Chicago is a fantastic location for family vacations, but it’s also a terrific destination for teenagers. Teens will like the range of activities and sights available to them, including shopping on the Magnificent Mile, high-speed boat trips on Lake Michigan, and Broadway performances. There is bound to be something that appeals to them all, regardless of their hobbies. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Chicago for teens.
Things to do in Chicago for Teens: Overview
Discovering Chicago as a teenager presents a plethora of fascinating prospects. Everyone may find something to enjoy in the Windy City, from famous sites to energetic districts. Now let’s explore an extensive selection of teen-friendly activities that will make your trip unique.
Visit the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) to get your STEM on
Constructed in 1893 for the Chicago World’s Fair, the Museum of Science and Industry currently houses an extensive assemblage of relics. For things to do in Chicago for teens, thousands of interactive displays covering everything from history to the human body can be found.
A recreated coal mine, a giant indoor tornado, and a submarine (U-505) from World War II are just a few of the elements that will captivate teens. It’s a great spot for teenagers to spend the day in Chicago.
Attend a performance at one of Chicago’s premier theaters
When it comes to theater, Chicago has it all. Broadway offers comedy, dramas, musicals, and shows. There is really something to suit every age group all year long, including fantastic things to do in Chicago for teens.
Visit Broadway in Chicago to see the newest productions, but keep in mind that many teenagers will like Blue Man Group, and some may even enjoy Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier. Make sure you check these out if your child enjoys theater.
Visit The Art Institute of Chicago to see one of the greatest art collections in the world
Recurrently ranked as one of the world’s best art museums is the Art Institute of Chicago. This is the place to go if you’re in Chicago with a teenage art enthusiast.
The artwork in the collections, which date from antiquity to the present, includes pieces by painters such as Monet and Diego Rivera. Give yourself plenty of time to appreciate the breathtaking architecture within. Investing in a CityPASS will help you save money when visiting The Art Institute and other major attractions.
Five of Chicago’s top attractions, including the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, Skydeck Chicago, and Adler Planetarium, provide discounted admission with a CityPASS. This is a fantastic deal for teens searching for affordable entry to some of the best things to do in Chicago for teens.
Take the selfies in Millennium Park
Without a trip to Millennium Park, no family vacation to Chicago would be complete. The park, featuring the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Crown Fountain, Lurie Garden, and the well-known Cloud Gate sculpture (often called The Chicago Bean), is a must-visit for families looking for unforgettable things to do in Chicago for teens.
It’s not only a fantastic location for photography but also an iconic destination for teen-friendly exploration.These are the places to visit if you’re thinking about taking your teenager friends to Chicago.
These all provide stunning backgrounds for Instagram selfies taken in Chicago. Before you start shooting, make sure to read these guidelines on how to take the greatest pictures of yourself.
Maggie Daley Park, a 20-acre park with a playground, climbing wall, mini golf course, tennis courts, and a skating ribbon, is next to the park. Teens are never too old to visit the park in Chicago!
There are many more locations in Chicago where you may snap selfies, such as the baseball-loving crowds at Wrigley Field, Grant Park’s Buckingham Fountain, and Navy Pier, which has eateries, boats, and the Centennial Wheel ferris wheel.
Try an Escape Room
The Chicago downtown area is home to multiple escape rooms. Every challenge typically calls for “teams” to complete a themed problem under a predetermined time limit (often an hour).
It’s exciting to race against the clock and see if you have what it takes to solve the clues, in addition to being a great family activity. Playing escape games with tweens and teens is a great way to spend time in Chicago.
Go high to 360 CHICAGO or the Skydeck for the best views of Chicago
Some of the tallest buildings in downtown offer two distinct perspectives of the city. Nestled within the John Hancock building, 356 Chicago offers an exhilarating experience approximately 94 stories above street level, standing at a breathtaking height of 1000 feet above Michigan Avenue.
This unique attraction is a must-visit for teens seeking extraordinary things to do in Chicago for teens and promises unparalleled views of the cityscape.
TILT is a moving platform that offers an unparalleled view as it literally “tilts” riders away from the building and into a glass enclosed box. It is perfect for thrill seekers.
One of the highest structures in the Western Hemisphere, the Willis Tower, has Skydeck on its 103rd floor. Visitors to this Chicago observation deck come for the “Ledge,” which are glass boxes that stretch outside the structure and offer a 360-degree view of the city.
Though it’s not for the timid, this is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable things to do in Chicago with a teenager.
Take the Seadog for a fast-paced Lake Michigan trip
Teens will adore the Seadog Extreme Thrill Ride, among the most exhilarating boats on Lake Michigan. The boat whips over the waves at up to 45 mph.
High-energy things to do in Chicago for teens, this thrilling experience includes drivers swerving and turning, creating a splash-filled adventure that bounces riders around for an unforgettable time.
It’s an enjoyable and short way to observe the city from the river, and the voyage lasts for thirty minutes. It’s the best method for teenagers to explore Chicago.
Take a Segway Tour
There are many teenagers in Chicago that are the ideal age for excursions. Select the Segway tour company and itinerary that best suits your group.
Segway tours offer an alternative perspective of the city, providing an engaging option for groups seeking unique and exciting things to do in Chicago for teens.
Kayaking is another enjoyable way to explore the city; there are several choices for rowing along the Chicago River and even Lake Michigan.
You can walk between each shop and sample some of the best donuts in the city by taking the Underground Donut Tour. The Chicago Food Tour stops at all the city’s must-eats, such as Chicago hot dogs and deep dish pizza.
While Bobby’s Bike Hike offers a number of riding tours, we really enjoy the off-the-beaten-path options, such as this Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour. Take a Crime & Mob bus tour around some of the most notorious locations in Chicago to learn about the darker side of the city’s history.
The interior subterranean downtown design is even showcased on a guided Chicago Pedway Walking tour. This is a fantastic activity for a wet day in Chicago with teenagers.
Steer, stroll, or skate 606
The 606 is a multipurpose route that runs through the Chicago neighborhoods of Bucktown and Wicker Park. Once a train track, it’s now a 2.7-mile path with sculptures, wall murals, small parks, and sporadic activities like stargazing and block parties.
For teens seeking diverse and enjoyable things to do in Chicago, exploring this transformed route and grabbing a snack at local eateries, such as Small Cheval or Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, makes for a perfect day out.
Investigate the ethnic neighborhoods in Chicago
Due to its history as an immigrant city, Chicago has communities of people from all over the world. To mention a few, there is Little Italy, Andersonville (Swedish), Pilsen (Mexican), Chinatown, and Bronzeville (African-American).
The abundance of dining, shopping, and historical attractions in each area will satisfy even the most discriminating teenagers looking for diverse and captivating things to do in Chicago for teens.
Visit the best theme park in the neighborhood
Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, roughly an hour north of downtown Chicago, is a great place to take your adolescent thrill-seekers. My teenage children adore this theme park, and their top attractions are Maxx Force, X Flight, and Goliath. Their pace is that of anything moving quickly.
If you want to spend the entire day at Six Flags, you can enjoy the rides and then cool off at Hurricane Harbor, as the park also has a water park. It features everything you might anticipate, such as water slides, a lazy river, and a surf rider experience.
Check out a local sports team
Watching a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field offers the best MLB experience possible. If the Chicago White Sox are your team of choice, travel to Guaranteed Rate Field.
The Chicago Fire FC (soccer team), Chicago Bulls (basketball team), Chicago Bears (football team), and Chicago Blackhawks (hockey team) are also notable. Purchase game tickets for your teen’s favorite team.
Spend time exploring Lincoln Park
Teenagers may enjoy a dynamic mix of entertainment, cultural inquiry, and outdoor experiences at Lincoln Park.
Teens can create a unique experience in this bustling Chicago neighborhood by embracing nature, learning about the history of the area, or engaging in leisure activities. Lincoln Park offers the ideal setting for teenagers to interact, explore, and make lifelong memories.
There are a number of entertaining attractions in Lincoln Park for teenagers. The Lincoln Park Conservatory, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago History Museum, and Lincoln Park Zoo are among them. In the summer, North Avenue Beach is a great place to hang out, and there are lots of great local eateries nearby.
Adjacent to Navy Pier are AMC Theaters and Lucky Strike Bowling
Riding the Centennial Wheel is one of the coolest things to do at Navy Pier with teenagers. From air-conditioned pods, this 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel gives stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan. Live music and theatrical events are among the many entertainment options available at the pier.
Fireworks displays take place twice a week during the summer, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Any hungry teen’s needs will be satisfied by Navy Pier’s variety of culinary alternatives.
After exploring Navy Pier, make sure to visit some of the neighboring amusement centers, like Pinstripes, AMC Theaters, and Lucky Strike Bowling.
Enjoy a breathtaking helicopter tour over Chicago
Teenagers will love the thrilling sensation of taking a gorgeous helicopter flight above Chicago. They will see famous sites, gorgeous architecture, and breath-taking vistas while soaring above the cityscape, making for an amazing experience.
Consider going on a Chicago helicopter tour to explore the city from above for a really unique experience. It’s a stunning viewpoint of the Windy City. Everyone will have lifelong memories as a result of this.
Teens can have a memorable and exhilarating experience with a helicopter tour above Chicago. A combination of knowledge, fun, and the chance to make lifelong memories are provided by this trip, which includes aerial views of famous landmarks and expansive cityscape views. It’s the ideal way for teenagers to see Chicago’s grandeur and beauty from a whole different angle.
Where Teens Can Eat in Chicago?
Chicago has a ton of fantastic restaurants for families to enjoy, but what about teen dining options? We believe they will adore the following locations: Summer House Santa Monica is like a small piece of California right in the middle of Chicago. Piece Pizza is, well, pizza, and Portillo’s Hot Dogs are also nearby. Big Star is like tacos and honky tonks.
Visit Eataly, Time Out Market, or Revival Food Hall in Chicago if the whole family is having trouble deciding what to eat.
Do you need a fast snack? Don’t miss Chicago mix popcorn from Garrett Popcorn stores. Don’t miss the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, Sweet Mandy B’s bakery, or the Nutella cafe if your child has a sweet tooth. The youth will not be let down.
Conclusion
Finally these are the things to do in Chicago for teens. Teens can enjoy a vast and varied range of activities in Chicago, making their stay enjoyable and enlightening.
The Windy City offers a wide range of experiences, including touring famous sites, losing oneself in cultural events, going on outdoor excursions, and taking advantage of the thriving music and art scenes.
Teenagers looking for adventure and discovery will have an unforgettable time in Chicago thanks to its distinctive fusion of modernity, culture, and history.