Looking for ideas to celebrate Easter in Chicago? The Windy City offers plenty of things to do for all ages that are worth attending. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly attractions or want to skip cooking this year, here are the top Easter events in Chicago.
Easter in Chicago: 6 Ways to Celebrate in the Windy City for All Ages
Below are six popular things to do on Easter in Chicago with public transit directions.Â
1. Lincoln Park Zoo Spring Egg-Stravaganza
Source: Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo Spring Egg-Stravaganza is perfect for families who want to celebrate Easter in Chicago with children aged one to eight years old. They can gather colorful eggs, take photos with the Easter bunny, meet friendly zoo experts, and dance to musical entertainment. The Lincoln Park Zoo egg hunt is also vast, with six zones varying in difficulty levels and zoo animal spectators. The 2026 Spring Egg-Stravaganza is on Saturday, April 4th, from 7:45 am to 11:45 am. While entry to the zoo is free, the ticketed event is $25 for non-members and $20 for members.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The Stockton & Webster bus station is only a minute walk from the entrance. The Fullerton train station is a 20-minute walk via the Brown Line.
2. South Loop Easter Egg Hunt
Source: Block Club Chicago
If you’re looking for more family-friendly Easter events in Chicago, the South Loop Easter Egg Hunt is another popular option. Hosted by the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance, children ages 12 and under can hunt for over 20,000 eggs with small prizes or candy inside.Â
The South Loop Easter Egg Hunt also includes:
•Animal petting zoo
•Balloonist
•Easter bunny photos
•Face painters
•Sports games and activities
•Tasty treats
•Thousands of Chicago White Sox tickets and prizes
You’ll also need to bring your own Easter basket. This year’s event is on Saturday, April 4th, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, with the hunt starting at 12:15 pm. Tickets cost $18 for ages one to 12, $10 for ages 13+, and infants to 12 months are free.Â
The South Loop Egg Hunt takes place at the main entrance of the Chicago Women’s Park on 18th St, between Prairie Ave & Indiana Ave in the South Loop neighborhood. The Michigan & 18th St bus stop is a three-minute walk via Buses 1, 3, and 4. The McCormick Place train station is a 15-minute walk via the Metra Electric (ME) line.Â
3. Easter Dinner Cruise
Source: City Cruises
Skip cooking at home and grab an Easter dinner in Chicago on a yacht. Hosted by City Cruises, you can eat with stunning panoramic views of the Chicago skyline inside a glass-enclosed vessel. The yacht travels on the Chicago River for 2.5 hours, where you’ll see famous landmarks like Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the Old Chicago Post Office.
The Easter Premier Plus Dinner Cruise costs $219 per person, which includes:
•Seasonally curated and freshly prepared entree, salad, and dessert
•Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea
•Guaranteed table for your party size
•Live DJ
•Fully stocked cash bar
If you’re bringing kids, there’s also face painting and a special visit from the Easter bunny. There are even additional upgrades, like window table reservations for the best available views and creative cocktails. Semi-formal attire is required.
Boarding begins 30 minutes before cruise time, which starts from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. You’ll dock at 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Dr at the Chicago River Esplanade in the Streerverville neighborhood. It’s located in front of the NBC Tower on the river’s north side. The Grand train station is a nine-minute walk via the Red Line. The Columbus & Illinois bus stop is a two-minute walk via Buses 66 and 124.
4. Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Easter marks the start of spring, and what better way to celebrate the holiday than with flowers in full bloom? The Garfield Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show features over 80 hanging baskets with trailing vines, asparagus ferns, pansies, and more. Explore seasonal ground plantings like tulips and orchids against a backdrop of beautiful, colorful flowers. Known as the “Showers of Flowers,” this year’s event runs from February 14th to May 10th. It’s free to enter, but reservations are required for guaranteed entry.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is located at 300 N Central Park Ave in the Garfield Park neighborhood. The Conservatory-Central Park Drive train station is a one-minute walk via the Green Line. The Homan & Carroll bus stop is a 10-minute walk via Bus 82.
5. Brunch at Offshore Rooftop
Source: Offshore Rooftop
Want an adults-only Easter brunch in Chicago? Then head over to Offshore Rooftop. It’s the largest rooftop in the world, with a 20,000 square foot open-deck terrace, seven fire pits, communal tables, and an entertainment stage. There’s also an 8,500 square foot indoor climate-controlled space with a 100-foot bar and a fully retractable glass roof. They specialize in new American cuisine with a coastal-inspired twist. From roasted garlic white bean dip to vegan marsala mushroom pasta and specialty craft cocktails, you can eat brunch with spectacular views of the city. Reservations are recommended.
Offshore Rooftop is located at E Grand Ave at the end of Navy Pier in the Streerville neighborhood. The nearest public transit option is the Navy Pier Terminal, a 10-minute walk via Buses 66 and 124. The Grand train station is a 30-minute walk via the Red Line.
6. Easter Brunch at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Source: Chicago Botanic Garden
If you prefer a family-friendly Easter Sunday brunch in Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a unique experience for all ages. It’s a festive brunch buffet in the garden with an Easter bunny meet-and-greet. Explore the outdoor gardens before and after eating to catch the early spring blooms. The brunch menu features a bagel bar, omelet carving station, pancake bar, desserts, and sides. There’s also a cash bar available for mimosas, Bloody Marys, beer, wine, and prosecco. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, April 5th, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tickets are required, which include admission to the garden.Â
The Chicago Botanic Garden is located on 100 Lake Cook Rd in Glencoe, a nearby Chicago suburb. The Braeside train station is a 20-minute walk via the Union Pacific-North (UP-N) Line. Bus connections are also available from Davis St in the Evanston, Glencoe, and Highland Park train stations.
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