Windy City must-do’s that are guaranteed to earn their approval and find a place on their Instagram feed!
Looking for indoor Chicago activities that your teens and tweens will love?
Need some help planning a day out with your teenage kids in Chicago?
Searching for ways to escape inclement weather while enjoying a family outing?
Don’t worry - we got you!
15 indoor Chicago attractions that teens and tweens will LOVE
We don't think anyone - even teenaged kids, who sometimes do become notoriously picky - would call Chicago "boring".
And while some of our best-known attractions, like a stroll through Maggie Daley Park or kayaking down the Chicago River, are ruled out due to the weather (or any other reason)...
There are plenty of things to do - which aren’t outdoors - for you to choose from for your outing.
From museum visits for knowledge hounds to escape room adventures for thrillseekers, and even the odd shopping excursion...
Whether it’s in freezing January, scorching July, or you’re faced with an infuriating rain that appears out of nowhere…
These are the top indoor activities in Chicago to enjoy with your children and family.
Performances by the Blue Man Group
The image is taken from the Blue Man Group’s website (https://www.blueman.com/chicago/buy-tickets).
If they haven't been to one before, a performance by the Blue Man Group will be an epic experience for families with teenagers!
A combination of comedy, improv, mesmerizing soundtracks, and a whole lot of blue paint - this is a performance that'll have your kids on the edge of their seats.
If you manage to nab front-row seats, you can expect to catch some splashes (don't worry about a mess; they hand out ponchos).
A unique blend of entertainment that’ll make you completely forget whether it’s pouring down or scorching hot outside.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route (for the Briar Street Theater, their venue) on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Phone: (800) 258-3626 (for ticket inquiries)
Escape room adventures at Fox in a Box
From inside our bunker-themed adventure. What do you think - will you be able to avert the nuclear weapon from being launched?
An experience that could very well be right from their favorite movie (the ones they refer to as “dope” or “lit”)...
An adventure at Chicago’s #1 escape room is a sure bet to be a hit with your children - from tweens and younger teens to those raring to get their driver’s licenses.
Choose your mission and enter your escape room.
As the clock starts ticking, you’ll have to work as a team to solve puzzles, break codes, and spot clues.
As your time dwindles, you’ll feel the pressure mounting.
Can you get to the final clue and escape the room before you’re out of time?
As far as choice of mission is concerned, we have three adventures for you to choose from - military-themed The Bunker, heist-themed The Bank, and breakout-themed The Prison.
We do have a fourth adventure known as Zodiac, but due to its intense storyline, it’s only open to those of age eighteen and above.
A perfect experience to beat the weather and bond with your kids and family in Chicago!
Website: Visit the home page
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Email: info@foxinaboxchicago.com
Phone: (312) 878-7899
Apart from escape rooms, here are some other top family-bonding activities.
Drop in at Lou Malnati’s for some deep dish pizza
Does that look like something anyone - teenage or otherwise - would want to miss?
A pizza that when you bite into, reveals a satisfying depth with layers of flavor, and emitting a gratifying aroma - no teen is going to want to miss out on that!
And that’s exactly what you can expect with a visit to good ol’ Lou Malnati’s!
While you may need to wait a bit for your food - an unbearable thing for many teens - it will prove worth it once the food arrives, hot and tasty.
The thing about Malnati's is their crust - crunchy and soft at the same time, and you can actually taste the yeast, which is delicious!
And then there's the big dollop of juicy tomato sauce on top, making for a mouth-watering meal.
Quit worrying whether it's freezing cold or depressingly muggy outside and savor Malnati’s classic pizzas!
Website: Visit the website
Here are some popular Chicago foods you should also check out.
Grab some popcorn from Garrett Popcorn Shops
Another great comfort food to enjoy on a rainy or chilly day - the special “Chicago Mix” from Garrett Popcorn Shops.
It sounds pretty simple - caramel popcorn with a helping of cheese - but as you may well know, the description doesn’t do it justice…you have to have it to understand the craze.
Pro tip: They have multiple locations in Chicago. The ones at Michigan Avenue and State Street tend to be the most crowded, so look for other outlets if you want to avoid lines.
Website: Visit the website
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Phone: (888) 476-7267
Enjoy VR experiences at Redline VR
The image is taken from Redline VR’s homepage (https://www.redlinevr.com/).
Strapping on a headset and then blasting, ducking, and diving their way through an amazing virtual environment - a VR experience is a must-do for most teens and tweens.
From exploring a new world to taking on gripping missions and competing against one another - Redline offers a bevy of options for teens to choose from.
Their equipment and customer service are top-notch, and the experiences are perfect for gamers and non-gamers alike.
If you find yourself raring to join in the fun, don't hold back - it will be a great way to bond with your kids!
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Phone: (773) 236-6868
Redline VR is a great place for team building. Here are some other team building activities for Chicago teens.
Grabbing breathtaking views from observation decks
A view from the Skydeck. Can you recognize which part of Chicago that is?
Catching panoramic views - whether it's the sheer diversity of architectural styles spread out over the city, the waters of Lake Michigan gleaming in the sunlight, or even beyond, stretching to FOUR states on clear days - from observation decks has been a family favorite for years.
The best places to observe the Chicago skyline - and beyond - from
Catching mesmerizing 360-degree views from 360 Chicago, an observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building.
Teenagers would be especially thrilled by TILT, which literally tilts you over Michigan Avenue from the 94th floor.
Skydeck in the Sears (a.k.a. Willis) Tower offers sweeping views of the city and beyond from inside a clear glass balcony that extends four feet outside the 103rd floor of the tower.
Go skydiving - indoors - at iFLY Indoor Skydiving
The image is taken from their website (https://www.iflyworld.com/).
Looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity that the entire family will love, conducted in a safe, indoor environment?
Head for iFLY Indoor Skydiving!
To begin with, experienced instructors will brief and guide everyone through the process.
Then everyone will be suited up and led into the wind tunnel one by one.
As the air starts to flow, you'll gradually go through the sensation of freefalling while remaining in a safe environment.
It’s an intense and exciting activity like few others.
Ready for a heart-racing and unforgettable experience on your day out in Chicago?
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Phone: (779) 368-4359
Go indoor climbing at First Ascent
The kids may be quite good at ducking and weaving through a VR experience - but do they have what it takes to climb an actual rock face?
Challenge them to climb the walls at First Ascent!
With a variety of walls to suit all levels, First Ascent is the best place in Chicago to earn climbing laurels.
The session starts with an orientation and training by their instructors.
Then, it's time to start scaling the walls!
Who can reach the top the fastest?
* They also offer other activities, including yoga, for anyone in your group that's not into climbing.
They have multiple locations in Chicago. Visit their website and choose one for your day out.
Website: Visit the website
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Play indoor mini-golf
Mini golf is a classic indoor activity that is perfect for teens, and you can join in as well.
Big Mini Putt Club has a 9-hole course and a bar where you can refresh yourself while your teens tee off.
Bond with your children over a game both of you will enjoy!
Catch some improv and standup
Chicago is famous for its standup and improv, and taking your kids to a few performances can be a great way to beat the weather and bond with them.
The best teen-friendly standup and improv locations in Chicago
Second City is a well-known improv location in Chicago, and has hosted legends ranging from Bill Murray and Steve Carrell to Catherine O’Hara and Amy Poehler (ages 13 and above)
The Lincoln Lodge is a more low-key venue that has nonetheless seen the likes of Hannibal Buress and Chelsea Perretti perform. (no age limits; but they mention kids’ attendance is at parents’ risk).
ComedySportz Chicago takes it up a notch, with two teams of performers competing for your applause. (all ages welcomed)
Shopping
Ah, shopping - one of the oldest tricks in the book to beat the weather on your day out in Chicago.
Shopping is a great way to spend a day with your kids in Chicago, whether it's during the cold winter months or on a blazing summer day.
We have a variety of shopping options, from high-end designer stores to trendy boutiques.
One of the best places to shop is the Magnificent Mile, home to some of the best luxury brands, department stores, and flagship locations.
It's also home to some of our most famous landmarks, such as the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center.
Another great option is the Wicker Park neighborhood, which is known for its trendy boutiques, vintage shops, and independent retailers.
It also has a variety of restaurants and cafes to make it a perfect day out.
Shopping in Chicago is a great way to bond and make lasting memories with your entire family.
Two Chicago shopping destinations you can check out
Threadless is known for their trendy t-shirts, which feature designs submitted by artists from all over Chicago and beyond.
If you're looking for shopping options for pre-teen and teenage girls, head for Frankie's on the Park, which specializes in fashion-forward designer clothes & accessories.
Visit the Museum of Science and Industry
From stepping inside a U505 submarine that was captured during World War II to exploring a model coal mine - MSI is literally loaded with tons of captivating experiences for the entire family.
The museum also offers a variety of special events and programs for teens, such as workshops, camps, and lectures.
Exploring the Museum of Science and Industry is about a whole lot more than just escaping rain or cold - it’s a great way to get your children interested in science and technology!
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Phone: (773) 684-1414
Looking to beat the January cold? Here are some of the best things to do in Chicago in January.
Visit the Museum of Illusions
This interesting little museum offers a wide variety of optical illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits that will challenge their perception and spark their curiosity.
The exhibits are designed to be fun and educational, making it a perfect place to spend a rainy or cold day.
MoI offers a variety of illusions that are interactive, so your teens can take photos and videos of themselves in different scenarios, such as flying in the sky or being shrunk to the size of a toy.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Email: info@moichicago.com
Phone: (312) 722-6780
Say hi to Sue, their resident Tyrannosaurus Rex!
Looking to spark an interest in ancient and natural history among your kids?
Take 'em to the Field Museum!
The bare sight of Sue, the largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton ever found, towering over the visitors is enough to make anyone inquisitive about what else the museum has to offer.
Among their other interesting exhibits is an interactive one called "Inside Ancient Egypt," which allows visitors to journey through ancient Egyptian tombs and temples and learn about the daily lives of the ancient Egyptians.
A visit to the Field Museum is more than just a way of beating the weather - it could kindle a whole new interest in your children!
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Phone: (312) 922-9410
Visit Shedd Aquarium
From inside the Aquarium. A stunning view, isn’t it?
The aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and is home to a wide variety of marine life from all over the world.
The aquarium offers a wide range of exhibits, including freshwater and marine fish, sharks, rays, birds, and even sea otters.
The aquarium also offers a variety of special exhibits, such as the Wild Reef which is a shark habitat with a 40-foot-long viewing tunnel, and the Amazon Rising exhibit that showcases the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.
Website: Visit the website
Email: contactus@sheddaquarium.org
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Phone: (312) 939-2438
Indoor activities for teenagers in Chicago - a final word
As you can see, the Windy City offers families with teenage children multiple indoor activities to choose from.
From escape room adventures for thrillseekers to deep-dish and Chicago-style popcorn for foodies; from exciting VR adventures for gamers (and non-gamers) to grueling indoor climbing for fitness enthusiasts - there's something for everyone.
Go through our list, and start planning your family outing. Don't let rough weather stop you from having an exciting day in Chicago!
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