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Local Spring Break Fun for Families

Spring break camps, staycation ideas, and more near Downers Grove, Elmhurst, & La Grange!

By Erica Alhorn, Macaroni KID East DuPage March 21, 2025

Can you feel it? That warm breeze, the blooming flowers, and yes, the buzz of excitement in the air - spring is finally here! And with it comes that special time we've all been counting down to... spring break! It's the perfect pause in our busy lives for some unforgettable family fun. 

Lucky for us, this area is just bursting at the seams with activities, camps, and attractions tailor-made for families on break.

Whether you're on the hunt for engaging spring break camps to spark your little ones' imaginations, on the lookout for fun (and free!) things to do, or eager to explore the best family-friendly spots around Downers Grove, Elmhurst, and La Grange, you've hit the jackpot. Welcome to your ultimate guide to making this spring break in the Chicago suburbs the best one yet for your family!

Spring Break Camps

The Downers Grove, Elmhurst & La Grange areas are home to a variety of spring break camps that not only keep your children engaged but also foster learning and creativity:

Butterfield Park District, Lombard

Drop in days March 31st - April 4th, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, for grades K through 5, $50 per day 


Downers Grove Park District

Lots of different camp options March 31st - April 4th - cooking, nature, sports, lego, ninja, etc. Some are full, but there are still plenty of spots left! 


Sawmill Sports, Willowbrook

Half day and full day camps, March 24 - April 4th, Ages 4-12, $35/half day, $60/full day


Double J Riding Club, Countryside

Horse Camp & Animal Adventure Camp Full day Camps March 24-April 4th, Junior Half Day Camp March 31-April 4th



Oleksandr P | Canva

Spring Break Fun

Looking to fill your days with interesting outings that you don't normally get to enjoy during the week? Here are some Spring Break specific specials and exciting activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained!

Community Events

Looking for family fun events happening during spring break? Here are a few standout events to make the week special:

Indoor Activities for Yucky Days

Spring weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. The West Suburbs have several indoor attractions that are ideal for keeping the little ones entertained on rainy days:

Guide to Local Indoor Playgrounds & Playrooms 

Explore a Nature Center:

Paired with a hike in the woods, exploring a nature center filled with exhibits, live animals, and lots of educational but fun toys to play with that incorporate nature into play is the best way to make a whole day of it!

  • Fullerburg Woods in Oak Brook
  • Little Red Schoolhouse in Willow Springs
  • Vera Meineke Nature Center at Bison’s Bluff in Schaumburg
  • Knoch Knolls Nature Center in Naperville
  • Wildwood Nature Center in Park Ridge
  • Hidden Oaks in Bolingbrook
  • Lyman Woods in Downers Grove

Visit the Animals at the the Zoo

  • Cosley Zoo is open rain or shine 9A-4P daily, $12 adults, kids are always free!
  • Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year, and is free on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between January 2 – February 29, 2024 
  • Philips Park Zoo is open 9:00 - 4:00 pm Thursday-Tuesday October 1st – May 31st

Kid-Friendly Day Trips 

Looking for a little getaway? Here are a few spots that make for a good day trip this time of year:

  • Rockford
  • Starved Rock State Park
  • Peoria
  • Gurnee

Making the Most of Spring Break with Kids

Whether it's outdoor adventures, cool camps, or local fun you're after, we are ready to help make this spring break unforgettable for you and your kids. Here's to making memories! Happy Spring Break!


Want more? Make sure to check out our full Macaroni KID Downers Grove - La Grange - Elmhurst calendar!