park, 1817 N. Clark Street.
Cost: Free!
Details: The Green City Market in Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest and first year-round farmers market. It offers sustainably grown food and connects farmers and local producers with chefs and the greater Chicago community. Crowds form quickly so get there early for the best selection!
Logan Square Farmers Market
Date: The outdoor market opens May 11 at 9:00 a.m., and operates rain or shine every Sunday until November.
Location: Logan Boulevard between Milwaukee Avenue & Whipple Street.
Cost: Free!
Details: The Logan Square Farmers Market sprawls for several blocks with dozens of stalls offering seasonal produce, flowers, and freshly baked goods. It gets busy in the afternoon, so make sure to get there early if you’re looking for something specific. You can find more details here.
Set Your Sights on Spring Break
If you have your sights set on warmer weather, we wouldn’t hold it against you. If you’re flying out of town for spring break, just remember to reserve your airport parking spot in advance:
O’Hare Airport
Midway Airport
Transportation Tips and Tricks
Street parking and metered parking is available throughout the Chicago area, and can be in very high demand. Pay close attention to any posted signs; parking in a restricted spot could result in a ticket or even a tow. Click here for more information on metered parking.
If you are planning on parking on the street, we would recommend downloading the ParkChicago app, which allows drivers to pay for parking and extend their time at a meter directly from their mobile device!
Chicago also has many garages and lots that are available for a fee. You can use SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance and park with ease!
Public Transportation
The Chicago area is served by the CTA transit system, and the Metra, which are available for a fee. If you’re going to a large event, consider parking further away in a less busy area and taking public transit to save time and money. You can learn more and view CTA train and bus schedules here, and learn more about Metra here.
Happy spring, Chicago!