These opportunities provide families with engaging activities and vital resources during the during the Chicago Public School Spring Break March 25 -29
CHICAGO— The Chicago Park District will host Spring Break Camps Monday, March 25th through March 29th, at more than 50 parks across the city, providing families with engaging and affordable enrichment opportunities during the Chicago Public Schools’ Spring Break. Available programming will include the Park District’s traditional Spring Break camps and other park programming, like sports, aquatics and cultural activities.
During Spring Break Camps, children, ages 6-13, will participate in games, sports, arts and crafts and other fun and enriching activities. Most camps will run Monday, March 25th through Friday, March 29th, 10am and 4pm; times and age ranges can vary by park. Spaces are still available. Additional information and registration are available here.
For the first time, the Park District will partner with Mayor Johnson and sister agencies to host three Family Fun Pop-Ups, offering youth-focused recreation activities and connecting parents and caregivers with vital resources.
In partnership to the Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Office, the Chicago Public Library, and the Chicago Department of Public Health, three park locations will host Family Fun pop-ups which will connect new arrivals, sheltering at neighboring respite locations, with vaccination education and administration, library card sign ups, sports, games, and crafts. Registration is not required for Family Fun pop-ups and patrons of all ages are welcome to attend. The following locations will host family-fun activations:
- Gill Park, 825 W. Sheridan Rd. | March 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- River Park, 5100 N. Francisco Ave. | March 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. | March 28, 2204, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
“Parks have always served as a vital resource when schools are out and we look forward to continuing that commitment that families have come to rely on,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareno. “We are especially excited to enhance our offerings by partnering with Mayor Johnson and other city service agencies to bring vital resources to families who need it most. This underscores the importance of collaboration among government agencies and our shared commitment to address the needs and interests of the communities we serve.”
Also next week, bunny events are going to be hoppin’ in the parks! Through the end of March, Chicago Park locations will host egg hunts, brunches, and other fun events to keep kids active and entertained. Registration costs and times vary across park locations. For a full list of Bunny Events throughout the month of March, hop over to chicagoparkdistrict.com/bunny-events.
The Park District will partner with My CHI MY Future to host the Spring Forward Teen Bash, Saturday, March 30th at the Aon Ball Room at Navy Pier, 840 East Grand Avenue. Teens, ages 13-19 will enjoy musical performances, DJ’s, pizza and snacks, airbrushed tattoos, arcade games, skateboarding and BMX, raffles and more. The Spring Forward Teen Bash is admission free. Registration is required and can be completed here.
Spring break is also the perfect time for high school and college students, ages 16 and older, to apply and complete the recruitment process to work in the parks this summer! The Chicago Park District is hiring for seasonal positions like Recreation Leader, Junior Laborer and Lifeguard. Applicants must be 16 years of age and a Chicago resident.
For individuals interested in being a Chicago Park District Lifeguard, the District is hosting a American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Certification classes during Spring Break. Starting the week of March 25th, swimmers that have completed the Lifeguard Swim Test may register for a certification class at Eckhart, Portage, Homan Square, Foster or Ellis Parks. For students on break from school the week of April 1st, classes will be offered at Sheridan and Hayes Parks.
Participants must apply at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lifeguards and successfully complete the Lifeguard Swim Test prior to March 25th to join the class. The next Lifeguard Swim Tests are on Saturday, March 23 and Saturday, April 6. Candidates taking the Swim Test will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, and a $400 stipend for completion of the American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Certification.