It’s no secret that we adore the Windy City, but stepping into a completely different reality is truly refreshing sometimes! There are numerous ways to escape Chicago without ever leaving the city limits, thanks to these captivating and immersive experiences that beckon us into their imaginative worlds. Whether you’re entering Hogwarts at Harry Potter: Magic at Play or solving a mysterious murder at the Clue Walking Experience – we’ve got you covered! Keep scrolling to discover our picks of the best immersive experiences in Chicago for you to explore right now.
1. Step into a magical Hogwarts experience on the Mag Mile
This magical experience created by Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Original X Productions made its worldwide debut on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile last November—and is leaving town on Labor Day! At Harry Potter™: Magic at Play, you can explore the Dursley residence, step into the iconic Great Hall, and get on a boat that takes you to Hogwarts! It’s easy to see why it’s one of the best immersive experiences in Chicago right now.
📍 Location: Water Tower Place: 835 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611
2. Solve the thrilling CLUE Mystery Experience
Step into a world of mystery at the CLUE: A Walking Mystery experience, which has opened downtown until Labor Day! Guests are transported into the classic board game, which is brought to life with a thrilling adventure. The experience brings together dynamic storytelling, problem-solving, and of course, teamwork to solve the mystery of what happened to Mr. Boddy.
📍 Location: Downtown Chicago
3. Enjoy this immersive dining experience at Le Petit Chef
Le Petit Chef takes you on the ultimate gastronomic adventure of experiencing art through dining. This joyous 3D animated dinner presented by TableMation Studios is the best way to enjoy a five-course meal alongside a virtual reality dinner theater! Marvel at each dish by the tiny French chef that stands only 2 ½ inches tall. We loved how each course differed from the last and came with a delicious wine pairing. For the summer, enjoy a promotion of $130 per person.
Make reservations here!4. Go on a road trip to the nostalgic ‘Friends Experience’
Grab your group of friends and go on an epic road trip to check out the nostalgic FRIENDS™ Experience near Detroit. This unique experience was created by the show’s producers, Themed Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television Group so that you can revisit the best moments from the popular TV show. You can do everything from sitting on that famous couch and snapping many photos with your besties to visiting the iconic Central Perk, Joey and Chandler’s memorable living room, Monica and Rachel’s kitchen, and more!
📍 Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4780 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, 48326
🎫 Grab tickets to the Friends Experience here!
5. Immerse yourself in The Art of the Future at this Holographic Art Gallery
Verse: The Art of the Future fuses art and technology with a not-to-be-missed experience that allows guests to enter the metaverse. Check out this digital art exhibition featuring augmented reality holograms and artwork by top-selling artists from the burgeoning world of NFTs with the help of an AR headset, smartphone, or tablet. Verse showcases the people, technology, and stories that are shaping this sector of the art world.
🥽 Get your tickets for Verse: The Art of the Future in Chicago here!
📍Location: Block 37, 108 North State Street, Chicago, 60602
6. Delight yourself at the Museum of Ice Cream
Venture to an incredible 13,000-square-foot museum fully dedicated to ice cream! Rightfully so, the sweet emporium in The Shops of the Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue has been dubbed “Willy Wonka’s factory comes to life.” Visit several unique installations, from the iconic sprinkle pool to the cafe for a sweet treat! Starting on August 22nd, you’ll be able to step into the iconic Banana Room, dedicated to the delicious banana split dessert.
🍦Read all about it here and snag tickets here!
📍 Location: 435 North Michigan Avenue Suite G, Chicago, 60611