Recreational Opportunities
CPS is proud to partner with organizations across Chicago to promote opportunities for students over spring break. Please visit these pages to find programs:
Kids can enjoy their school break with other kids their age, in a fun and supervised environment, at an affordable cost. In “spring break” camp, kids will participate in recreational activities, arts and crafts, and sports along with other fun activities. Some specialty camps are also available.
Chicago Public Library offers exciting programming all across the city for kids and teens all year round, including over spring break. Explore events for kids here, and events for teens here.
The city is offering a variety of opportunities for youth during spring break through My CHI. My Future. Students can join 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.
- Spring Break at Navy Pier
Navy Pier will offer artisan markets and free workshops starting Saturday, April 1 through Saturday, April 8 starting at noon. Activities include one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, interactive technology lessons, photography classes, music, and dance. Visit the Navy Pier website or download this schedule for information. Additionally, starting March 27 through April 9, the Chicago Children’s Museum located at Navy Pier is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a Free Family Day on March 30. The Water City experience is now open. Children of all ages and abilities can determine their own experiments, narratives, sensory experiences, and explorations of the physical properties of water. Visit this page for more information on Water City. - Spring Forward Teen Bash on Saturday, April 8
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 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, at the Aon Ballroom in Navy Pier and will include musical guests, food, raffles, and information about summer job opportunities. Advance registration is required to take part in this bash. Click here to register and view this flyer for more details.
Safe Haven Program
For over 10 years, the Safe Haven Program has kept CPS kids safe, healthy, and active during spring and summer breaks as well as after school. The program incorporates social-emotional learning, academic assistance, and fun. Additionally, students get healthy meals and snacks at no cost to their families. Sites are open from Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here for a list of Safe Haven Sites open over spring break.
Complete Lifeguard Certification During Spring Break
Students 16 and older can apply to work as lifeguards this summer with the Chicago Park District, but to do so, they must have their American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification. These certification classes are being offered for free during spring break. Click here to register for one now. And to learn more about the lifeguard position, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards.
Please visit cps.edu/springbreak for more.