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!
The first-ever Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue is taking over the Pearl District in Rosemont this May with interactive, walk-through worlds straight out of the game. Your teens won’t want to miss it! Tickets are live now—grab yours and get ready for hands-on challenges, the Orb of Interaction, and more.
📍EXP, 9900 Berwyn Ave, Rosemont, 60018
If your teen loves Insta-worthy backdrops (and you want something that’s actually fun too), Wondra has transformed Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall into an enchanting multi-sensory experience inspired by nature. Guests will journey through mesmerizing landscapes from serene seascapes to dazzling crystal caves—making it a solid pick for families. Don’t miss out on this dreamy escape!
📍5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Reserve a private karaoke room and sing your heart out alongside sushi
Grab your friends for a private J-Pop karaoke experience at Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya! Sing your favorite songs in your own room while enjoying Japanese favorites like sushi, sashimi, takoyaki, yakitori, and mochi avocado jalapeño cheese skewers. We recommend the Maki Tray and Hot Bites Platter, which includes yakitori skewers. Adults can sip from the extensive whiskey, sake, and cocktail menu, including signature drinks like the Sake Jelly and Matcha Kahlua, while teens can enjoy Ramune, classic Japanese soda.
The room holds up to 12 people, making it the perfect spot to eat, sing, and hang out. Located at 1176 Elmhurst Road, karaoke starts at $30/hour for 2–3 people, with rates increasing for larger groups; call 847‑228‑5539 to reserve.
📍1176 Elmhurst Road, Mt Prospect, IL 60056
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. Tickets here!
📍Lincoln Park at iFLY Chicago, 800 W. Scott St., Chicago, IL 60610
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.
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
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!
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!
Step into free-roaming VR adventures at Germania Place and get ready to battle zombies, aliens, and whatever else comes at you! Virtual Zone: VR Gaming Point is taking over the historic venue this spring, transforming it into an action-packed, interactive gaming arena. Head to the third floor and dive into fully immersive worlds where you can fight, explore, and survive.
📍108 W Germania Pl, Chicago, IL 60610
Experience some unforgettable performances in Chicago’s most exquisite venues. For teens who are into music (or just want an Instagram-worthy vibe), the Candlelight series brings classical and contemporary musicians to atmospheric, candlelit venues across Chicago; events take place at various locations throughout the city From introducing them to what you grew up on at 90s Unplugged to belting out their favorite Taylor Swift songs together, it’s the perfect activity for both parents and teens.
The Midwest’s largest pinball arcade has opened in Stone Park, bringing together more than 110 machines spanning nearly eight decades of gaming history. From vintage classics to modern favorites, this new hotspot offers a nostalgic and interactive experience that parents and teens will love.
📍3200 W Le Moyne St, Stone Park, IL 60165