The Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Celebrating Springtime

Spring is breathing new life into Chicago. Sunshine is splashing light onto formerly gray and slushy cityscapes, and people are ditching the couch to venture outdoors once more. A roll of the dice can take you somewhere new in Chicago, but if you’re looking for particular spots to put a new spring in your step, try these seven neighborhoods.

Englewood

The South Side neighborhood of Englewood is home to plenty of parks and coffee shops to fill a leisurely weekend day in the spring. And the shops on 63rd Street and Halsted Street give you a good excuse to stretch your legs on a warm day. 

The neighborhood is also home to urban farm Growing Home. The community-focused organization provides farm training and sells fresh vegetables and herbs. If you want to use spring as an excuse to start cooking more, you can visit the Wood Street Farm Stand in Englewood to pick up boxes of produce. Growing Home runs its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program from June through October, and people are welcome to buy shares guaranteeing boxes of fresh produce throughout the season.

East Garfield Park and West Garfield Park

The neighborhoods of East Garfield Park and West Garfield Park are anchored by the greenspace of the same name. Garfield Park has more than 170 acres of open space complete with athletic fields, a pool, a lagoon, gardens, a tennis court, and the Golden Dome field house.

If the space wasn’t already picturesque enough, people can explore the gardens at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The conservatory has acres of gardens under crystalline glass and even more plants blooming outdoors. Get in the spring mood with the conservatory’s flower show, gardening classes, and family events. Aside from the sprawling acres of gardens, you’ll find splashes of colorful street art as you walk through the neighborhood.

Kilbourn Park

Small but marked by a distinct character, Kilbourn Park is one of Chicago’s many pocket communities. Residents find ample opportunity for dining out and shopping along the neighborhood edges, made up of major streets including Addison Street, Milwaukee Avenue, Belmont Avenue, and Cicero Avenue. But if you’re looking to find a way to get involved with your community this spring, the Friends of Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse could be the answer.

This neighborhood, like many other Chicago neighborhoods that count “park” as part of their name, has a close-knit relationship with the outdoors. The greenhouse hosts classes and Chicago Park District activities for kids. If you want a taste of the neighborhood, Friends is hosting its annual plant sale (complete with vegetables grown from seed) in May.

Lincoln Square

Lincoln Square is a North Side neighborhood known for its quiet atmosphere, relative to the nightlife heavy areas of nearby neighborhoods like Uptown. Lincoln Square’s relatively small size and network of peaceful streets make it easy for pedestrians and bicyclists to traverse. Walk or bike the neighborhood on a warm spring day, stopping for a quick bite or a drink at spots like Half Acre Beer Company or Over Easy Café. 

The Lincoln Square and Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce—Ravenswood being the sister community—also get into the spirit of spring with events like the Wine Stroll.The Wine Stroll, scheduled for April 25, ushers in spring with wine and food tastings from more than 45 local businesses. Participants can choose from several different routes and wander the neighborhood, trying local treats along the way.

Logan Square

Logan Square never really experiences a down season. People push through the cold to hop the neighborhood bars and coffee shops any day of the year, but springtime comes with fresh delights.

Miko’s Italian Ice opens its storefront for the season, and the Logan Square Farmers Market transitions to the outdoors once more. Plus, the neighborhood has a completely free way to enjoy the weather: The 606. Several access points in Logan Square lead up to the elevated trail, which goes from bearing just the most dedicated of runners and bikers to throngs of people who want to take advantage of the fleeting season that is Chicago spring.

The Loop

Downtown Chicago, and at its heart the Loop, can seem a bit grim during winter. Commuters brace themselves against the cold, hurrying to catch the ‘L’ or a bus. Hardly anyone looks up at the city’s magnificent architecture, save for a harried glance near the falling ice signs.

With the change of the seasons, the Loop can seem like a whole new place. Buildings previously made slate gray by the dearth of sunshine, sparkle. People walk with coats open and take the time to look around them. Outdoor spots like Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park practically beg you to stop and savor the warming air. If you feel like you’ve taken Chicago’s architecture for granted, a springtime ride down the river on an architecture tour can be the ideal reminder. 

Streeterville

Warm weather in Chicago necessitates at least one visit to the lake, and Streeterville is a good place to start. The neighborhood juts out into the water with spots like Navy Pier, Milton Lee Olive Park, and the Polk Bros Park. Navy Pier may have a bit of a reputation as a tourist trap, but it has plenty of spots worth visiting, even if you’ve lived in Chicago your entire life. Catch a show at the Shakespeare Theater or wander the Crystal Gardens.

Streeterville is also home to Ohio Street Beach—perfect for catching some lake time before the crowds of summer coming flocking to the sand. If you’re looking to spend a spring afternoon indoors, the AMC River East movie theater in Streeterville is hosting the 2019 Chicago Latino Film Festival.