Here is our list of the best group activities in Chicago, Illinois.
Fun group activities in Chicago are indoor and outdoor experiences that can bring your team together in the city. For example, your group can explore Adler Planetarium or have an exciting laser tag experience at Lazer X. The purpose of these activities is to create an avenue for groups to bond with each other, foster teamwork, and encourage creativity.
These ideas are examples of group activities for adults. These outings are similar to Chicago team building events and corporate events in Chicago.
This list includes:
- small group activities in Chicago, Illinois
- large group activities in Chicago, IL
- group activities for adults in Chicago
- fun things to do in Chicago as a group
- group activities in Illinois
Here we go!
List of fun group activities in Chicago, IL
Group activities can increase productivity, encourage creativity, and foster respect among the participants. From kayaking with Kayak Chicago to exploring The Field Museum, here are the best group activities for adults in Chicago.
1. Espionage! (Top Choice)
You can embrace the covert world of secret agents with Espionage! This 90-minute team building adventure immerses your team in a realm of spies, puzzles, and strategic challenges.
Here is what you can anticipate from this thrilling event:
- a world-class host from teambuilding.com will discreetly divide your group into agents and spies
- throughout the game, players will encounter challenges such as word searches, scavenger hunts, and code unscrambling
- lively group discussions and debates will help players try to expose the spies’ true identities
- we will meet you at your preferred location with any needed supplies
- expect some special effects and surprises
This exercise will stimulate your intellect and ignite your competitive spirit for an unforgettable experience!
Learn more about Espionage!
2. Ultimate Trivia Showdown (Popular)
Ultimate Trivia Showdown is a 90-minute activity featuring engaging questions and friendly competition.
Here is what this evening of fun and games entails:
- a dynamic host from teambuilding.com will lead the event
- teams engage in a variety of thrilling activities, including Majority Rules, General Knowledge Trivia, The Champion Challenge, and Smarty Pants Ultimate Trivia
- players put their knowledge to the test with rapid-fire questions, interactive games, and mind-boggling puzzles.
- the questions will cover a diverse range of topics, from pop culture to science to history.
- you choose your preferred venue, and we will bring all the necessary materials.
Ultimate Trivia Showdown is the perfect choice of activities that help teams bond.
Learn more about Ultimate Trivia Showdown.
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3. The Great Guac Off™️ (Highly Rated)
The Great Guac Off is a friendly and flavorful guacamole-making competition! Teams from notable companies like HelloFresh, SoFi, and EY love this activity.
Here is what you can expect at this avocado-based event:
- knowledgeable hosts and co-hosts from teambuilding.com will meet you at your chosen location
- we will provide the delicious ingredients for guacamole and an assortment of dippers
- to add an exciting twist, hosts may introduce a secret ingredient.
- at first, hosts will lead energizing warm-up games and icebreakers.
- then, teams will participate in avocado trivia and thrilling mini-games.
- finally, participants will showcase their culinary skills by creating guacamole masterpieces.
- participants will give each guacamole creation a unique name, and a panel of judges will taste and score each entry.
- at the end of the competition, one guacamole maker will emerge as the champion!
For an engaging activity that strengthens bonds and guacamole skills, be sure to check out The Great Guac Off.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
4. 2D Restaurant
2D Restaurant is a unique Asian eatery known for its unique design and cuisine. Designed by award-winning Vanessa Thanh Vu, the restaurant’s dining room is entirely hand-drawn. This technique creates a one-of-a-kind comic book-like atmosphere for diners and photographers alike. The space features a balcony with views of the Eiffel Tower, a vintage-style hotel bathroom, and a cozy library with a fireplace.
The menu, crafted by acclaimed chef Kevin Yu, offers a range of trendy Asian dishes. For instance, diners can enjoy Japanese mochi donuts, Vietnamese coffee, Taiwanese fried chicken sandwiches, and boba tea. Notably, 2D has gained recognition as one of the top donut shops in the city.
Additionally, 2D offers exclusive party experiences, allowing guests to book the entire restaurant for various events. With its commitment to the community and innovative dining experience, 2D Restaurant is a must see.
Learn more about 2D Restaurant.
5. The Neo-Futurist Theater
The Neo-Futurist Theater is a unique venue that puts on a whole new style of plays! In theater, neo-futurism encourages direct and truthful communication between performers and the audience.
The theater’s main attraction is The Infinite Wrench. During this show, guests get to watch thirty original plays performed within just sixty minutes. These plays cover a range of emotions and themes, drawing inspiration from the performers’ personal experiences. With a fresh lineup every week, The Infinite Wrench is an ongoing effort to challenge conventional live theater.
For those interested in learning this art form, the theater offers writing classes for writers of any level. Ensemble members lead the workshop “Writing & Performing the Two-Minute Play.” Classes typically last six to eight weeks, and the theater also offers shorter workshops and off-site classes at various locations throughout the city.
For a unique take on traditional theater, be sure to check out The Neo-Futurist Theater!
Learn more about The Neo-Futurist Theater.
6. Kayak Chicago
Kayak Chicago is the city’s original kayak and paddleboard outfitter, serving the community since 1999. The firm provides all the supplies you need for adventures on the Chicago River, outings at Montrose Beach, or enjoying the sun at North Ave Beach.
For those interested in learning kayaking, Kayak Chicago offers classes at all levels. The foundational “Learn to Kayak” course covers kayak outfitting, safety procedures, boat control, balance, and technical paddling skills. More advanced teams may enjoy learning about sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, SUP yoga, and paddling fitness. Certified instructors teach these classes in a safe and enjoyable learning environment.
In addition, the firm offers a variety of guided tours, including the Chicago architecture tour, the original fireworks paddle, and a city lights tour after dark. Kayak Chicago also offers rentals, which include kayaks, paddleboards, and electric boats. Rentals come with the necessary equipment and an orientation to kayaking, covering paddle strokes, safety protocols, and water rules. Be sure to stop by for a thrilling outdoor adventure!
Learn more about Kayak Chicago.
7. The Field Museum
The Field Museum houses nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens on the Lake Michigan shore in Chicago. The museum opens daily for public visits. You can explore different cultures and have a peek into the past and present world through the museum’s exhibitions, including Jurassic Oceans, Grainger Hall of Gems, and Insider Ancient Egypt. You will find dining areas nearby, including the Field Bistro.
Learn more about The Field Museum.
8. Lazer X
Lazer X is one of the best laser tag facilities in Chicago, with about 6,500 sq. ft. of play space. The arena is an excellent location for group activities in Illinois, with a fully lit play space and cool lighting effects. You can have up to 30 group members playing together, making laser tag one of the best small group activities in Chicago, Illinois.
Lazer X features various animatronic effects, fog, and energetic music to create a futuristic gaming environment. Your experience at the arena can last up to two hours.
Learn more about Lazer X.
9. Escape Artistry
Escape Artistry provides fun escape rooms that will take your group on an adventure to the past or the future, depending on your reserved room. Several themes are available for booking. For example:
- The Dollhouse: Your task is to reveal the identities of psychotic murderers.
- Duck & Cover Classroom: You and your group will help an agent retrieve radioactive materials.
- Roaring Dan’s Pirate Dungeon: A group of pirates on Lake Michigan captured you. You must escape before the leader returns.
Playing Escape Artistry games is one of the fun group activities in Chicago. Your group can plan to spend up to 90 minutes at the escape center. If you book a private party, then you can have more players in the room. Escape Artistry also offers printed and audio materials to make the rooms accessible to nearly all players.
Learn more about Escape Artistry.
10. Adler Planetarium
Adler Planetarium is a museum of stars, planets, and constellations for entertainment and education. You can enjoy a mystical experience any day of the week at the museum.
The facility hosts different events and shows like Destination Solar System, Imagine the Moon, Planet Nine, and Sky Watch Live. The museum offers a discount for group visits. Also, reservations are necessary to guarantee entry into the planetarium. During your visit, you can also explore the museum’s interesting exhibits. For instance, Chicago’s Night’s Sky features a collection of star maps and celestial globes. The Doane Observatory is home to the largest public telescope in Chicago. Also, the Mission Moon exhibit gives your team America’s first space experience through the lens of Captain Lovell.
Learn more about Adler Planetarium.
11. Shedd Aquarium
The most fun things to do in Chicago as a group include exploring Shedd Aquarium. Located on lakeshore drive, the Shedd Aquarium is home to many aquatic animals your team can learn about by touring the institution. The facility provides an enthusiastic tour guide to take you around the aquarium.
You can also enjoy special experiences like the Sea Otter Tour, Penguin Encounter, Shark Feeding Tour, and Beluga Encounter. The touch experience also gives you a closer look and feel of these sea animals.
Learn more about Shedd Aquarium.
12. The Chopping Block
The Chopping Block is a cooking school that teaches attendees in a fun way. Your team will learn to cook from highly skilled chefs at The Chopping Block. You will enjoy a minimum of 90 minutes of culinary experience in a private kitchen with a multi-course menu and knowledgeable staff members to provide guidance.
In addition, you can reserve a cooking party for at least six guests. The cooking school also organizes a contest where your group members will compete to create a meal with a mystery recipe. In the end, the staff will decide the winner.
Learn more about The Chopping Block.
13. Rooftop Cinema Club
The Rooftop Cinema Club offers stunning views alongside fantastic films. Doors open early, so visitors can enjoy the view from golden hour to dusk. Then, visitors get individual pairs of Bluetooth headphones. This feature ensures each moviegoer can hear the film despite the outdoor location. Guests can also lean back and lounge in the comfortable provided deck chairs. This club caters to any movie taste, from cult classics to new releases. Finally, the club also has a full food and drink menu, taking dinner and a show to new heights. You can dine, relax, and unwind at the Rooftop Cinema Club.
Learn more about the Rooftop Cinema Club.
14. The Second City
The Second City is a well-rated comedy club in Chicago with different theaters in the same location. You can watch fun shows like Queer Eye, Improv Brunch, and Comedy Sportz. You can also watch an improvised murder mystery performed by the comedians. The fun part is that guests get to choose the show’s detective.
The Second City organizes various programs to teach groups skills like writing, stand-up comedy, and acting. With the writing program, you can learn the basics of sketching comedy scenes, including how to write for talk shows and animation.
Learn more about The Second City.
15. Kanya Lounge
Kanya Lounge is a rage room that allows guests to break items and release frustration. The location features great lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Kanya Lounge offers three custom design rage rooms where you can smash items like plates, glass bottles, phones, a keyboard, and a monitor. Furthermore, you can enjoy the open space bar featuring live music after letting out your rage. Fun activities like axe throwing, ping pong, and pool games are available at the lounge.
Learn more about Kanya Lounge.
16. Wentworth Park Ice Rink
Wentworth Park Ice Rink is a skating facility in Chicago. Skating at the venue is one of the fun group activities in Chicago.
The ice rink opens for free open skating during scheduled sessions. Your group can also register for the center’s Stock & Pouch and Pond Hockey program. The program will last 90 minutes, and participants must bring personal skating equipment. Furthermore, the ice rink is wheelchair accessible.
Learn more about Wentworth Park Ice Rink.
17. Scene 75
Scene 75 is one of Chicago’s largest indoor entertainment centers with state-of-the-art go-karts. Racing on the center’s track is one of the large group activities in Chicago, IL.
You can track your lap time and speed with a sophisticated timing system. Up to ten players can play a racing game together. Scene75 also offers a private facility rental option for over 150 guests. Aside from the racing track, the venue also features an arcade with over 130 games, laser tag facilities, and a blacklight mini-golf course. Your team will enjoy the electric go-kart ride with no emissions from the sports cars.
Learn more about Scene 75.
18. Allyu
Allyu is an excellent spa in Chicago that offers a relaxing and refreshing service. Your group can visit Allyu to release tension and spend time together.
You can create a customized experience or choose from the available packages with services like massage therapy, facial care, and spa body treatments. Furthermore, Allyu offers ten treatment rooms, four nail stations, and four private shower rooms for a great experience.
Learn more about Allyu.
19. The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile is an award-winning restaurant district in Chicago. With a skilled combination of local ingredients and international flavors, your dining experience will be worthwhile. The Magnificent Mile has diverse menu options for your group, from American, Asian, and Latin cuisines to Italian dishes.
While dining at restaurants on the Magnificent Mile, you can enjoy the Chicago skyline view, craft beer, and live entertainment. Plus, this district is within walking distance of the river and many famous Chicago attractions.
Learn more about The Magnificient Mile.
20. Lickity Split
Having ice creams and comparing favorite flavors at Lickity Split is one of the fun group activities in Illinois. Lickity Split is an ice cream shop in Chicago that offers a variety of flavors, ranging from frozen custard and banana split to tasty turtle and my way sundae. You can also get hot beverages, shakes, and malts at Lickity Split.
Learn more about Lickity Split.
Conclusion
Chicago is a great city with many indoor and outdoor activities for groups. You will find several gaming centers and dining areas with an excellent food selection. Chicago does not run out of fun and entertainment for you and your colleagues. Also, the city has impressive institutions serving educational and recreational purposes, like The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shed. Aquarium. Whether you smash items in a rage room or admire unique exhibits, you can expect the best group experience in Chicago.
Next, check out company outings in Chicago and team building events.
