6 Group Activities to add to your Chicago Bucket List
Perhaps this post is a little preemptive.
But what can I say? I am ready to get back to spending some quality time with my friends in the city (and there isn’t anything better than Chicago in the summertime).
As of writing this post, the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported that over 18% of the state’s population has received the COVID-19 vaccine. I’m optimistic that we’ll slowly begin to open up and be able to have a relatively normal second half of the year.
Therefore, I’ve started compiling a list of group activities that I plan on adding to my social calendar for when it’s safe to do so.
Here’s what I’ve got so far…
Drag Brunch
3700 N. Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613
For over 20 years, the Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, has provided entertainment and upscale American dining to Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood. They’re known for the cocktails and Kit Kat Divas.
Their Divalicious Brunches on Sundays are the perfect way to elevate your brunch experience with “tableside” performances from drag queens.
Reserve Here
Sailing Cruise
111 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
I came across a Groupon for this a few weeks ago and I couldn’t believe the price! If you’ve ever tried to rent a boat in Chicago, you know how expensive it can get during Chicago’s brief summer.
OffShore Adventures, founded by USCG Master Captain, Rick, has two cruise offerings, both BYOB. You can opt for a 2-hour daytime cruise sailing along the shoreline with up to 6 friends or you can experience a nighttime cruise underneath the Chicago fireworks.
Reserve Here
Big Mini Putt
1302 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Located in Wicker Park, the Big Mini Putt Club recently opened up to the public as Chicago’s first indoor mini-golf course.
The Owners, Austin, and Nick designed the 9-hole course themselves and have spent months renovating an old garment building to bring it to life. Even if you’re friends aren’t golfers, the course is designed to accommodate all skill levels. And if that doesn't work you can entice them with the full-sized bar located in the building (they even have slushies!).
Reserve Here
Spray Paint N’Sip
800 N. Kedzie, Chicago IL 60651
You’ve heard of Paint and Sip, but I’m betting you haven’t heard of Spray Paint N'Sip.
Located in Pilsen, Native 312 Events is known for bringing urban arts to life with their “instagramable” street art & mural tours. Recently they’ve expanded to include an Urban Arts Workshop so you can learn to spray paint like a street artist. Grab your friends and for $40 you’ll have access to materials and 1:1 led instruction to help you unleash your creative sides.
Also, it’s BYOB so remember to grab your favorite bottle!
Reserve Here
Underground Donut Tour
401 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
An Underground donut tour, because why not?
In June of 2016, Jeff, a Chicago marketer, started giving tours of his favorite donut shops to friends and family. Nearly six years later, their donut-tasting experience has expanded to four other cities (Seattle, Philly, NYC, and Portland).
It’s pretty much just as it sounds. For $30, you and your friend group can each purchase a ticket to indulge your sweet tooth and walk off some of those calories. Luckily Chicago’s donut scene is abundant, so you even have the option to choose between the Loop or Wicker Park neighborhood for completely different donut tasting adventures.
Reserve Here
Bikes, Bites, & Brews
540 N. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois 60611
Chicago is surprisingly a very bike-able city. In fact, it consistently ranks in the top ten for the Most Bike-Friendly Cities in America.
For over 19 years, Bobby’s Bike Hike has provided tours of Chicago land. What started as a bike tour has expanded into walking tours, food tours, and bar crawls. The one that provides the quintessential Chicago food experience is their Bikes, Bites, & Brews guided tour. For over 3 hours, you’ll cover 13 miles of the cities favorite restaurants and historical landmarks.
Tickets range from $75-80 per person but included in your trip are meals like deep-dish pizza, brownies, hotdogs, beer, and cupcakes.