Looking for fun things to do for your Girls' Night Out in Chicago? We’ve got you covered with great ideas ranging from pampering yourselves to painting and sipping, playing engaging games to brunching at top spots.
Here's our list of 34 incredibly fun things to do in Chicago for Girls' Night Out!
For even more ideas, check out our article, 25 Things To Do At Night In Chicago.
1. Have a spa night
A spa night is a luxurious way for friends to treat themselves to some well-deserved pampering. It’s an especially good idea for a bachelorette party because it’s a way for the bride and her friends to unwind before the big day. It’s a versatile option that can be tailored to fit the preferences and budgets of the group. The Peninsula Spa in the heart of downtown Chicago offers a range of luxurious treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
For something different try the Chuan Spa, located at the Langham Hotel, where you can enjoy holistic treatments. One sublime spa in Chicago visit is the AIRE Ancient Baths with its ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman thermal bath traditions. Housed in a restored factory built in 1902 the decor has exposed brick walls, antique furniture, hundreds of candles, and soothing music to calm the senses. The bath experience takes guests through seven thermal baths of varying temperatures.
2. Become detectives for the night
Playing an escape room at The Escape Game Chicago is a thrilling activity for women who can envision themselves as Nancy Drew or Ms. Marple! You and your friends will have to band together to find a way out of an escape room! You’ll have just 60 minutes to decipher clues, crack codes and solve riddles to find the key out of one of several uniquely themed rooms. Choose a mission that suits your group’s fancy!
In The Heist, your mission is to pull the art heist of the century by recovering a priceless Monet that’s gone missing from a museum. Can you stop the evil museum curator from getting away with it? As a covert agent in Special Ops: Mystery Market, you’ve got to stop a global attack before it’s too late! Rush to repair your broken-down spaceship before a deadly solar flare strikes in Mission: Mars. Find a hidden stash of gold in Gold Rush or break out of a 1950s jail cell in Prison Break.
With the last game starting just after 11 pm, The Escape Game Chicago is perfect if you are planning a late Girls’ Night Out!
3. Cocktails with a view
A divine way to spend a night on the town with your besties is to head to a rooftop bar for some bubbly. One of the best rooftop bars in Chicago is Cindy's Rooftop, with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The glass atrium and decor give Cindy’s a Great Lakes beach house vibe for a relaxing time. It’s one of the most Instagrammable bars in America! Combine that with award-winning cocktails and you have a recipe for success on your Girls' Night Out!
Offshore Chicago has the largest rooftop dining experience in the country and has a panoramic view of the Chicago skyline. Huddle with your pals by the cozy fire pits while sipping on drinks like the “Bad and Boujee”. They also serve mocktails which is a nice alternative for a non-alcoholic evening with a view to die for.
4. Laugh out loud at a comedy show
For ladies who love to laugh, Chicago is the place to be! Chicago's comedy scene is known for its rich history and the alumni it has produced: John Belushi, Bill Murray, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey, to name just a few. It’s home to legendary comedy clubs such as Second City and iO Theater. Zanies is another top spot. The Comedy Clubhouse has affordable shows in a cozy setting while the intimate and laid-back Lincoln Lodge offers variety shows.
5. Eat, drink, and be social
At Punch Bowl Social you and our friends can dabble in all sorts of fun games and activities to keep the night rolling along! Of course, there’s bowling on eight state-of-the-art lanes. There are private karaoke rooms with a vast selection of songs, so you can find something that suits everyone's tastes.
Go retro playing classic arcade games (think Ms. Pac-Man!) Plus there’s also life-size scrabble, ping pong, billiards, foosball, giant Kenga, board games, and more! There’s enough to do here for several Girls’ Night Out! Not to mention the amazing signature cocktails and fabulous food at the full-service restaurant.
If your Girls' Night is with co-workers. Punch Bowl Social is an excellent place for a work party in Chicago!
6. Paint and Sip
Bring some creativity into your night out at a "paint and sip" event, where you can hold a paintbrush in one hand and a glass of wine, soda, or juice in the other! Chicago has several sip-and-paint events, all in different neighborhoods so your gang can pick whichever studio is most convenient. The popular Pinot's Palette has studios in Logan Square, South Loop, and Lakeview.
The Paintbrush in Wicker Park offers both public and private painting classes if you want to have a gathering with just the gang. Bottle & Bottega’s Paint and Sip studio is in Lakeview. The next time the girls get together after the paint and sip night, why not paint portraits of each other?
7. Get tropical
Three Dots and a Dash is a popular tiki-themed cocktail bar located in Chicago, named after the Morse code for the letter "V", which was used during World War II to signify victory. The entrance is like that of a speakeasy, located in a back alley, and is marked only by a small sign. The inside will transport you to a tropical oasis with bamboo-lined walls, thatched roofs, and dim lighting.
The bar has a relaxed and fun atmosphere with upbeat music. Sip on tiki-inspired cocktails served by friendly bartenders who wear Hawaiian shirts. The yummy food dishes are designed to complement the tropical drinks for a complete dining experience. Three Dots and a Dash is a must-visit if you are looking for a unique spot for your night out with the girls.
8. Take a nighttime cruise
Picture you and your friends dining on delicious food and drink while you drift on the water, admiring the dazzling Chicago skyline. On a hot night in Chicago, you'll get to feel the breeze too. Odyssey Cruises has dinner cruises on the Chicago River. You’ll dine in a sophisticated European-styled, glass-enclosed vessel with a 360-degree view of the surrounding cityscape.
For a high-energy party atmosphere, take a night cruise on Lake Michigan with Mystic Blue Cruises. Feast on a seasonal dinner buffet, then hit the dance floor to get down and boogie with your besties! Find a cruise that’s right for you here.
9. Stroll along Riverwalk
Riverwalk is a popular public space located along the south bank of the Chicago River. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Riverwalk's 1.25-mile path while taking in the beautiful evening views of the river and the surrounding architecture.
There are several restaurants and cafes along the Riverwalk where you can enjoy a meal or drink like the City Winery, O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe, and Tiny Tapp & Cafe. The Riverwalk hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and outdoor movie screenings.
10. Join a free walking tour
Free Tours By Foot offers several fantastic Chicago tours run by passionate and amusing guides. Their Architecture Tour is a great way to discover the incredible landscape of buildings in Chicago.
The North Loop and Millennium Park Tour covers a great portion of Chicago’s downtown Loop neighborhood, and their Chicago Ghost Tour will have you and your friends grasping hands in fear from hearing about the creepy tales of the dark side of the White City. You can take a public tour, or set up a private tour for a reasonable price.
11. See a sporting event
Who says sports are for boys only?! Chicago’s sports teams are amazing and will add an exciting component to any Girls’ Night or Day Out. From April to September, you can see the Chicago Cubs at historic Wrigley Field and the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. From August through December, see a Chicago Bears football game at Soldier Field.
From mid-October to mid-April, see the incredible Chicago Bulls play basketball at the United Center. Better still, make it an all ladies’ affair, by seeing the WNBA team, the Chicago Sky!
12. A Uniquely Chicago Night Out
A unique way to spend time in Chicago with your girlfriends is to head to the Shedd Aquarium for their Shedd After Hours house parties. Surround yourself with beautiful sea creatures while drinking, dining, and dancing to popular local bands and DJs. Plus, you’ll get spectacular skyline views from the aquarium.
At the Museum of Contemporary Art Prime Time after-hours series, you can see a wide variety of live music genres, performance art, film screenings, and interactive programs. In the summer months, the MCA’s “Tuesdays on the Terrace'' offers an evening of jazz with a full bar and food menu.
Every third Thursday of the month, from 4 pm to 10 pm, the Adler Planetarium hosts Adler at Night, when adults 21 and over can explore the exhibits, see unlimited sky shows in the domed theater, and enjoy other activities. Plus it’s free for Illinois residents!
13. Visit a museum
Is the forecast predicting a rainy day in Chicago? Lucky for you and your besties that Chicago is jam-packed with world-class museums! Explore a museum as a group, or for some guidance, join a free tour. The Art Institute of Chicago has a 45-minute tour of museum icons and lesser-known treasures.
For an educational experience, visit the Museum of Science and Industry, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. For something lighter, go to the Museum of Ice Cream, where you’ll have an Instagrammable moment jumping in the giant sprinkle pool!
Ten Awesome Chicago Restaurants For A Ladies' Brunch
It seems like brunch was invented just for women! Brunch is the perfect way to catch up with friends in a leisurely atmosphere. Brunch is the time to strengthen friendships and create new memories over comfort food or innovative fare. Here are ten amazing places to enjoy a Chicago brunch.
14. The Smith
The Smith is a stylish restaurant that serves up classic American fare with a modern twist. Their brunch menu includes favorites like blueberry pancakes and eggs any style, as well as unique options like a smoked salmon scramble.
16. The Allis
Located in the trendy Soho House Chicago, The Allis is a stylish and sophisticated spot for brunch. They offer classic brunch dishes like avocado toast and eggs Benedict, as well as more unique options like smoked salmon tartine and roasted vegetable quiche.
17. The Kitchen
This farm-to-table restaurant in River North offers a delicious brunch menu with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Favorites include the brioche French toast, veggie omelet, and sweet potato hash.
18. Beatrix
This restaurant has several locations throughout the city and offers a menu of healthy, flavorful dishes that are perfect for brunch. The atmosphere is bright and airy, and the restaurant has a reputation for excellent service.
19. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!
If you're in the mood for Spanish-style tapas, head to Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! This lively restaurant offers a brunch menu of small plates, such as patatas bravas and Spanish omelets, as well as traditional brunch dishes like waffles and pancakes.
20. The Publican
This popular restaurant is known for its farmhouse-style cuisine and communal tables, making it a great choice for brunch with friends. The menu features hearty dishes like pork belly hash and omelets with house-made sausage.
21. Yolk
This breakfast and brunch spot has several locations throughout the city and offers a menu of classic brunch dishes like eggs benedict, pancakes, and waffles. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. If you are expanding your Girls' Brunch to include the kids, Yolk is family-friendly.
22. Little Goat
Little Goat is a diner-style restaurant by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard. They serve a creative brunch menu that includes items like breakfast spaghetti, goat chili cheese fries, and a pork belly pancake.
23. The Bongo Room
This is a popular brunch spot that offers a variety of creative dishes such as chocolate tower French toast, breakfast burritos, and savory crepes.
24. Aba
Located in the Fulton Market District, Aba is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that's perfect for a ladies' brunch. The menu features small plates like hummus, lamb chops, and grilled octopus, as well as larger dishes like shakshuka and chicken kebab. Don't forget to try the house-made frozen cocktails!
Best Chicago Bars And Lounges To Hang With Your Besties
If you are looking for great bars and lounges to have drinks, dance, hear live music and even get your nails done, here are 10 spots to hit up.
25. The Violet Hour
This speakeasy-style bar in Wicker Park has been voted one of the best bars in Chicago! It’s known for its innovative cocktails and stylish atmosphere. It has a dress code, so make sure to dress to impress.
26. The Berkshire Room
This cozy cocktail bar is located in the Acme Hotel in River North. It’s got a vintage vibe and an extensive menu of classic cocktails. It's a great spot for a night out with your friends who are looking for a low-key night out.
27. Estereo
A Latin-inspired bar in Logan Square, with a colorful and vibrant atmosphere and a selection of unique cocktails, and a menu of small plates.
28. The Map Room
If you prefer a craft brew over girly cocktails, this cozy bar in Bucktown is known for its extensive beer selection, with over 200 different types of beer from around the world.
29. She-Nannigans
Located in River North, this sports bar-by-day, lively pub by night has a dance floor with a live DJ spinning popular music.
30. The Pink Squirrel
This retro-style cocktail bar in Logan Square has a 1950s vibe and serves up classic drinks with a modern twist.
31. Beauty Bar
This Wicker Park bar is a great spot for dancing and getting your nails done at the same time! Beauty Bar has a salon area where you can get a quick manicure before hitting the dance floor.
32. The Whistler
A bar, an art gallery, and a live music venue wrapped into one! Plus, an award-winning cocktail program with an ever-changing menu of classics, contemporary favorites, and Whistler originals.
33. The Heavy Feather
This 1950s-inspired bar with a cozy atmosphere serves craft cocktails and classic drinks. The bar also offers a small bites menu and live music on some nights.
34. The Green Door Tavern
This historic tavern in River North dates back to 1921 and was a popular speakeasy during Prohibition. It’s a nice place to enjoy classic cocktails and pub fare in a vintage setting.
Find out more ideas for your Girls' Night Out see our article, 36 Awesome Things to Do in Chicago.
If you are in town for a Girls' Weekend, check out our 2 day Chicago itinerary!
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