Chicago is a city to experience. From strolling down the Chicago Riverwalk to catching a side-splitting comedy show, there are loads of fun-filled things to do in Chicago. That being said, sometimes the best plan is to escape into a completely different reality — one that whisks you away on an entirely new adventure. Luckily for us, there’s a wide range of immersive experiences in Chicago that will ignite your sense of wonder without having to leave the city limits.
Discover the wonders of WNDR Museum
Home to over 15 fabulous multi-sensory installations, WNDR Museum is one of Chicago’s most-visited museums. Some of its highlights include the WNDR Light Floor made of 100s of motion sensored LED panels and the LOVE IS CALLING mirrored room filled with inflatable, tentacle-like forms. The whole museum is designed to inspire creativity and expression, and the adults love visiting it as much as the kids do.
Channel Your Inner Legal Expert And Deliver Justice At The Jury Experience In Chicago
The Jury Experience is an immersive live theater event at Chicago’s Edlis Neeson Theater that transforms the audience into a high-stakes jury. Eschewing the passive nature of true-crime TV, this interactive production allows you to examine evidence, hear witness testimony, and cast the final vote in a condensed, adrenaline-fueled 60-minute session. It’s designed to test your intuition and rationale, often sparking heated debates among friends long after the curtain falls.
Embark on a colorful adventure at Color Factory Chicago
Color Factory Chicago is an interactive art exhibition located inside Willis Tower. Made up of 14 vibrant installations designed by local and international artists, this place celebrates every color of the rainbow. Each room has its own unique theme, from a 2,600-square-foot green ball pit to a radiant confetti room, and there are sweet treats offered throughout your visit (including delicious melon ice cream).
Immerse yourself in a world of Jazz
The Jazz Room in Chicago transforms intimate venues into 1920s-style speakeasies where professional musicians perform dynamic, genre-spanning sets rooted in jazz, soul, and blues, blending classic standards and improvisation to evoke New Orleans’ spirit via Chicago’s rich musical legacy.
See Chicago like never before at Flyover
Ready for a high-tech adventure? Flyover is an immersive flight simulation that lets you see Chicago from above thanks to impressive aerial footage and drone technology. Music, scents, mists and motion complement the experience so that you can connect with the sights, sounds and spirit of Chicago in a whole new way. You’ll find the venue inside Navy Pier and ticket prices range between $23.85 (kids under 13 and under) to $33.95 for adults.
Explore new worlds at Verse Immersive
Verse Immersive is a holographic theater where 3D landscapes and characters come to life through cutting-edge AR technology. Augmented reality (or AR for short) places you right in the middle of the action by allowing you to see your real surroundings, your hands and other people. Once you slip on your AR headset, you’ll be transported to a range of virtual worlds including magical gardens, starry galaxies and vast deserts teeming with dinosaurs.
Experience music magic at a Candlelight concert
Known for their diverse range of programs and thousands of twinkling candles, Candlelight concerts in Chicago have been captivating music lovers in the city for some time now. You can catch gorgeous candlelit tributes to pop hits, timeless compositions, movie soundtracks and more taking place inside Chicago’s most remarkable venues including Stan Mansion and Wicker Park Lutheran Church. From Coldplay Vivaldi and Mozart, experience a spectacular live music tribute to your favorite artists amid a sea of candles this season.
Check out what’s on at MCA
The Museum Of Contemporary Art (or MCA for short) hosts loads of immersive exhibitions throughout the year. The art galleries here are often transformed into an interactive environment with the help of large-scale video installations and multimedia works. Recently, works by the likes of Pipilotti Rist and Edie Fake have been projected onto the walls, which allows attendees to move around the gallery while the art moves with them.
Channel your inner child at Museum of Ice Cream
We love ice cream in Chicago, especially during those sweltering summer months. But at Museum of Ice Cream, those frozen scoops are adored all year round. Alongside the unlimited ice cream on offer, there’s a range of installations and immersive experiences to enjoy. We’re talking diving into a pool of over-sized sprinkles, riding the interactive ‘Sprink-L’ train and sinking a few putts on a themed golf course. It’s a Willy Wonka-style wonderland that’s sure to sweeten up your plans.