Chi-Town is more than just a city to live in, it’s a city to experience. From strolling down the Chicago Riverwalk to catching a side-splitting comedy show, there are loads of fun-filled ways to experience the Windy City. 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 the city limits.
1. 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.
2. 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).
3. Decide the outcome of a courtroom drama at The Jury Experience
The Jury Experience in Chicago is a gripping live theater show that puts you in the juror’s shoes. Over the course of 60 nail-biting minutes, talented actors recreate a thrilling trial simulation on stage. Once the lawyers finish questioning their witnesses and the evidence has been presented, it’s up to you as the juror to cast your vote and decide how the trial will end. What will you decide?
🎟️Get your tickets to The Jury Experience here.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 to Queen, Vivaldi to Mozart, experience a spectacular live music tribute to your favorite artists amid a sea of candles this season.
🎟️Get your tickets to Candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Treat your senses at Sensory Feast
High-tech projection mapping, immersive storytelling and a delicious three-course meal — this is Sensory Feast in Chicago. It’s a one-of-a-kind dinner and virtual show where colorful adventures unfold on your table with the help of digital animations and state-of-the-art projection tech. Over the course of 90 minutes, you’ll embark on a unique culinary adventure that’s a treat for all the senses. So, if you’re looking for immersive experiences in Chicago and also happen to be a foodie, this one’s for you.
🎟️Get your tickets to Sensory Feast here.
10. Dive into your favorite movies and shows at Wonderverse
At Wonderverse, you can step into scenes from movies like Jumanji and Zombieland with the help of cutting-edge VR technology. There are escape rooms inspired by the Uncharted video game and a racing simulator modeled after the Bad Boys franchise. Regarding dining, there’s a restaurant serving all the American classics from hamburgers to hot dogs, and there’s a spooky speakeasy that channels the spirit of the Ghostbusters movies.