Spring Break in Lake County 2025
By: Stephanie Wylie 03/14/2025
As winter fades and spring blossoms, Lake County comes alive with an exciting array of events and activities perfect for all ages. Whether you're eager to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with parades and Irish dancing, explore the great outdoors or enjoy a cultural performance, there's something for everyone this spring break! From March 14-30, Lake County offers a vibrant mix of festivities, from hands-on arts and crafts to thrilling sports, family-friendly entertainment and delicious culinary experiences. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation or a little bit of both, your perfect spring break awaits.
Dive into our guide to discover the best ways to make the most of this magical time of year in Lake County!
Leprechauns and More
- St. Patrick's Day Celebration and Parade in Grayslake – Enjoy a lively St. Patrick’s Day parade, Irish music, dancing, and festive food and drinks in downtown Grayslake (March 15). INFO»
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Lake Villa – Celebrate Irish heritage with a spirited parade through the Village of Lake Villa, complete with music, floats, and community fun (March 15). INFO»
- Shamrock Hunt in Deerfield – Kids ages 4-8 can search for hidden shamrocks, enjoy crafts, and indulge in cookies and hot chocolate at the Patty Turner Center (March 15). INFO»
- Seeking Shamrocks at Heller Nature Center – Embark on a St. Patrick’s Day-themed scavenger hunt through Heller Nature Center’s trails, solving puzzles and playing games along the way (March 16). INFO»
- Shamrock Skate Night at Centennial Ice Arena – Glide into St. Patrick’s Day with green lights, Irish tunes, and fun for all ages at this festive ice-skating event in Highland Park (March 14). INFO»
- St. Patrick’s Day Ice Cream Social in Zion – Celebrate with free ice cream, face painting, and festive fun for all ages at Zion Park District (March 15). INFO»
- St. Patty’s Irish Folk Dancing at Buffalo Creek Brewing – Watch the McNulty Irish Dancers perform traditional folk dances in Long Grove (March 15).
- Irish Dancing Performance at Hawthorn – Enjoy an afternoon of rhythmic Irish dance with a performance by the O’Hare Irish Dance School at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills (March 15).
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Launch Gurnee – Get 10% off admission when you wear green and enjoy family-friendly fun all weekend long at Launch Family Entertainment (March 14-16). INFO»
Indoor Recreation
For those who prefer indoor adventures, Lake County offers numerous museums and exclusive programs to explore during the spring break period. Here's a brief selection:
- Lights, Camera, Candles - Movie Night: Legally Blonde – Enjoy a fun-filled movie night at Romney Brown Candle Co. in Grayslake, complete with a custom candle-making experience and pizza (March 22). INFO»
- Explore the latest in RVs and outdoor adventure gear at the Lake County RV Outlet Show from March 21-23, held at the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, offering a wide selection of recreational vehicles and accessories for enthusiasts. INFO»
- Cast off the chill of winter and indulge in cherished moments of togetherness with an idyllic spring retreat at Great Wolf Lodge's Spring Breakout in Gurnee. Unwind with yoga sessions, unleash creativity with arts and crafts, groove to lively dance parties, engage in exhilarating games, and much more awaits! (March 6-April 27) INFO»
- Spin Art at Fox Lake's Lakefront Park – Get creative with spin art on frisbees, drawstring bags, or baseball hats at this hands-on workshop (March 24). INFO»
- Make a Fabric Upcycled Wreath at Dunn Museum – Learn about sustainability in textiles while crafting a wreath from fabric scraps in Libertyville (March 16). INFO»
- Drop In at The Dunn: Playdate with Nature – Engage in hands-on nature play and crafts using natural materials at Dunn Museum in Libertyville (March 25). INFO»
- Mother and Daughter Banquet at Quentin Road Baptist Church – Enjoy an elegant, gourmet buffet dinner in a beautifully transformed banquet hall for a special night with family and friends in Lake Zurich (March 14). INFO»
For a list of additional museums in the area, visit our Museums in Lake County page INFO»
Outdoor Recreation and Action-Packed Sports
For more action or hands-on games and activities, visit one of the venues below.
- Maple Syrup Hikes at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area – Discover the science behind maple syrup and enjoy a taste of locally made syrup during this interactive family hike (March 1-16). INFO»
- Spring Equinox Sunset Hike at Rollins Savanna – Celebrate the first day of spring with a sunset hike in one of Lake County’s most beautiful natural preserves (March 20). INFO»
- Spring Break Camp on the Farm at Susanna Farms – A hands-on farm camp experience where kids learn about horses, gardening, and nature (March 24-28). INFO»
- Sunday Stroll: Raven Glen – Enjoy a scenic guided hike at Raven Glen Forest Preserve in Antioch (March 30). INFO»
- Shiver Me Timbers Plunge at Rosewood Beach – Brave the cold and take a plunge into Lake Michigan for a fun, charitable event in Highland Park (March 16). INFO»
- Deer Park St. Paddy’s 5K/10K Run/Walk – Lace up your running shoes for a festive St. Patrick’s Day-themed race at Deer Park Town Center (March 16). INFO»
- St. Patrick’s Day Bike Ride in Wauconda – Kick off the cycling season with scenic 16, 20, and 36-mile loops starting from Wauconda High School (March 16). INFO»
- Antioch Shamrock Jam & (Almost) 5K – A 2.8-mile fun run followed by an Irish-themed festival, complete with live music, food, and a leprechaun hunt in downtown Antioch (March 22). INFO»
- Public Skate at Top Shelf – Join a public skate session every day of the week at Top Shelf Ice Arena in Gurnee (Ongoing). INFO»
- At Whirlyball in Vernon Hills, engage in a dynamic multi-skill game merging elements of lacrosse, basketball, hockey, and bumper cars, challenging your abilities and competitive spirit whether you're with a group or family. INFO»
- Experience a journey around the globe without leaving Illinois at Extreme Flight Simulation in Gurnee, featuring a range of aircraft simulators including a Boeing 737-8 NG and an F-18 fighter jet. Additionally, immerse yourself in their Virtual Reality (VR) lounge offering hundreds of options to transport you to different locations or adventures, whether strolling through the Louvre museum in Paris or engaging in intergalactic battles against androids. Let your imagination soar in the world of virtual reality.INFO»
- Whether you're starting your athletic journey or looking to enhance your skills, Canlan Sports facilities in Libertyville and Lake Barrington offer comprehensive amenities, including camps, clinics, tournaments, leagues for both kids and adults, and a complete fitness center, providing everything you need conveniently under one roof.
- Experience world-class golfing amidst the picturesque landscapes of Lake County. INFO»
Theatre/Performing Arts
Sometimes art can help us unwind and fill our creative spirit. During Spring Break, we have some delightful additions in Lake County.
- March ArtWauk 2025 – Stroll through Waukegan’s Arts & Entertainment District to experience classic and modern art, live performances, and complimentary refreshments (March 15). INFO»
- Black Artists of Chicago Presentation at Lake Forest Public Library – Art educator Deb Levie highlights the history and contributions of Black artists from Chicago, including Charles White and Kerry James Marshall (March 16). INFO»
- Here Come The Mummies at Genesee Theatre – A funky, high-energy live concert featuring a band of “mummified” musicians known for their electrifying performances (March 20). INFO»
- "I and You" at Citadel Theatre – A heartwarming and thought-provoking play about youth, love, and human connection (February 21 - March 23). INFO»
- "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System" at Marriott Theatre – A musical adventure with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they explore the solar system (February 21 - March 29). INFO»
For more information about events this spring, click here.
