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!
1-2. Step into this VR Jumanji game or try to break out of the Uncharted Escape Rooms at Wonderverse
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!
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. Step into this joyful holiday experience this November
Chicago is getting a brand-new holiday experience you won’t want to miss—even your teens will enjoy it! The immersive Winterland experience will surround the whole family with festive projections, delicious treats and plenty of photo ops to enjoy just in time for the holidays.
It opens on November 22, 2024 and runs until January 5. Get your tickets now!
📍Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue
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. Check out the thrilling Blue Man Group show
Teens and tweens will love the Blue Man Group’s show—impressing audiences at the Briar Street Theatre in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood since ‘97. Watch as three blue men combine art, music, technology, and comedy on stage—without ever saying a word. This energizing show is fun for the whole family, and we love how the trio pokes fun at our collective human experience showing our shared experiences.
🥁 Tickets start at $49, grab them here!
📍Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
6. 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.
7. 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.
⛴️This month, check out the Lake Michigan: Premier Brunch or Lunch Cruise or the Signature Lunch or Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan Ticket.
8. 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
9. 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!
10. Find something free to do
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!