Chicago’s a famously family-friendly town, but many of the top attractions, like Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium, are best for school-age kids and lack the “cool” factor that commits something to a teen’s memory banks. Here are ten things to do with teens in Chicago that they a) can’t do anywhere else b) won’t be able to call bo-o-o-r-r-r-ing and c) can use to impress their friends and post conversation-starting Facebook pix.
1. Climb some wacky statues.
Chicago has a lot of them, popping up at strange intervals all over the city. Some are grand or just grandiose, others simply odd, but what we noticed is that they are by and large available for climbing — or, at least, there are rarely signs posted saying it’s not okay to climb them.
2. Go up in a hot air balloon.
Experience the Chicago skyline as it can only be seen from the sky. Rides in a tethered helium-powered balloon are now offered from Navy Pier. Even better, go up during the fireworks, which happen every Wednesday and Saturday all summer long.
3. See some improv theater.
Chicago is a world-famous theater town – and not just for big Broadway-style shows, though there are plenty of those. Chicago is where actors like the Cusack sibs got their start at the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre, and where famous comedians and actors like Alan Arkin honed their improv skills at The Second City. These companies are still going strong, but for a real taste of edgy, risk-taking theater, there’s nothing quite like a scrappy group called the Neofuturists. Operating out of a funky hall above a funeral parlor in the northern neighborhood of Andersonville, the Neofuturists take improv to a new level with their long-running show Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, in which they attempt to do “30 plays in 60 minutes” by letting the audience select from a menu of skits and sketches. The actors in the ensemble don’t look to be far out of their teens themselves, and the spontaneity, audience participation, and general zaniness make this show a hit with teens and twenty-somethings. Parents, be prepared to be the only people over 30 in the audience and miss half the topical jokes.
4. Take the water taxi.
A bargain at $2.00 a person, the water taxi is the perfect way to get from Navy Pier to the Magnificent Mile to Willis (formerly Sears) Tower without having to listen to teens whine about being hot and sticky or having sore feet. In addition to great views and a cool breeze, there are often street performers entertaining bystanders at the stops.
5. Go out on a ledge at the Willis Tower skydeck.
The ledges added to the Willis Tower’s Skydeck viewing floor in 2005 have massively upped the appeal of this traditional attraction, known by many teens from the scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Extending four feet out into the air, the ledges make a perfect platform for publicity-conscious teens, who take their time setting up the perfect eye-tricking picture to post.
6. Eat at the French Market.
Newly opened this year, the French Market has stall after stall with tempting chocolates, pastries, and all types of food. It’s more affordable than eating in a restaurant, and free samples abound. More on this soon.
7. Ride the tall ship Windy.
A restored four-masted trading schooner, Windy heads out from Navy Pier for 60-, 75- and 90-minute cruises that are a great way to see the sights and learn some history too.
8. Take in a blockbuster show.
Chicago is stop number 2 when big Broadway shows go into repertory, so visitors from other parts of the country can see shows that may not come to their cities for years to come. Last week we saw Billy Elliot in the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, a restored art deco showcase rococo with gilt mermaids and dancing maidens reminiscent of ancient Siam. For one evening, my Glee-fanatic girls and I were united in musical mania.
9. Watch a Hollywood film shoot.
Now this one is, of course, subject to the whims of fate. But Chicago is a big, big town for location filming so your chances are pretty good. More than 60 films have been shot here in the past ten years and at times it can seem like the entire city is one big film set. When we were in Chicago, Transformers 3 was being shot, and the whole riverfront had been turned into an apocalyptic disaster site.
10. Where to stay while doing all this? The Fairmont Milennium Park is close to all downtown activities and attractions and the elevators are fun to ride, too.
I don't have teenagers yet (though it's looming) but this was a fascinating read – not only for what to do in Chicago but also what sorts of things teenagers might like on any trip anywhere. Thanks!
good for teenagers — and lots of things to explore the would be fun for other ages too, I think. thanks, Melanie.
I'm not a teenager but I can see why they would have fun with your Chicago tips. I'd like to do them too.
What great suggestions. Chicago is such a fun city, but many of these ideas are new to me. They sound like such fun — and Ferris Buehler is one of my favorite movies of all time.
This is a great collection. As a parent of two teens, I'm always looking for things that will keep them happy as we travel!
This is excellent advice–I haven't seen many travel stories about places that appeal to teens. In today's WSJ there's a story about how resorts are trying to appeal more to this crowd. As the mother of a soon-to-be teen, this is great!
Thanks, all, I'm getting a great response to this piece and I think it's because traveling with teens is a bit of a challenge (understatement of the year) and there isn't that much coverage of it. They just don't want to go to museums! And a lot of the articles about teens assume all they want to do is shop, and that's not the case with all teens! Appreciate your positive feedback. Think I'll do teen tips for other cities too!
Fun! I want to go out on the hot air balloon and the ledges and … I want to do everything you write about here. What a lucky teen you have. She must have had a good time!!
My 11-year-old is ACTING like a teen when we travel lately. And you are right Melanie, there isn't that much out there about teen travel. Maybe it's time to write A BOOK about the subject?!
This looks like so much fun! I love Chicago, but have mostly been there for work. I didn't realize that it was kid friendly. Great to keep in mind for my nieces and nephews.
I have a fear of heights, so that sky deck photo just about did me in. Even tho it's beautiful. Great list of options.
Great idea to compile a list of teen-friendly attractives around Chicago. Sounds like I would enjoy a lot of these places and activities, too.
Wow, that Willis Tower skydeck gives me the creeps! I'm terribly afraid of heights, but the thrill would be pretty neat.
A hot air balloon over Chicago? Who knew? What an adventure that would be (for someone else. Me, I'm too chicken). That's why this list is great for teens – they are not frightened of things like that!
After years of traveling with two teenagers, I've learned how to plan a great vacation for both me and my hard-to-please off-spring.
Josefina – chihuahua mexico
I have two teens and i am always in search of interesting information like this. What they want? what they enjoy? very nice to read as well as to experience it…thanks…maison location espagne
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I’d like to visit America sometime when i have the mony i still have to save for a while Chicago is one place my sister reccomended to me. I hope to see all these sites the theatre and music festivel also looks great see you sometime Americans…….
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