Published April 14, 2022
Finding that special someone can be tough, but dating itself doesn't have to be boring! Say goodbye to the same old happy hour or dinner date ideas and mix things up with this list of Bucket Listers’ favorite unexpected date ideas in Chicago.
Boozy Bowling Social is a gathering for anyone who is over the dating scene. Mingle with new people over bowling, an open bar, tarot card readings, and group games, all hosted by a charismatic MC. Take the pressure away of meeting new people with this special, socializing event. Come with your friends, bring your wingman, or suggest it to a match on a dating app for a fun first date!
Location: The Pink Squirrel, 2424 Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
When: Thursday, April 28th 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM and Thursday, May 26th 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Boozy Bowling Social is a gathering for anyone who is over the dating scene. Mingle with new people over bowling, an open bar, tarot card readings, and group games, all hosted by a charismatic MC. Take the pressure away of meeting new people with this special, socializing event. Come with your friends, bring your wingman, or suggest it to a match on a dating app for a fun first date!
Location: The Pink Squirrel, 2424 Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
When: Thursday, April 28th 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM and Thursday, May 26th 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Whether you and your date are beginners or experienced golfers, there's fun for everyone at Five Iron Golf, an indoor golf simulator with several locations in Chicago. Practice your skills on the virtual driving range or course simulator, or challenge each other to a competition with a selection of other exciting virtual games.
Locations:
The Loop: 108 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60602
River North: 609 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60654
Lincoln Park: coming soon!
Hours: Monday - Thursday 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Friday 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
For more information on Five Iron Golf - Loop or River North.
Whether you and your date are beginners or experienced golfers, there's fun for everyone at Five Iron Golf, an indoor golf simulator with several locations in Chicago. Practice your skills on the virtual driving range or course simulator, or challenge each other to a competition with a selection of other exciting virtual games.
Locations:
The Loop: 108 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60602
River North: 609 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60654
Lincoln Park: coming soon!
Hours: Monday - Thursday 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Friday 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
For more information on Five Iron Golf - Loop or River North.
Head out for a day on the water together with an exciting kayak tour on the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. Have a day of fun in the sun with one of the afternoon paddles, or choose the Twilight or Sunset tour for a romantic night watching the sunset over the water. If you’re looking for a more festive outing, opt for the Happy Hour paddle, which includes a stop at the Island Party Hut for a tiki party with a complimentary beer! You’ve earned it.
Locations:
Lakefront Location: 110 N. Lakeshore Dr / Chicago, Il 60601
Riverwalk Location: 435 E. Chicago Riverwalk / Chicago, Il 60601
Hours: Times vary, check schedule for available times
For more information on Kayak Tours on the River and Lake Michigan.
Head out for a day on the water together with an exciting kayak tour on the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. Have a day of fun in the sun with one of the afternoon paddles, or choose the Twilight or Sunset tour for a romantic night watching the sunset over the water. If you’re looking for a more festive outing, opt for the Happy Hour paddle, which includes a stop at the Island Party Hut for a tiki party with a complimentary beer! You’ve earned it.
Locations:
Lakefront Location: 110 N. Lakeshore Dr / Chicago, Il 60601
Riverwalk Location: 435 E. Chicago Riverwalk / Chicago, Il 60601
Hours: Times vary, check schedule for available times
For more information on Kayak Tours on the River and Lake Michigan.
Head to the Laugh Factory, one of Chi-town’s most popular comedy clubs, for an unforgettable night out. With showcases of 5-7 comedians performing every night, from some of the biggest names in comedy to local comedians, you're sure to find a show that will make you laugh until your stomach hurts.
Location: 3175 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Tuesday 7:30 - 9:30 PM, Friday/Saturday 7:30 - 9:30 PM, 9:30 - 11:30 PM, 11:30 PM - 1:30 AM
For more information on Stand-up Comedy at the Laugh Factory.
But you can check this event instead:
Head to the Laugh Factory, one of Chi-town’s most popular comedy clubs, for an unforgettable night out. With showcases of 5-7 comedians performing every night, from some of the biggest names in comedy to local comedians, you're sure to find a show that will make you laugh until your stomach hurts.
Location: 3175 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Tuesday 7:30 - 9:30 PM, Friday/Saturday 7:30 - 9:30 PM, 9:30 - 11:30 PM, 11:30 PM - 1:30 AM
For more information on Stand-up Comedy at the Laugh Factory.
Forget what you know about magic – an evening out at the swanky Chicago Magic Lounge is nothing like the cheesy magicians you probably picture when you hear ‘magic show.’ You’ll head into this lounge slash speakeasy via their super-trendy secret entrance before enjoying a one-of-a-kind performance, with traditional Chicago-style “up-close” magic performed at your table while you groove to the live music on stage.
Location: 5050 North Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60640
Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 5 PM - 11 PM, Thursday: 5 PM - 12 AM, Friday and Saturday 5 PM - 2 AM
Forget what you know about magic – an evening out at the swanky Chicago Magic Lounge is nothing like the cheesy magicians you probably picture when you hear ‘magic show.’ You’ll head into this lounge slash speakeasy via their super-trendy secret entrance before enjoying a one-of-a-kind performance, with traditional Chicago-style “up-close” magic performed at your table while you groove to the live music on stage.
Location: 5050 North Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60640
Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 5 PM - 11 PM, Thursday: 5 PM - 12 AM, Friday and Saturday 5 PM - 2 AM
Show off your creative side during this spray paint ‘n’ sip class, where you’ll learn how to create spray paint art taught by authentic street artists. They’ll teach you the ins and outs of working with spray paint & stencil application, and you'll even leave with your own custom spray paint canvas masterpiece!
Location: 800 N. Kedzie, Chicago IL 60651
Hours: Times vary, check schedule for full availability
Show off your creative side during this spray paint ‘n’ sip class, where you’ll learn how to create spray paint art taught by authentic street artists. They’ll teach you the ins and outs of working with spray paint & stencil application, and you'll even leave with your own custom spray paint canvas masterpiece!
Location: 800 N. Kedzie, Chicago IL 60651
Hours: Times vary, check schedule for full availability
Head to scenic Humboldt Park for a romantic vintage swan boat cruise on the park’s lagoon. After paddling to your heart’s content, grab a bite to eat at the similarly retro-inspired Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain, serving up gelato, shakes, and other soda-fountain classics just outside the park.
Location: 1301 North Humboldt Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60622
Hours: May 28 - Aug 21 Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
For more information on Wheel Fun boat rentals in Humboldt Park.
Head to scenic Humboldt Park for a romantic vintage swan boat cruise on the park’s lagoon. After paddling to your heart’s content, grab a bite to eat at the similarly retro-inspired Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain, serving up gelato, shakes, and other soda-fountain classics just outside the park.
Location: 1301 North Humboldt Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60622
Hours: May 28 - Aug 21 Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
For more information on Wheel Fun boat rentals in Humboldt Park.
Prepare to pamper yourselves at this one-of-a-kind spa in River West, where you and your date will go on a relaxation journey via their signature Ancient Thermal Bath Experience. During your visit, soak away your stresses in the traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman-style baths (with temperatures ranging from 102ºF to a chilly 50ºF!), try the aromatherapy steam room, or take a swim in the heated indoor/outdoor pool. Add a couples massage or a wine bath for two for a truly luxurious experience.
Location: 800 West Superior St., Chicago, IL 60642
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Prepare to pamper yourselves at this one-of-a-kind spa in River West, where you and your date will go on a relaxation journey via their signature Ancient Thermal Bath Experience. During your visit, soak away your stresses in the traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman-style baths (with temperatures ranging from 102ºF to a chilly 50ºF!), try the aromatherapy steam room, or take a swim in the heated indoor/outdoor pool. Add a couples massage or a wine bath for two for a truly luxurious experience.
Location: 800 West Superior St., Chicago, IL 60642
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
For a fun and free date idea, take a stroll down the 16th Street Mural wall, a two-mile embankment covered with more than fifty ever-changing murals painted by top street artists. After you’ve worked up an appetite with your adventure, stop by one of the Pilsen neighborhood’s many bars or restaurants to discuss your favorite murals over a bite to eat with your date.
Location: 922 W. 16th St., Chicago, IL 60608 - the wall runs from 16th Street from Halsted Street west to Western Avenue
Hours: Open 24/7
For a fun and free date idea, take a stroll down the 16th Street Mural wall, a two-mile embankment covered with more than fifty ever-changing murals painted by top street artists. After you’ve worked up an appetite with your adventure, stop by one of the Pilsen neighborhood’s many bars or restaurants to discuss your favorite murals over a bite to eat with your date.
Location: 922 W. 16th St., Chicago, IL 60608 - the wall runs from 16th Street from Halsted Street west to Western Avenue
Hours: Open 24/7
Arcade games and cute cats galore? Hello, perfect date spot! At this arcade slash lounge slash animal rescue, you and your date can challenge each other to a few rounds of classic arcade games like Pacman – and even if you lose, you can console yourself with a cuddly kitten! As a bonus, all the cats are available for adoption, so if you fall in love with a furry friend, they might just come home with you! Reservations are highly recommended.
Location: 1235 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Hours: Monday 12:00 - 6:00 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday closed, Thursday - Saturday 12:00 - 8:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Arcade games and cute cats galore? Hello, perfect date spot! At this arcade slash lounge slash animal rescue, you and your date can challenge each other to a few rounds of classic arcade games like Pacman – and even if you lose, you can console yourself with a cuddly kitten! As a bonus, all the cats are available for adoption, so if you fall in love with a furry friend, they might just come home with you! Reservations are highly recommended.
Location: 1235 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Hours: Monday 12:00 - 6:00 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday closed, Thursday - Saturday 12:00 - 8:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
You and your date will find a topsy-turvy world of fun with this epic Alice in Wonderland immersive cocktail experience. As you journey through this whimsical rabbit hole, you’ll create two bespoke Wonderland cocktails, solve riddles and challenges, paint the roses red, and even try your luck eating your very own “Eat Me” cake. This is one tea party you will NOT want to miss.
Location: 2442 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60614
Hours: Times vary, check schedule for availability
But you can check this event instead:
You and your date will find a topsy-turvy world of fun with this epic Alice in Wonderland immersive cocktail experience. As you journey through this whimsical rabbit hole, you’ll create two bespoke Wonderland cocktails, solve riddles and challenges, paint the roses red, and even try your luck eating your very own “Eat Me” cake. This is one tea party you will NOT want to miss.
Location: 2442 N Clark St, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60614
Hours: Times vary, check schedule for availability
For a unique, interactive dinner experience, head to Geja’s Cafe to share a lavish fondue meal together. Here you can choose from a variety of options ranging from a classic swiss-gruyere cheese fondue all the way up to decadent options like beef tenderloin, cold water lobster tail, and scallops. For dessert, definitely don’t skip the cafe’s famous Belgian chocolate fondue, served tableside with marshmallows.
Location: 340 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Monday - Thursday 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., Friday 5:00 - 10:00 p.m., Saturday 4:00 - 10:00 p.m., Sunday 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
For a unique, interactive dinner experience, head to Geja’s Cafe to share a lavish fondue meal together. Here you can choose from a variety of options ranging from a classic swiss-gruyere cheese fondue all the way up to decadent options like beef tenderloin, cold water lobster tail, and scallops. For dessert, definitely don’t skip the cafe’s famous Belgian chocolate fondue, served tableside with marshmallows.
Location: 340 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Monday - Thursday 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., Friday 5:00 - 10:00 p.m., Saturday 4:00 - 10:00 p.m., Sunday 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tucked away in an upscale suite in Hotel Lincoln is Sushi Suite, a speakeasy-style omakase experience waiting to welcome discerning sushi connoisseurs. Once you find the suite, a private sushi chef will whip up a 17-piece omakase tasting for a dining experience you won’t forget! You can even add on a craft cocktail flight, with curated libations sure to pair perfectly with the chef’s sushi masterpieces.
Location: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Monday, Wednesday - Sunday 5:00 PM –11:15 PM, Closed Tuesday
Tucked away in an upscale suite in Hotel Lincoln is Sushi Suite, a speakeasy-style omakase experience waiting to welcome discerning sushi connoisseurs. Once you find the suite, a private sushi chef will whip up a 17-piece omakase tasting for a dining experience you won’t forget! You can even add on a craft cocktail flight, with curated libations sure to pair perfectly with the chef’s sushi masterpieces.
Location: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Monday, Wednesday - Sunday 5:00 PM –11:15 PM, Closed Tuesday