Recreational Opportunities
We are proud to partner with organizations across Chicago to promote opportunities for students over spring break. Please visit the resources below to find programs and things to do.
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Read, Learn, and Discover
- Chicago Public Library
CPL offers exciting programming for students of all ages across the city libraries all year round, including over spring break. Explore events for students of all ages. On Tuesday, March 26, students, families, and caregivers can join Destination Discovery Story Time at the Lincoln Park Zoo to read seasonal stories, share wintery rhymes, and learn with CPL’s favorite wintry animal, the snowy owl. - The 81 Club
During spring break, students can also visit any CPL branch and ask about becoming members of The 81 Club, which gives them instant access to thousands of book titles and the Chicago Public Library's resources. Additionally, students can check out One Summer Chicago and After School Matters for CPL internship opportunities in mid-April. - My CHI. My Future
Chicago offers various spring break opportunities for youth through My CHI. My Future. Students can participate in a day of service with the Chicago Park District, attend a Chicago Public Library arts event, or build on their coding skills with Code Your Dreams. Young Chicagoans can also apply for summer jobs through One Summer Chicago and the Chicago Park District. - Lifeguard Certification
Students 16 and older can apply to work as lifeguards with the Chicago Park District this summer. To do so, they must have their American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification. These certification classes are being offered for free during spring break. Register for a class and apply online for the Lifeguard 2024 Summer Season position.
- Chicago Public Library
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Fun for the Whole Family
- City of Chicago’s Family Fun During Spring Break Days
Join us for free family-friendly activities, including games, crafts, sports, library card sign-up, park district account creation to register, and more! You can also learn about summer programs and get your children’s vaccinations up to date at no cost!- March 25 (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) Gill Park (825 W. Sheridan Rd)
- March 27 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) River Park (5100 N. Francisco Ave)
- March 28 (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) Union Park (1501 W. Randolph St)
- Spring Break at Navy Pier
From Monday, March 25 to Saturday, March 30, Navy Pier will offer one week of fun interactive events, demonstrations, performances, family-friendly activities, artisan markets, music, and dance workshops. Admission to all spring break Navy Pier events is free to all. Visit the Navy Pier website for information.
- City of Chicago’s Family Fun During Spring Break Days
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Enjoy a Day at the Museum
- Spring Break Play Days
From March 22 through April 7, the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering special programming and activities for children of all ages and abilities. Learn more about it at the Navy Pier website. - DuSable Black History Museum of Education Center
Explore and learn more about history, culture, art, experiences, and global ties Black people across the Diaspora share. Admission to the DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago is always free for all Illinois public school students in K-12. - Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago
Learn about the world, our communities, and ourselves through contemporary art exhibitions at the MCA over spring break. On Tuesdays, admission is free to all Illinois residents, and children 18 and under always enter for free. Check the MCA website for more information. - Museums for All
Families receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can access free or reduced admission to museums in Chicago and the USA by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID. You can find a participating museum near you by searching by museum name.
- Spring Break Play Days
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Get Together With Friends
- Spring Break Camps through the Chicago Park District
For a nominal cost, students can enjoy their school break with other children their age in a fun and supervised environment. In "spring break" camp, students participate in recreational activities, arts and crafts, sports, and other fun activities. Some specialty camps are also available. - Spring Forward Teen Bash
My Chi. My Future. and the Chicago Park District are hosting a spring break party for Chicago residents ages 13-24. This event will take place from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, at the Aon Ballroom in Navy Pier, with live musical guests, free food, and information about summer job opportunities. The event is completely free, but advance registration is required since spots are limited.
- Spring Break Camps through the Chicago Park District
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Safe Haven Spring Break Sites
For over ten years, the Safe Haven Program has kept CPS students safe, healthy, and active during spring and summer breaks and after school. The program incorporates social-emotional learning, academic assistance, and fun. Additionally, students receive healthy meals and snacks at no cost to their families. Sites are open from Monday, March 25, to Friday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, view a list of Safe Haven sites open over spring break.
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Vaccinations
Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is the best way to protect yourself and your family from vaccine-preventable diseases, including COVID-19, measles, flu, and more. Vaccines are tested to ensure their safety and effectiveness for all who receive them at the recommended ages.
If you have questions about the vaccines recommended for your children, the Minimum Health Requirements document [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ] lists the required and recommended vaccines. The CDC also provides guidance on a vaccine schedule for children and adults.
Your child’s doctor can answer any questions you might have about vaccines, including measles. If your child does not have a doctor, you can enroll them as a patient at one of our School-Based Health Centers.
Please visit cps.edu/vaccinations to get more information and make an appointment.
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CDC Travel Health Advisory: Measles
On March 18, the Centers for Disease Control issued a health advisory regarding an increase in measles outbreaks. The advisory asks families to ensure children 6 months and older who are traveling internationally are up to date on MMR vaccinations.