If you have teenagers, one thing is certain: family adventures have gotten a whole lot pickier. Whether you’re the cool aunt trying to impress your nieces and nephews, a parent or grandparent planning something they’ll actually enjoy, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite teen-approved activities in and around Chicago that won’t make them cringe! Keep scrolling for our top things to do with teens in Chicago!
1. See the Joffrey Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland
This June, step into a world of whimsy as The Joffrey Ballet brings Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to the Lyric Opera of Chicago from June 5–22. If your teens are into over-the-top props and eye-popping costumes, you have to take them to this production. This classic tale features a tap-dancing Mad Hatter, a fierce Queen of Hearts, and a mesmerizing Caterpillar. Don’t miss the U.S. premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s international hit—it’s only in town for a short time. Grab your tickets now!
2. Visit this 45,000-square-foot entertainment venue’s thrilling VR experiences and escape rooms
Venture out to Wonderverse Chicago for a thrilling day spent exploring the worlds of virtual reality and so much more! This 45,000-square-foot entertainment venue is one of our favorite places to entertain tweens and teenagers.
There’s a Zombiland-inspired arcade that can entertain them for hours, a Jumanji VR experience that literally turns you into the characters from the game, where you’ll go on a thrilling jungle quest to get back the Scepter of Se’payu from the evil Haka’ar, who possesses the Red Jewel of Jumanji. It’s safe to say the Jumanji experience just might be one of our favorite things to do with teens in Chicago right now!
Next, the Uncharted Escape Rooms at Wonderverse Chicago are based on the 2022 movie and video game that will have you exploring ancient ruins and solving cryptic puzzles before pirates close in on you. This adventure will take you on a journey to find the lost fortune that disappeared during the Magellan expedition during the 1500s. Choose between three escape rooms including the Church, the Auction, and the Galleon. Get your tickets now!
Indulge in the Sunday Funday brunch this month only, and get a free $30 playcard to use in the Zombiland-inspired arcade. Secure your spot here!
Need a break from your teen crew? Dip into the Ghost Trap Speakeasy for a respite and some delicious cocktails; just watch out for flying spirits!
Get tickets to Jumanji here and tickets to Uncharted Escape Rooms here!
📍2310 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
3. Check out a rugby game
Take your teens to a Chicago Hounds rugby game at SeatGeek Stadium for an action-packed outing that’s anything but ordinary. They’ll love the fast-paced play and fun atmosphere—and it’s a great way to mix up your usual weekend plans.
📅 Next Home Matches:
- Monday, May 19 at 7:00 PM vs. RFC Los Angeles
- Saturday, May 31 at 6:00 PM vs. NOLA Gold
- Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00 PM vs. Houston SaberCats
Check out tickets here!
📍 SeatGeek Stadium: 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, IL 60455
4. Go indoor skydiving for a thrilling adventure
Thrill seekers will love this innovative indoor skydiving establishment right here in Lincoln Park at iFLY Chicago. Spend the most thrilling afternoon with your teens learning how to skydive with the help of an instructor.
Find out what it’s like to jump out of an airplane without actually doing so with their vertical wind tunnel that replicates all of the same feelings! Teens will get to take home a personalized flight certificate as well to show off their new skills to their friends.
📍Lincoln Park at iFLY Chicago, 800 W. Scott St., Chicago, IL 60610
5. Visit one of our incredible museums
Chicago has some of the best museums around, offering so much variety that families will love exploring the many inspiring exhibits. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry for interactive, science-focused exhibits or the Field Museum to experience permanent and temporary exhibitions. Chicago residents can enjoy free museum days on Wednesdays, so if your teen wants to visit with friends, hump day is a great option.
The Chicago History Museum offers a dive deeper into our city’s past, while stylish teens that have an interest in fashion must make a trip to see the Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective.
Art enthusiasts should check out the Art Institute for masterpieces and the MCA for modern art. Space lovers will be captivated by the Adler Planetarium’s shows, and for social media-worthy moments, head to the WNDR Museum or the Museum of Illusions for fun, interactive exhibits.
6. Go on an architecture boat tour
Chicago has some of the most jaw-dropping architecture in the states, so why not take your hard-to-impress teens on a boat tour to see the city’s iconic skyline from the water? If you ask us, it’s one of the most unique ways to enjoy an afternoon or evening while cruising along Lake Michigan.
⛴️Next month, check out the Lake Michigan: Premier Brunch or Lunch Cruise.
7. Venture to the largest arcade just outside the city
The world’s largest arcade is only 30 minutes outside of Chicago—and is a must-visit for families who love gaming. The Galloping Ghost Arcade, located in Brookfield, Illinois, has 980 games to enjoy, including rare finds like Sega R360 to fan-favorites like Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and more!
🕹️Learn more about it here! Check out our top 10 favorite arcades here!
📍9415 Ogden Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513
8. Enjoy a fabulous hotel stay
Looking for a staycation that will impress your teenager or planning a family trip to Chicago for the very first time? We’ve got you covered with hotels that will make your visit unforgettable. Here are a few spots your teen will absolutely love:
The Fairmont Chicago
Why teens will think it’s cool: Just steps from Chicago’s top attractions like Millennium Park (home to Cloud Gate, aka The Bean), Michigan Avenue and the Buckingham Fountain, you’ll be perfectly situated to explore the city. Parents will score some serious cool points with their teens by booking the Fairmont Gold experience. They’ll feel like a VIP with upscale amenities and will love hanging out in the 15th-floor lounge with all of the views—not to mention the food and drinks at their fingertips.
RIU Plaza Hotel Chicago
Why teens will think it’s cool: This upscale 4-star hotel is located just steps from the Mag Mile. Your teens will want to head up to the 27th floor to check out the hotel’s pièce de résistance…the epic terrace, complete with a glass balcony they can actually walk on! They’ll no doubt love snapping thrilling photos from this spot during your stay.
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Why teens will think it’s cool: We love this hotel for its prime location along the Chicago River, just steps from Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and Millennium Park. Plus, your young adults will enjoy spending hours at the pool. If you have tweens, check out the hour-long Little Chefs Experience for pizza and cupcake-making alongside one of their chefs. Older teens will love a more elegant dining experience at Shula’s Steak House.
🏨Looking for more options? Check out the best boutique hotels around the city!
9. Find something free or cheap to enjoy around the city
Your cash-strapped teenagers don’t need to spend a dime to do something fun around the city. From checking out one of the largest indoor gardens to visiting the countless museums on one of their free days, your teen has endless options in Chicago without spending a dime.
🆓 Check out our full list of the best free things to do in the city! Also, don’t miss our list of over 30 cheap things to do!
10. Go to this fast-paced golf tournament and see Good Charlotte headline
LIV Golf is coming back to Bolingbrook Golf Club August 8–10—and it’s not just for golf fans. Enjoy live music, cool food spots, interactive games, and a vibe that’s more festival than country club. Yeah, there’ll be top golfers doing their thing, but you don’t need to know the game to have a good time. Kids under 12 get in free with an adult, and the Family Foursome deal makes it easy to show up with your crew. Grab tickets now!
📍 Location: Bolingbrook Golf Club – 2001 Rodeo Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60490
🗓️Dates: August 8-10, 2025