The winter up North here in Illinois and Wisconsin can certainly be brutally cold and snowy! For those of us who enjoy the brisk, blustery wintry weather and outdoor activities it can be blissful and exhilarating. However, for the person who prefers something more low key, it can cause a bit of cabin fever. That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to the folks who want to get out of the house, stay out of the weather, but still find some fun and excitement! We’re rounding up some great ideas and options for indoor destinations and non-winter sport indoor/outdoor activities in the Greater Chicago area. Let’s get out there and add a little color to our lives and paint the town red!
Be sure to check local guidelines for COVID19 restrictions such as vaccination cards and mask mandates. We also encourage our readers to abide by all establishment’s individual guidelines for masking and social distancing for your safety and that of others.
Family Friendly Activities
We’ve scoured the internet and pulled from local suggestions for some of the best Chicago area destinations that are great for families. Whether you’re going on a family outing or you’re taking the kids on a playdate, there’s lots of fun in store at these destinations. From indoor playgrounds to museums to zoos, you’ll have plenty of entertainment for all age groups.
- Fit City Kids
- Exploritorium
- ClimbZone Chicago
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
- The Escape Game Chicago
- iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Lincoln Park
- Sod Room Indoor Playground Chicago
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
- Present Place Chicago Indoor Playground
- Shedd Aquarium at Museum Campus
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- Navy Pier Amusement Center Chicago
- Purple Monkey Playroom Amusement Center
- Altitude Trampoline Park in Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry Chicago
- Fox in a Box Escape Room Chicago
- Bronzeville Children’s Museum
- Indigo and Violet Art Studio
- Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice
- Kidcreate Studio Lakeview Chicago
- Wonder Works Children’s Museum
Family Friendly Eateries
After a fun-filled day of exploring the city and running around in museums or playgrounds, you’re going to be faced with plenty of hungry bellies! Beat the hangry tantrums by planning ahead and reserving a table for your brood at one of these family friendly restaurants. We’ve done our best to pick kid friendly favourites, but also give you choices with a great atmosphere and lots of options for teens and adults, too.
- R.J. Grunts
- BIG & little’s Restaurant
- Crosby’s Kitchen
- SafeHouse Chicago
- Little Goat Diner
- JoJo’s Shake Bar
- Eleven City Diner
- Summer House Santa Monica
- Eggy’s Diner
- Lou Mitchell’s
- Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
- Happy Camper Pizzeria
- Pinstripes Restaurant
- Funkenhausen
- Harvey’s Family Restaurant
- Big Kids Sandwiches
- Sunshine Restaurant Inc
Friends Night Out and Date Night Ideas for Adults in Chicago
You’ve had your fun with the kids and some serious quality time as a family, but now it’s time for you to kick back, let loose, and relax for a night on the town! Get a little grownup time at these fun destinations that are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even a nice night out alone. You’ll find plenty of active choices such as skydiving and axe throwing, to walking tours and tours of brewpubs. We’ve got a little bit of everything and a whole lot of creativity in our suggested destinations!
- WhirlyBall Chicago
- Bad Axe Throwing
- iFly Indoor Skydiving
- Broadway Playhouse
- Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago
- Chicago Magic Lounge
- City Winery Chicago
- Thomas McCormick Gallery
- Hofheimer Gallery
- WNDR Museum
- Gallery 400
- FLXST Contemporary
- Kavi Gupta Gallery
- The Logan Theatre
- David Theater Chicago
- The Brew & View
- Nightingale Cinema
- The New 400 Theater
- Studio Movie Grill
- Ignite Gaming Chicago
- Redline VR Chicago
- FTW Chicago
- Play and Spin
- Museica’s Sip & Paint
- Deja Hue Art
- Wet Paint Chicago
- Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours
Restaurants & Bars for a Great Night Out On the Town
Who says adults can’t enjoy theme restaurants?! We’ve gathered our picks for bars and restaurants with playful themes, interactive experiences, breweries, and farm-to-table options. You’ll find no shortage of enjoyment and unforgettable experiences shared over cocktails and award winning plates of food. We know you’ll have a blast!
- Replay Lincoln Park
- Elf’d Up Grill
- The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience Chicago
- Map Room Bar
- Three Dots and a Dash
- Weegee’s Lounge
- Brando’s Speakeasy
- Janitor’s Closet
- Neon Wilderness
- SafeHouse Chicago
- The Violet Hour Cocktail Bar
- Bunny Slope
- The Drifter
- Moneygun
- Range New American
- Blue Door Farm Stand
- Lula Cafe
- Table, Donkey and Stick
- Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago
- Goose Island Brewhouse
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