Spring Break: Family-Friendly Fun

Spring break is almost here (can you believe it?), so you’re probably thinking about ways to keep your kiddos entertained. Fortunately, there’s plenty of fun and educational things to do with little ones on Chicago’s North Shore. Whether you’re looking for a sports camp, want to explore a museum, or prefer to see a show, start planning your spring break today.

Pinstripes
1150 Willow Road, Northbrook
If there are showers in your spring-break forecast, don’t let them get in your way of a good time. Challenge your kids to a classic game of bowling, or try your hand at bocce. Visit weekday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon for $3 Kids Club Bowling (ages 12 and younger), or stop by at dinner time for tasty items like Mini Cheeseburgers, Mac & Cheese, or Pepperoni Pizza off of the kids’ menu. Reservations are recommended. 

The Actors Gymnasium
927 Noyes St., Evanston
See what awe-inspiring show this circus school and theatre company has in store for spring.

Dearborn Observatory
Northwestern University, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston
Keep learning over spring break by visiting Northwestern’s Dearborn Observatory during Friday night observation tours. You’ll have a chance to look through the 18.5” refracting telescope and ask Ph.D. and/or undergraduate students questions. 

Athletico Center Camps
1900 Old Willow Road, Northbrook
Get your kids moving with Athletico’s spring break camps. Kids ages 4-12 years can register for the Superstars Camp, complete with basketball, soccer, flag football, and volleyball as well as capture the flag, tag, kickball, inflatables, crafts, and more. Or, if your little one is all about soccer, sign them up for the Soccer Skills Performance Training Camp (ages 5 and up), where they will work on fundamental skills and learn from top coaches.

Funtopia Camps
2050 Tower Drive, Glenview
Your kids will have a “funbelievable adventure” at this adventure park made up of fun walls, a rope course, an ultra-realistic caving system, a giant slide, and a 20-foot free fall. Day camps are offered Monday through Friday for kids ages 6-14 years old and will also feature games, skits, arts & crafts, and more in addition to Funtopia’s regular offerings.

Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
Stop by this children’s museum to explore the latest special exhibit. When you’re done there, make your way through the museum’s 17 permanent exhibits, including City on the Move, Pet Vet, Ravinia Festival Music Makers, and Water Works.

Exploritorium
4701 Oakton St., Skokie
This “imagination playground” allows your kids to get out and explore no matter the weather. Filled with a tubes and tunnels indoor playground, giant Lite Brite wall, water play area, climbing wall, dress up stage, toddler zone, transportation station, and more, your little ones will never want to leave!

Dave’s Down to Earth Rock Shop
711 Main St., Evanston
If your kiddos are interested in rocks and fossils, bring them to this shop and museum, featuring one of the largest private collections in the U.S.

Funtopia Toddler Time
2050 Tower Drive, Glenview
The littlest members of your family can also get in on the Funtopia fun with Toddler Time, where they will enjoy free play, circle time, and crafts and/or group activities, all with the goal of preparing them for Kindergarten and helping their social and emotional development. After class, keep the fun going at the Jungle Gym.

Quad Indoor Sports Camp
2454 Oakton St., Evanston
Register for Quad’s spring break camp, filled with indoor and outdoor activities, theme days, and more.