We have a theory. Start thinking and planning for spring break and it—and the warmer temps—will get here faster. It’s worth a shot, right? We’ve done a bit of research on spring break camps to keep kids busy on their days off. Cooking, digging in the dirt, honing in on comedy skills. . . no matter your kid’s cup of tea, we have a camp for them! Read on and get booking (these will fill up fast!).
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo educators will lead campers in grades Pre-K-4th through an exploration of animal habitats in North and South America. Kids will learn about the critters and their characteristics. Each day has a different theme and kids can pick which camp they'd like to attend.
Keep checking online for dates to be announced; Online: lpzoo.org
The Kids’ Table
The Kids' Table
Kids ages 5-10 will embark on a culinary adventure with The Kids' Table in a week-long camp with tropical vibes. Campers will spend half the day in the kitchen chopping, grating and rolling their way to mealtime delights and the rest of the time is full of crafts, kitchen science experiments, park play and movies.
April 11-15; 2337 W. North Ave., Wicker Park; Online: kids-table.com
Chicago Children's Theatre
Chicago Children's Theatre is offering a creative in-person camp for kids in grades K-5, themed Greetings From Planet Earth. Kids will create an original show in Skinner Park that connects theatre-making to the great outdoors. The week includes character creation, puppet design, music and dance with the park serving as the set. On the last day, kids share their creations with families.
Apr. 11-14, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (before & after care available); 100 S. Racine, West Loop; Online: chicagochildrenstheatre.org
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden
No way kids will suffer from spring break boredom at Chicago Botanic Garden. Campers in grades K-5 will investigate weather, explore seasonal adaptations of plants and animals and dabble in art.
Mar. 28-Apr. 1, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; Online: chicagobotanic.org
Chicago Park District
Chicago Park District is hosting camps for ages 6-12 in parks throughout the city. Campers will take part in recreational activities, arts and crafts and games. Times and ages vary by location, so check their website for more detail.
Instead of being couch potatoes, kids ages 7-18 can work on their creative energies. They will study the fundamentals of improv that help develop stage presence as well as patience, self-confidence, good communication skills and respect for other performers. Campers will also develop their personal stand-up style and hone in on their sense of humor. They also offer virtual camps for those that prefer to engage remotely.
Apr. 11-15; 1608 N. Well, Old Town; Online: secondcity.com
Hi-Five Sports
Kids ages 5-12 can sign up to play with Hi-Five Sports. They'll learn the fundamentals of a wide variety of sports including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, kickball, dodgeball and capture the flag. Kids can go for one day of camp, or all five days.
Apr. 11-15; La Salle Language Academy, 1734 N. Orleans, Old Town; Online: hifivesportsclubs.com