Are you looking for things to do in Chicago with a teenager? Do you have one who is just entering into the teenage years? Or do you have an older teen that is craving more from life? Whatever your situation, chances are you will find something here. After all, this city has something for everyone.
This article is going to give you some great ideas about things to do in Chicago with a teenager. There are plenty of activities available in the city, and we’ll help you figure out which ones are the best fit for your teen. Read on to learn more.
Eat, drink and be merry
There are plenty of restaurants in Chicago, and we’ve got some great recommendations for you. Whether you want fine dining or something more casual, there is something for every taste.
Some of the best spots are Morton’s The Steakhouse and Punch Bowl Social Chicago. These spots have a wide variety of food and drink options to satisfy any appetite. If your teen loves a good drink, they should check out places like The Aviary or The Whistler Room. You can see if the bartender can make a nonalcoholic virgin cocktail!
If your teen has a sweet tooth, they will definitely love one of Chicago’s famous bakeries like Magnolia Bakery or Sweet Mandy B’s. They can also try one of the many ice cream parlors in town like Ben & Jerry’s or Ghirardelli. Both locations offer a variety of flavors and toppings for any fantasy sundae.
Go to a sports game
There are plenty of sporting events in Chicago to check out. Whether you want to watch soccer, baseball, basketball, or hockey, you can find a game to go see.
Here are some places where you and your teen could enjoy watching a game together:
- Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field
- United Center
- Wintrust Arena
Take an art class
Chicago is home to some of the nation’s best museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago. The Institute offers various art classes for adults and teens as well. They offer a variety of classes in all different types of media, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, ceramics, photography and more. You could also choose to freelance your artwork to earn extra income.
If you are looking for something a little more physical than art class, try taking a cooking class in Chicago. There are plenty of cooking schools here that offer courses to give you an experience in the kitchen.
For those who like their adrenaline pumping with a side dish of fun and adventure, check out one of the many zip lines in Chicago. Or how about trying horseback riding with your teen?
Go to a concert
One of the best things to do in Chicago with a teenager is to go watch a concert. There are quite a few concert venues in the city, but one of my favorites is the Chicago Theatre. This theater hosts concerts by some big names in music. With the price tags that these shows come with, you’ll be able to take your teen out for an evening of fun without breaking the bank.
Another great thing about concerts is that they are a great time for teens to meet and make new friends. Because you will be surrounded by people their age, it makes it easier for them to find someone that they can talk to about what’s going on in their lives or who shares similar interests.
It also doesn’t hurt that you can see some great live music from artists all over.
Go to a museum
One of the best things to do in Chicago with a teenager is going to a museum. Museums are usually free and offer plenty of different activities for kids and teens. They often have themed exhibits that keep the experience engaging and entertaining for everyone.
Chicago has a huge variety of museums to choose from. Some popular choices include The Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and The Museum of Science and Industry. Most museums are open seven days a week so you can explore them at your leisure.
Another benefit of visiting museums is that they’re typically kid-friendly. This means your teen can explore without being restricted or having restrictions imposed on them by adults or guardians. It’s also unlikely that you’ll have to worry about them getting bored or agitated out of boredom while you’re there exploring on your own!
There are plenty of options available in Chicago when it comes to choosing between museum choices, so make sure to visit some of the top ones before settling on one specific destination for your next trip with a teen.
Visit a botanical garden
Blessed with a wealth of natural beauty, Chicago has become a popular destination for tourists. Home to over 30 parks and gardens, the city is also home to a variety of botanical gardens. There are three main botanical gardens in Chicago: Morton Arboretum, Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago Botanic Garden.
All three have beautiful displays and interesting plants that will delight any nature lover out there. Additionally, these locations are perfect for families or those who are just looking to relax on a warm summer day.
And if the weather isn’t cooperating, these locations all have nice cafes where you can enjoy some local food or catch up with friends over a good book.
Go on a virtual walking tour of Chicago
Chicago is a place for history and culture lovers. And since there are so many different things to see, it’s easy to get lost in the city.
A good way to explore Chicago is by taking a virtual walking tour of the city. It’s free to sign up for one on Google Maps, and your teen can use it to brush up on their knowledge of this great city. The best part about these tours is that they include all the key sites that make up Chicago, like Buckingham fountain or Navy Pier, so your teen will have plenty of landmarks to learn from.
Learn to appreciate nature and the great outdoors
One thing that teenagers love to do is explore the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or even just going for a run through the city, nature holds a special place in many teens’ hearts. If you want your teen to appreciate nature more, then getting them outside is one of the best ways to teach them about its importance.
This article gives you tips on how to encourage an appreciation for nature in your teen. For example, start simple by offering your teen a small gift from nature at least once a month. This can be as easy as taking them out for ice cream and giving them a few leaves from local trees or flowers from the park that you found yourself. Additionally, if your teen has their own outdoor sports activity like running or cycling, take them outside and ask them about it with questions like “What type of shoes do you need for this activity? What kind of gear? What are some technical terms related to this sport?”
These are only some of the ways that you can get involved with nature and help build an appreciation for it in your child. It will not only help build better relationships between parent and child but also increase their self-esteem which is always good to have around any time of year!
And finally, go for a run or hang out at the beach
If your teenager is looking for a more physical activity, consider taking them on a run or going to the beach. There are so many activities to do outside, but we’re not just talking about passive activities like walking or picnicking. We mean any kind of exercise that gets the heart pumping and muscles moving. This can also have a positive effect on your teen’s mental health.
For example, your teen could take up the sport of running or swimming. If you don’t know where to start with that type of activity, there are plenty of places in Chicago that offer instruction and opportunity for those interested in learning from a professional coach.
