45 Fun Date Ideas Around Chicago for Couples

Shila said:  The Chicago Magic Lounge is an adult-only bar and entertainment venue that features a calendar of events full of invigorating magic show performances. Resident magicians are on 7-days a week, and special guest performances can feature well-known magicians from around the world.

If you have kids, on Sundays, they present family-friendly showcases too. It's another great Chicago family staycation idea!

Yoli B said:  You are hearing it here first...caviar is the new "thing"! Heritage is the perfect introductory to caviar offering an affordable price point. The staff at Heritage is knowledgeable and the menu offerings are amazing. I had my reservations about caviar but thought a tasting would be fun paired with vodka of course! The fish origin story is explained along with the proper way to eat it and everything is totally approachable! We were blown out of the water (no pun intended) by all of the handmade bread, sauces and desserts at Heritage in addition to the caviar!! Yummy...

Kelly R said:  If we learned anything from Ghost, it's that nothing brings couples together like the potter's wheel. Check out the BYOB Happy Hour workshop at Penguin Foot Pottery, where you can try the potter's wheel with instruction in a relaxed environment. You can keep up to two pieces and will have to come back to glaze your items once they have been fired. Dates are added at the start of each month and classes fill quickly.

Select Friday and Saturday nights

Kelly R said:  The two-hour Dance Basics for Couples class offered by Old Town School of Folk Music is a fun way to get comfortable on the dance floor and learn some fundamental moves, including the one-step, the fox-trot, and the six-count swing. Spend a fun few hours together and gain some new moves to show off the next time you find yourself on the dance floor.

Monthly event

Windy City Ninjas offers a similar experience to the popular TV show, American Ninja Warriors in an open gym environment. Ever watch the show as a couple and wonder if you could do the same stunts? Couples can test our their parkour and ninja prowess in an adult class or during adult open gym.

Kelly R said:  The Garfield Park Conservatory is free and open to the public every day, 365 days a year. Explore the conservatory together (they are open late on Wednesdays), or check out one of the free programs for adults.

Kelly R said:  Revolution Brewing is Illinois' largest independent craft brewery. They offer free tours at their Kedzie Production Facility on a first come, first serve basis. Space is limited to 30 people and they fill up quickly, so come early! Stop by early, sign up with a bartender, and grab a pint while you wait. Tours last about 30 minutes and include a tasting.

Joseph Kelley said:  Take a private sailing lesson on Lake Michigan for an adventurous date. Private and small group lessons are taught in four 60 minute lessons—both on land and on water. Lessons can be taught on Sunfish sailboats or Hobie Cats.

Yoli B said:  Piano bars have got to be my weak spot and Big Shot sure fits the bill! Big Shot is located in a dark basement in downtown Arlington Heights, but as soon as you ascend to the bottom you will feel like you are in an old speakeasy. The atmosphere is lively and there is even space to dance. For any piano bar rookies, all you have to do is write your request on a piece of paper and drop it into the glass bowl on the piano (with a tip of course).

Gina I. said:  Who says you have to skip the arcade just because you left the kids at home? Located in Woodfield Mall, Level 257 is a retro chic lounge featuring an assortment of cool cocktails, innovative eats, boutique bowling and...PAC MAN! This upscale arcade is the perfect spot infuse some fun into your date night and enjoy a little friendly competition. Load your game card and play all night long -- no coins needed!

Check out more arcades throughout Chicago, too!

Yoli B said:  Why not laugh to a bunch of funny jokes on a date night? The Chicago Improv is host to many local and nationally famous comedians. The Chicago Improv is located at Woodfield Mall, so there are tons of pre-show shopping and dining options! Popular shows tend to sell out, so be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time!

Kristy Pepping said:  Topgolf is a fun experience! You don't need to be a great golfer either. It's a driving range, but so much more. They have a rooftop deck with a firepit, full service restaurant and a bar.

Yoli B said:  Cook, Cork & Fork offers an array of date night cooking classes (private and small group) designed for couples and guaranteed to be fun! Their knife skills and cooking classes will teach you how to upgrade your go-to meals at home. Browse around the store when you are all done and take home some unique kitchen gear, or one of the many craft beer and wine selections.

Yoli B said:  Galena Cellars is a family-owned winery with decades of experience. The tasting room located in Geneva, Illinois is stocked with 40 varieties of wine available at the vineyard without the drive to Galena. Geneva is a charming and quaint town and the wine tasting room is a great way to spend some downtime after antiquing. Live music will make you smile on select nights, so sit on the patio and enjoy your tasting!

Gina I. said:  Have your next date night at Aquaviva Winery for a one-of-a-kind winery experience. This elegant, family owned estate vineyard sits on 40 acres and features a full service winery and bed & breakfast. For the ultimate date night, choose a behind the scenes tour, or the signature tour that pairs tastings with artisan cheeses and specialty meats.