Chicagoland has lots to do, even in the chilly cold winter months. It’s just the time of year we explore the indoors instead of the frigid outdoors. This listicle has ideas that should last you through at least false spring (hello March) with activities both in the city and the suburbs!
1. Arcades in Chicagoland
Game on! Play retro arcade games while sipping cocktails. Headquarters Beercade in River North, Replay in Lakeview, and Replay Lincoln Park are bars that offer free-to-play games. In addition, Replay Lincoln Park usually offers a pop-up experience with themed drinks. Some past themes include Friends, Jurrasic Park, and Game of Thrones. Alternatively, you can check out the Largest Arcade in the U.S., Galloping Ghost Arcade, which is located in Brookfield. For $25 you can stay and play for as long as you want. Also, be sure to check out their sister location, Galloping Ghost Pinball, in Brookfield, which has a $20 entry fee.
2. Go See A Movie
Want to dine on a meal while you watch the newest blockbuster? Then the Alamo Drafthouse in Wrigleyville is for you. They offer a full dining experience with servers coming and checking on you throughout the movie. Bonus points, the bar/lobby area has inspired Chicago Film Decor. If you’re looking for a cute historical theater with indie films, check out the Music Box Theatre in Lakeview, Southport. The Music Box Theatre also has special movie screenings/events including “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and sing-alongs. Or catch a cute downtown vintage theater with comfy seats at the Classic Cinema, La Grange Theater. Catch a show on Tuesdays for $5.
3. Chill with Cats in Chicagoland
Cats and an Arcade?! It’s The Catcade. Hang out with adorable and adoptable cats and kittens. This Lakeview experience is $17 for an hour. In Rogers Park at The Tree House Cat Cafe, you can also hang out with adoptable cats and kittens. Here for $10 you can chill with cats while you sip on a beverage (included in the price) for half an hour. Reservations are required.
4. Be A Tourist in Chicagoland!
If you’re looking for shopping, dining, and amusement all in one place, check out Navy Pier. Its large indoor area has it all from a theater to a Billy Goat tavern. See Chicago from high above at the Sky Deck. Check out the Frank Llyod Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park. You can tour just the inside of the house and studio for $20.
5. Get your putt on with some Mini-Golf
For an activity that’s a hole in one try a mini golf bar. Putt Shack in Oak Brook has a fun party vibe with a glowy mini golf course. For a city adventure go to Big Mini Putt Club in either Wicker Park or Lakeview.
6. Unique Coffee Shops in Chicagoland
Be prepared to be thrilled at Avondale’s The Brewed Coffee. This Horror-themed shop also has fun events so keep your eyes peeled. The Understudy in Andersonville is a bookstore focused on theater pieces, with a cafe that also hosts events. Looking for a Tardis? It’s landed at The Blue Box Cafe in Elgin. Check out all the Doctor Who decor while sipping on fun-themed drinks like”Impossible Girl” and “Jack Harkness.” Read Between the Lynes is a bookshop with a coffee shop and ice cream parlor attached in Woodstock Square.
7. Escape Rooms
Twisted Limits Escape Room in McHenry offers 3 themed rooms thought-out for different levels of players and are ready for you to explore and puzzle your way out of. This experience starts at $30 a person. In Wicker Park take on Escape Rooms with a Chicago and an element of time. Between the Escape Artisty’s two locations, The Time Gallery and The Rail Car, both in Wicker Park, they offer around 6 different escape experiences starting at around $31 a person.
8. Concerts
Find a new favorite artist at a concert. My favorite venues for up-and-coming artists are Shubas Tavern in Lakeview and Lincoln Hall in Lakeview. For cover bands catch a show in Palatine at Durty Nellies.
9. Comedy Shows in Chicagoland
Chicago is known for its comedy scene. If you are looking to sit down, and a comedian to do some stand-up, see a show at The Laugh Factory in Lakeview or Zanies in Old Town. For Improv attend a show at the Annoyance Theatre in Belmont Theater District, The Bug House in Ravenswood, or the IO! Theater in Lincoln Park. In the suburbs catch an improvised show at The Bit Theater in Aurora or see a stand-up show at Zanies in Rosemont.
10. Green Houses
Enjoy nature inside where it’s warm! Check out the flowers in the city at Lincoln Park Conservatory Walk around and enjoy the plants in the suburbs at Oak Park Conservatory or Wilder Park Conservatory in Elmhurst.
11. See a Musical or Play
Hot Tics is a good place to start looking for a play or musical. This website offers deals for multiple Chicagoland (this includes the suburbs!) theaters. I will also recommend a few of my favorite venues here. The Goodman Theater is a nice venue with great productions in the Loop. This theater is usually showing plays. We caught the Christmas Carol here one year and it was awesome. The Apollo Theater is a small intimate theater in Lincoln Park. Located in the Gold Coast, the Porchlight Music Theatre also had a small intimate feel. It felt as if every seat in the house was a good seat. Catch a show in Aurora at The Paramount Theatre.
12. Chicagoland Sport Games
Catch a game at the United Center where you can cheer on Chicago’s Bulls or the Chicago Blackhawks. Looking to catch up and coming, potential Black Hawk Players? Check out Rockford Icehogs at the BMO Center in Rockford.
13. Board Game Cafes
Off the Wall in Park Ridge is a great space to hang out and play classic board games. They have a menu featuring coffee, sandwiches, and adult beverages. If you’re looking to learn a new game, check out Bonus Round Cafe. This Lake View cafe offers a menu with food and drink, and access to their game library starting around $17. Choose your adventure at Snakes & Lattes in Bucktown with their large selection of games and a menu featuring coffee, food, and drinks.
14. Get Crafty
Throughout the suburbs, you will find Color Me Mine, an art studio with all the supplies you need to paint cups, figurines, and other pottery items. A few of their locations are Crystal Lake, Burr Ridge, and Glenview. If painting isn’t your speed try candle making. Edgewater Candle Co. offers classes for $50 for about 2 hours with all the supplies that will let you walk away with your handmade, by you, candle.
15. Malls in Chiccagoland
Why not have a fashion montage at a mall? Explore 3 floors and 4 wings at The Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. Check out the HIP (Harlem Irving Plaza) which is a mall in Noridge with a Hobby Lobby and a Target. Walk around Chicago’s Water Tower Place. This mall holds such special memories, as it houses The American Girl Doll Store. Wander around Fox Valley Mall in Aurora.