Spring Break when you’re staying home in Chicago’s Northshore

As much as it would be amazing to be able to travel every time my kids have a school break, it is just not in the cards for us. Luckily we live in an area around Chicago land that has a lot going on and if you know where to look, can have great options to keep your kid from saying “I’m BOOOOORED” every 5 minutes.

Kid Centered Spring Cleaning – Last year our neighborhood put together a swap meet kind of gathering out on our sidewalk. Each family had a “booth” that the kids ran. There was anything from a photo booth, to a hair braiding booth, to a treasures of untold value booth. Turn this idea into a kids get to donate a toy for a certain amount of tickets that can be used at each booth. These toys can then be donated as a group accordingly based on their condition.

Central Cafe – now hear me out. If your kids are anything like mine you may think, bringing them to a cafe is not the best spring break idea. BUT, they have tables outside in back that makes it a great space for them to be able to be a little lose and having them stand up and sit down is not endagering other patrons and having a tea/coffee party is always a fun idea for kids.

Skokie Sculpture Garden. This is a LOOONG walk down McCormick Blvd. It has lots of fun sculptures to enjoy and explore. We still have not seen all of them because it goes on for a long way. All the sculptures are in a grassy field so it makes for a great place for the kids to run around.

Funtopia. It always amazes me this is still a hidden gem. It is located in The Glen and is a climbing haven of get that energy out for all ages. There is a space for younger kids and older kids filled with a jungle gym and climbing walls galore.

Wilmette Theater https://www.wilmettetheatre.com/ They have a lot of their regular showings but especially at the end of the break they have something special going on. The Village of Wilmette’s Human Relations Commission and The Wilmette Theatre have partnered once again to celebrate Women’s History Month!  Join them Saturday, March 30th at 7:00pm for a complimentary screening of BARBIE.

Botanic garden is a great way to get out and walk about. They also offer spring break classes for kids that can be perfect for a drop off if you need to get some work done or get a little alone time.

It may not be Easter, and maybe you don’t celebrate easter, but an “egg” hunt can be for anyone. It’s a scavenger hunt by any other name. You can even have some adult fun filled eggs out there and pull together any other stay at home friends to enjoy it with.

Last but not least, your local library has awesome virtual and in person events and there is always fort building.

So what are you waiting for, Spring Break is soon, sign up for something that you haven’t tried before!

Want to be in the know when I share more good ideas? Make sure you are signed up for my newsletter!