As the temperatures gradually start warming up during April before the summer season fully hits us, you may be wondering about what the perfect activity is to enjoy with your children, family, friends, and loved ones. Weather can be changing in April, so this article can be your guide regardless of the weather.
Well, you’re in luck because in this blog post, we’ve prepared a list of secret and little-known delights that are to be enjoyed in Chicago during the month. For those who are looking for an out-of-the-box experience, the list below will certainly help you refine your search. Let’s take a closer look.
Shedd Aquarium
We kick off our list with a visit to Shedd Aquarium. Situated at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, this is an absolute must for all members of your family – young and old alike. The Aquarium offers a massive variety of things to do, touch, and see and you can spend the day getting lost and immersing yourself in the natural wonder that our oceans and seas provide. The “Must See Tour” is a 75-minute tour of everything you can possibly see if you’re running short of time.
However, if you have longer to stroll and browse, then the “Meet a sea otter” encounter could be perfect for you and your whole family. Here, you’ll get an up-close look at sea otters behind the scenes, while helping the animal care team create an enrichment item for the otters filled with tasty fish treats and watch them participate in a training session. You may even get a chance to touch one of the world’s densest-fur mammals! There are also beluga and penguin encounters that are not to be missed. These are for smaller groups and one on one encounters, but there is plenty that will amaze you at the Shedd!
Apart from these encounters, there are experiences that cater to your sense of touch as you will be able to feel all the different textures of various starfish, sturgeons, and even stingrays. All this along with 3D and virtual reality tours where you’ll completely immerse yourself in a world of incredible sea life.
See sharks being fed by scuba divers, the magnificent beluga whale exhibit with these giant whales swimming so gracefully. Learn about all sorts of sealife throughout the aquarium at
-Underwater Beauty
-Wild Reef
-Caribbean Reef
-Polar Play Zone
-Stingray Touch
and finish off with the fan favorite dolphin show!
Field Museum
Located on Chicago’s iconic Lake Michigan shore, the Field Museum opened its current building to the public in 1921, and today, it is home to nearly 40 million specimens and artifacts in its collection.
All this comes from an unbreakable spirit to find out as much about our incredible planet as possible. To bring science and the fascinating aspects of life to young and old alike, this April the Field Museum has something for everyone.
For starters, there is the “SUE the T. rex Virtual Tour for Classrooms” which takes place online and where you can learn about this famous fossil’s history, complete with trivia and an interactive 3D model.
There is also the “Dozin’ with the Dinos” exhibition, which is founded on the belief that “science is more fun in your pajamas! The Museum also has free admission days for members of the Illinois public. These days are Tuesday, April 18; Saturday, April 22; and Tuesday, April 25.
And to close the month off with a bang, there is also the Parker/Gentry Award Celebration on Tuesday, April 25 which will be held online and during this event, the Field Museum will give the Parker/Gentry Award to the South Rupununi Conservation Society.
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden is also on our list of places to visit during April. Why? Because it offers a lot more than pretty flowers and gorgeous tree-lined walks. While there, you can participate in activities such as drawing, yoga, tai chi, and live sound meditations.
Come to the Garden and stroll, enjoying the splesoe of flowers in spring bloom, and have a picnic on a beautiful spring day.
There is also an Easter brunch and mini-camps for the young ones. If you are an ornithology fan, then the spring bird walk may be perfect for you. Overall, it’s a great location to visit especially if you want to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the outdoors without leaving the city.
C2E2: 2023 Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo
Taking place from March 31 until April 2 at McCormick Place in Chicago, this one is for the nerds and geeks, and everyone in between who loves some cosplay and getting dressed up as their favorite superhero, character, or villain.
Featured guests this year will include Erica Durance (Smallville), Matt Lanter (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Tom Welling (Smallville, Lucifer), Chris Evans (Avengers: Endgame, Captain America, Knives Out), and a whole lot more! You’ll also be able to buy photo ops and select autographs to impress all your friends!
But what else can you do there? The impressive line-up is not to be missed Starting with Artist Alley, here you can see creators from all over bring and display their unique skills. There are also multiple exhibitors and brands who will reveal treasures of all kinds on the Show Floor.
Of course, you can get more serious and enjoy a panel discussion that is on every fandom topic imaginable. Ultimately, as the organizers of this event call it, “it’s a pop culture junkie’s dream!”
What about getting there?
Whichever delightful location you’ve chosen to attend (or maybe you’d like to try them all?), we at Bus Connection are here for you. We know that it can be complicated and tough to find the location, spot suitable parking, or go from one place to the next without hassle. This is why no matter what size group you are traveling with, we’ve got you covered!
From a range of SUVs to various-size buses, you can rest assured that you’ll get picked up from your chosen location, dropped off at your venue, and then returned to your address with ease and simplicity. Take one hassle away when planning a day trip with your family and loved ones. Leave the transportation to us and completely immerse yourself in the secret delights that Chicago has to offer this April. Get in touch with us today.