Chicago families can enjoy diverse spring break staycations

Chicago families looking for fun this spring break can consider a staycation filled with unique local attractions. Here are ten ideas to explore the city’s hidden gems. One option is the Insect Asylum, a fascinating mix of museum and nature center located in Avondale. It features over 5,000 insect specimens, along with workshops like beetle pinning. The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday and offers tickets starting at $15 for kids. Another intriguing stop is the International Museum of Surgical Science at Lake Shore Drive. This museum showcases vintage surgical tools and vivid artwork related to early surgeries. It is open daily, except on select days, and tickets are available for $15 for children. For those interested in the arts, the Stony Island Arts Bank is a cultural hub in a renovated 1920s bank building. It contains a vinyl collection and changing exhibitions and is free to visit from Thursday to Sunday. The Button Museum, located in Logan Square, offers a quirky look at over 30,000 pinback buttons from history. Admission is free, and the museum is open Monday to Friday. Visitors can also discover the Sky Chapel at the Chicago Temple, which is the highest worship space in the world. Guided tours take place after services, providing a beautiful view of the city. The Pullman Historic District features a unique area rich in history. Free ranger tours are available, and visitors can take a Metra train for easy access to the site. For a quick photo opportunity, consider the Smallest Park in the City, located on the IIT campus. It is a tiny park, but it hosts a significant sculpture by artist George Segal. Car enthusiasts can check out the Klairmont Kollections Auto Museum, which boasts a large collection of vintage vehicles. It's open Wednesday to Sunday, and ticket prices are $22 for adults. An educational visit to the Doomsday Clock is also an option. This clock symbolizes how close the world is to disaster and is located at the University of Chicago. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful campus grounds afterward. Lastly, the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette is another beautiful site. This temple features stunning architecture and gardens and is open daily for visitors. These options provide families with plenty of ways to enjoy spring break without leaving the city.