Winter nights can be long and boring, but they don't have to be! If you're looking for fun indoor activities to enjoy during an adults' night out, you're in luck.
From bowling alleys and escape rooms to karaoke bars and movie theaters, there are plenty of options to choose from. So grab your friends and get ready to have a blast – here are some exciting indoor activities to make your winter nights anything but dull.
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If you’ve had enough of quiet nights in, why not try something a little out of the ordinary? Take a look at these adventurous ideas.
Head out with your friends for some old-fashioned target practice at the Archery Custom Shop in Forest Park. There’s an indoor range available for rent with advance notice; they’ll even provide the equipment. Or you can book some lessons.
A great option to spend some time outside the house and get out of your comfort zone.
AxeClusive Axe-Throwing and VR Lounge in Schiller Park will provide you with an ‘axepert’ to teach your group how to throw 1-5-pound axes, then play games with them.
You can make a reservation in advance for a day to remember.
Although no alcohol is served or permitted, soft drinks and chips are available.
Take a look at these ways to spark your creative side, many with an adult twist.
The Compassion Factory Art Gallery and Studio is a place where visitors can enjoy unique and wonderful works of art, with a new exhibit each month. The gallery and studio also offer art classes for all skill levels, kids' birthday parties, and special events. They support local artists by showing and selling their work and their monthly art shows are free and open to the public.
In addition, the Compassion Factory rents out their gallery and studio space for events such as baby showers, wedding rehearsals, graduations, and more. The rentals include access to the outside patio and yard space, and the team at the Compassion Factory is willing to work with you to plan your event in their beautiful space. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced art enthusiast, there's sure to be something at the Compassion Factory that will impress you.
Painting with a Twist, by Bottle & Bottega, is an art studio that offers a fun and interactive painting experience for people of all skill levels. In their classes, they use non-toxic paints on various surfaces, such as canvas, wood, glass, or tote bags, and provide step-by-step instruction to guide participants through the creation of their chosen artwork. They offer scheduled, instructor-led events that can be found on their calendar, as well as a self-guided "Pop in and Paint" option and at-home paint kits with supplies and an instruction guide.
Their studio is BYOB, so you are welcome to bring your own beverages and snacks to enjoy during class. All necessary painting materials, including aprons, canvases, brushes, and paints, are provided, so there is no need to bring anything with you. They also have specific classes for young artists, with age recommendations ranging from 5 and up for Family Day and All Ages classes, and 10 and up for general classes.
The Riverside Arts Center (RAC) is a non-profit organization that has been providing arts programming in Riverside, Illinois and the surrounding areas since 1993.
The RAC aims to be a hub for contemporary art in the western suburbs of Chicago and offers exhibitions, education, artist studios, and public events to promote the role of the arts in nurturing community and amplifying diverse experiences. It offers in-person and online art classes and workshops for children and adults in a variety of mediums, as well as private tours, field trips, curricula-based workshops for schools, and professional development opportunities for teachers.
The RAC includes the Freeark Gallery + Sculpture Garden, The FlexSpace, and studio spaces, including a clay studio with electric, raku, and stoneware kilns. Plus, they often host BYOB art classes, perfect for a night out with friends, or for date night.
Although we usually think of creativity as art, we often forget about the art of cooking.
Table and Lain makes it easy for you to host a successful virtual or in-person event. They handle all the details, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. For virtual classes, they will even ship all the necessary ingredients and materials right to your doorstep.
Chef Louis, a Culinary Professor at Kendall College, leads the classes and is skilled in teaching culinary techniques to students of all skill levels. If you're tired of trying to get a reservation at a crowded restaurant, let Table and Lain take care of the planning for you and enjoy a stress-free evening with great food and wine.
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There’s plenty of places for live music where you can sing along or get in the groove.
FitzGerald's is a historic venue that has been a place for gathering since it was built in the early 1900s. Originally used as a roadhouse and hunting lodge, the property has been home to several nightclubs over the years, including The Hunt Club, which was known for hosting top acts in the 1950s and 60s. In 1980, the FitzGerald family purchased the building and transformed it into FitzGerald's, a nationally renowned live music venue known for its casual, comfortable atmosphere.
In 2020, Chicago entertainment veteran Will Duncan took over the business and buildings, preserving the legacy of FitzGerald's while bringing fresh energy to the venue. Located on Roosevelt Road in Berwyn, FitzGerald's offers a unique and memorable entertainment experience for all.
The OUTTA SPACE is a unique arts and music bar, venue, and event space that is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and celebration. Located in an exciting and welcoming environment, The Outta Space hosts a variety of monthly art shows, weekly live music performances, film screenings, readings, workshops, classes, markets, and private/rental events.
Their goal? To inspire collaboration, creation, and communication, and to support artists, musicians, and creators. With a full-service bar and live performances Tuesday through Sunday, The Outta Space is a must-visit destination for those who love the arts and music.
Distro Music Hall is a brand new venue located on Roosevelt Road in Berwyn that is equipped with a spacious stage and top-of-the-line audio and lighting equipment. Designed to entertain large groups of people, Distro Music Hall is the perfect destination for a night out, offering live music, live DJ sets, and a VIP experience in an upscale private VIP room on the second level.
The Distro Team is dedicated to providing attentive service and creating an unforgettable experience for all of their guests. If you are an up-and-coming artist looking to debut your talents, Distro Music Hall is an ideal venue to showcase your music to a listening audience. For events and private parties, Distro Music Hall is the best option in the area. They invite you to come and explore our venue and be a part of the experience.
Harlem Lounge is a neighborhood blues bar with a juke joint atmosphere that is known for its quality musicians and eclectic customer base. Located on Harlem Avenue, they offer a casual and intimate setting where you can relax, enjoy live blues music, and have a good time. Their friendly staff is dedicated to providing a fun and welcoming experience, and their prices are always low.
Many well-known Chicago blues musicians have performed on their stage, and they also host a popular Thursday open mic blues jam where up-and-coming musicians can showcase their talents. So if you want to experience the real blues in a laid-back atmosphere, visit Harlem Lounge – you won't be disappointed!
When it comes to movie theaters, there’s a wide range for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for state-of-the-art, or something with an old-school classic feel. We’ve got you covered.
No matter which theater you choose, there is nothing quite like the excitement of seeing a movie on the big screen. The larger-than-life visuals and surround sound transport you into the world of the film, making for a truly memorable experience.
A local favorite, Cinemark in Melrose Park is Chain is the perfect place to relax on a cold day. It features multiple screens, stadium seats, and self-service ticketing kiosks - so you can browse the latest shows. Residents love it for the great prices on movie tickets and extremely comfortable seating, with chairs that heat up! So you’ll be relaxed and ready to go by the time the movie starts.
Recently renovated, this classic theater in LaGrange now boasts a range of modern amenities. All auditorium seating has been replaced with heated luxury power recliners that can be reserved online when you purchase tickets. In addition to adding a new auditorium, they have reconfigured two existing auditoriums into three smaller rooms and have also upgraded their projection and sound technology.
Despite these modern upgrades, they remain committed to celebrating the historic nature of the theater and have retained classic touches such as murals, while adding new embellishments like decorative medallions found in the attic. Local designer Maggie Allen has continued her work on the interior of the theater to maintain its historic legacy.
Located in downtown Oak Park, the historic and beautifully restored Lake Theatre features seven screens equipped with surround sound and 4K digital projection. As a special treat, they offer Classic Cinemas' signature free refills on all popcorn, fountain drinks, and ICEEs™.
Classic Cinemas in North Riverside is a modern, six-screen theater located in the North Riverside Mall. They offer the latest amenities, including luxury heated recliner seating, 7.1 surround sound, 4K digital projection, and an XQ auditorium with laser projection. As a special treat, they offer free refills on all popcorn, fountain drinks, and ICEEs™.
