Finally. Winter is over, and spring is here. Spring is the perfect season to do fun activities with your kids. Below is a list of 5 family outing ideas in the Chicago suburbs for spring.

1. The Morton Arboretum

Immerse your child in the outdoors with a trip to The Morton Arboretum. With 1,700 acres and over 222,000 plants from around the world, The Morton Arboretum is the perfect place to bring your child on a nice spring day.

At the Tree House Tales exhibit, your child can explore 6 whimsical tree houses. Let your children play and imagine.

Photo by The Morton Arboretum

Another interactive exhibit is the Children’s Garden. Your kids can climb acorns, slide down tree roots, and more. The Children’s Garden has 10 themed gardens with fun and educational activities that will keep your children entertained all day long. Please note that the Children’s Garden is undergoing maintenance and some sections may be closed during the first three weeks of April. I suggest calling ahead at 630-968-0074 to check the status of the garden.

Location: 4100 Illinois Route 53, LISLE, IL 60532

Admission: $12 for adults ($8 Wednesdays), $9 for youth ages 2-17 ($6 Wednesdays), children 1 and younger are free.

2. Cantigny Park

Cantigny Park is the place to go for a family outing and picnic this spring. The 500-acre estate offers beautiful gardens, tours of a historic home, and a first-class military museum with an outdoor tank park. Cantigny Park frequently hosts events, concerts, and programs for kids. Click here to view Cantigny Park’s event calendar.

Photo by www.oakparksegway.com

Location: 1s151 N Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189

Admission: Free. There is only a $5 parking fee.

3. Kohls Children’s Museum 

The Kohls Children’s Museum has 17 interactive exhibits for children ages birth to 8. All of the exhibits are designed to be educational for kids.

An exhibit the museum has now through June 16 is called, Eggs to Chicks. With an egg incubator, hatchery unit, and pen, your kids will be able to learn about and see chicks hatching. 

Photo by mykidlist.com

Some of the permanent exhibits are Water Works, Hands On House, Pet Vet, and more. You child will love learning through the different hands on activities offered at the Kohls Children’s Museum.

Location: 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 

Admission: $12 for adults and children. Babies (under 12 months) are free.

4. Cosley Zoo

Cosley Zoo has over 150 animals on 5 acres. It gives families an intimate zoo experience at an affordable price. Your kids will love seeing the different animals and walking around the zoo. When I was growing up, this was on of my favorite places to go.

Location: 1356 North Gary Ave., Wheaton, Illinois 60187

Admission: Free for Wheaton Park District residents (must have resident ID). $5 for nonresident adults. Children ages 17 and under are free.

5. Cascade Drive In

Cascade Drive In is a great place to enjoy a spring evening with your family. You can even bring your family pet with. The drive in now has a picnic area with a barbeque. Bring some charcoal, and use the grill to make a nice meal for your family or visit the full service concession stand. Another idea is to visit Scooby’s before the show starts. It’s right next to the drive in and their food is awesome. 

Photo by Rachell J.

Location: 1100 E. North Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185

Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-11, and children under 5 are free. On Sundays, it is $15 for carload (just mention it’s Bargain Sunday to get the discount). Admission includes two features.

Did you enjoy my list of 5 family outing ideas in the Chicago suburbs for spring? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear any other places that you think should be added to my list 🙂