Dream Spring Break in Illinois: Where I’d Go if Money Was No Object

When it comes to the Midwest, I've got to be real for a second: We're not exactly teeming with young revelers looking for a party around these parts, but we can - and often happily do - celebrate spring in Illinois with a visit to good old Chicago. Skip the traditional, crowded spring break destinations and opt for something much more low-key with a lot less in terms of partiers and a lot more in terms of memories made. There's something for everyone in the Windy City - whether you're a college kid, a little kid, or somewhere in between - and if you know where to look, you'll know how to find it.

For the folks who are seeking out a more traditional spring break experience, worry not - there is a delightful assortment of pubs, bars, and dives where you can party with friends. You can even hang out in some truly historic places. You even get your spring break on at The Green Mill, which was once a favorite hideout for Al Capone Himself. Truly, the list of amazing bars to get your party goin' in Chicago is long - Twin Anchors Restaurant and Tavern was once a beloved hangout of Frank Sinatra. Now, it can be yours.

So, let's say you're not interested in the spring party scene: What then? Thankfully, here in Chicago, it's easy to amuse ourselves in other ways. There are countless parks, museums, playgrounds, adventures, events, and just about anything else you can dream up. Chicago is a playground for kids of all ages (from 0 to 99 and up), and it's well worth exploring beyond its bars.

Though its bars are quite delightful... but I digress.

Nature lovers, you're up next! The list of incredible natural wonders in and near Chicago is lovely and lengthy, with an assortment of parks, preserves, lakes, beaches, and more just waiting to be discovered. You don't need a beach day in Florida, friends - you need a beach day in Chicago, where it'll be just as relaxing and half as jam-packed (albeit, a titch colder).

One of my favorite must-do attractions is the City Hall Rooftop Garden, which is exactly what it sounds like. Chicago quite literally calls itself the "city in a garden," and you'll definitely find plenty of green spaces around—even this one, which is on the roof of City Hall!

If you're a lover of the water, Lake Michigan awaits, with all the same spring break shenanigans to get into as any other large body of water. Picnics, parties, seashell hunts, and more are a blast (and a great way to get the kids interested in the world around them).

No matter what you're searching for this spring break, you're sure to find it - and it's sure to be a blast.

If you're planning to pull the trigger and hit Chicago for spring break, that's a great idea! Of course, you'll need a place to stay while you're here, and I strongly recommend checking out all the unique options from our friends at VRBO. You never know what you'll find. Keep your Illinois adventures going by using our new Travel Planner!