Is your birthday coming soon? How old are you turning this year? Just kidding. But seriously. There are plenty of creative and fun birthday ideas in Chicago if you are celebrating your birthday in the Windy City this year. There are fantastic things to do for all age groups on a birthday in Chicago, so whether you are celebrating your own birthday or the birthday of a special someone – your partner, your children, a loved one, or close friends – this guide offers the best places and activities to make your birthday in Chicago even more exciting.
After all, who wants to cut the cake at home every year? This time, don’t settle for an ordinary birthday. Go out on special dinners, do what the locals love to do, or explore thrilling adventures to forget everything in a rush of adrenaline. Look no further, as these are the most fun things to do in Chicago for a birthday.
Ideas For 5 To 10 Year Old’s Birthday Party In Chicago
Make your kid feel loved and cherished by arranging a special birthday celebration in Chicago. From slime-filled birthday parties to a meeting in the zoo, they will get a chance to gather their best friends, share stories, and make core memories that will last with them forever.
Razzmatazz
Address: 3900 S Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609, United States
There is no shortage of indoor amusement parks in Chicago, and a trip to Razzmatazz has always been one of our favorite things to do in Chicago for the birthday of a little one. For the ultimate treat to the kids, book their birthday party by applying for their convenient birthday packages, such as Pacmania Party ($249), Galactic Blast Party ($389), or Slam Dunk Party ($439.)
Each package offers a dedicated party space, pizzas, soda pitchers, and the best games available in the industry for an unforgettable birthday celebration for kids in Chicago – no false promises!
Lincoln Park Zoo
Address: Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Alternatively, take your kids to the heart of nature at Lincoln Park Zoo. Kids love animals, and surely there are lots to suit their fantasies and creative minds at the zoo to make their birthday in Chicago a day to remember. Children will love to hop in between unique species of animals. You can book a stunning space within the zoo for your private birthday party in Chicago.
Surrounded by wildlife, the expert event planners go the extra mile to add extravagant details to your birthdays. And as an example, you can rent the entire zoo so that you and your guests can enjoy animal habitats, on site attractions, and the gardens of the zoo without interruptions.
Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park
Address: 404 N Armor Street, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
The Ultimate Birthday Party at Altitude is one of the coolest things to do in Chicago for kids’ birthdays. From 90 minutes of jump time to large pizzas, private dodgeball and foam pit time, water for all the jumpers, dedicated party hosts, and much more, every birthday is made a lively and fun day in the town.
The personal party hosts will manage everything from the indoor activities to the birthday party setup, and you can also customize the package according to your needs.
Sloomoo Institute
Address: 820 N Orleans Street, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
Birthdays at Sloomoo are sticky, slimy, and extremely fun. If there is ever a time to drown yourself in ASMR delights, look up to Sloomoo Institute. The yummy, scented, hand-crafted slimes are worth it on a birthday in Chicago.
Just tell the slime tenders that you have a birthday person with you, and they will treat them to special love, which is also reflected in their vivid interactive experiences. The guided tours, on the other hand, are perfect to skip missing out on fun, as the slime tenders will not only help you make your slime but also share funny insider stories with your kids.
Bubbles Academy Preschool – Bucktown
Address: 2184 N Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Bubbles Academy Preschool has created a unique journey for kids and their families to interact with each other with meaningful activities. But best of all, they let you arrange a fun birthday celebration in Chicago for your little one across all locations in the city.
The party starts with a pretty setup, snacks, and beverages for the birthday girl/boy and their friends and offers 2 hours of nonstop fun in the play space. The event coordinators will later handle the cleaning up as well.
Birthday Ideas In Chicago For Your 20s
Celebrating your birthday in your 20s means lots of excitement for the life ahead but also a bit of contemplation and realization that you are actually getting older. But what’s the fun in celebrating it like a sober person? There are many cool places to go for your birthday in your 20s to make it even more special.
Game Night Out
Address: 2828 N Clark Street Unit 401, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
Now, be honest. How many birthdays have you spent playing Cards Against Humanity with your friends in the same old living room? Why don’t you take that craziness outside, we mean, outside to Game Night Out? This is one of the unique places to go to on your birthday and spend an authentic time with friends in their spacious “living room.”
The hosts here are as hilarious as your friends and will guide you through purely entertaining party games, such as puzzles and races before you settle down for a delicious drink and snack.
Cindy’s Rooftop
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
Cindy’s Rooftop Bar has a portfolio that attracts everyone looking for fun birthday ideas in Chicago. Skip traditional birthday dinners for an exciting day, navigating beautiful views of the city in the designated private event spaces located on the 13th floor.
The top chefs at Cindy’s Rooftop are always producing fresh seafood, local delicacies, all-season fare, and a beverage menu that has raised the bar so high for other restaurants in the area. Spend a birthday in Chicago, IL, at this place to make a lasting memory.
Spray Paint ‘n’ Sip
The Studio WIP has done something in favor of those with a creative flair, looking for a fun birthday celebration in Chicago. This spray paint workshop is a goody bag experience filled with super artistry touches, perfect for special events and birthdays to bring your inner creativity outside.
With 90 minutes of studio time, you get gloves, aprons, and more than 100 stencils to paint as much as you want on DIY shirts, a group canvas, and other canvases. Call it a day by snapping the perfect picture with your friends in the photo booth.
Luxury Picnic Chicago
With Luxury Picnic Chicago, make a habit of sipping on elegant beverages and celebrating your birthday dinner in Chicago in style. This family-owned business has a thoughtful team behind it that arranges your luxury birthday picnics in a bohemian or vintage theme style, coastal design, or a romantic setting for a special someone.
They can set up your birthday everywhere from public parks to cozy spots, and even in your own home, perfect for arranging that birthday that you have always dreamed of on the beachside or a fairytale-like setup.
Paradise Park
Address: 1913 W North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
What’s a better birthday idea in Chicago than the one spent with your furry friends? Paradise Park in Chicago has a huge patio to hang out with your dogs, while an outdoor dining area is reserved for your little birthday paradise.
It’s the perfect, dog-friendly venue for a birthday celebration in Chicago, with lots of private spaces and pizza slices waiting for you. Vintage Camper is a smaller space for intimate birthdays, Paradise Patio has yard games, fun vibes, and a bar as well, and Garden Corner is that fairytale-like cozy nook with hanging lights and greenery for the prettiest birthday of your lifetime.
Unique Birthday Ideas In Chicago For Adults
Birthdays celebrated during adulthood hit differently. They are annual excuses to gather your closest friends, meet family, and celebrate your success stories and happiness with those you love. So, if you are looking for unique Chicago birthday ideas for adults, welcome to these 5 stunning spots.
Chicago: Gourmet Lunch Cruise
Raise a toast to another year around the sun at Chicago Gourmet Lunch Cruise, floating on the beautiful river of Chicago alongside elegant dining, breathtaking city views, and stunning entertainment.
Your 2-hour journey starts from Navy Pier, after which you will be offered a 3-course meal and private seating to enjoy the beautiful views in peace. Honestly, what’s a better place to go to on your birthday than taking refuge in the most unique views Chicago has to offer, letting loose to the sound of the waters? Meanwhile, the DJs pump relaxing sounds into the atmosphere as you saunter around the cruise ship.
AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago
Address: 800 W Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
Only a few other cool places to go for your birthday can take away the title of a peaceful retreat from AIRE Ancient Baths. When you are 30 and want nothing but a relaxing spa day on your birthday, what’s better than to seek out an Ancient Relaxing Massage or an Ancient Argan Massage as a party starter?
Another fun birthday idea in Chicago is to opt for the couple’s experiences at AIRE Ancient Baths with your partner to escape from your busy 9-5 routines together in a dedicated mind and body relaxing session. Nothing beats a deliciously enjoyable and luxurious birthday celebration in Chicago, which you can pair with a dinner at a tasty spot or a movie night afterward to call it a day.
Staycation For A Fun Birthday In Chicago
Address: 108 N May Street, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
If you can’t take time out to unwind the whole year, you deserve not just a day of birthday celebration in Chicago but a whole week to unwind and relax.
Unsurprisingly, Chicago has some of the best boutique hotels and B&Bs around – The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast is just one of those addresses to know.
Hidden on the serene tree-lined street of West Loop, feel the tension ease away in their exquisitely decorated rooms, with walk-in showers, clawfoot tubs, and cozy bathrobes to snooze off and sleep in a little more during your relaxing birthday getaway in Chicago.
City Winery
Address: 1200 W Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
The only danger in attending a wine-tasting tour is that you might never be impressed with an ordinary beverage again. Nevertheless, this birthday idea in Chicago is one of the most luxurious ways to spend your birthday in a windy city.
The guided wine tours let you experience world-class wine varieties, and afterward, you can take a retail bottle back home to make your birthday in Windy City more memorable. The winery is currently hosting tours on Saturdays for an exclusive BTS sneak peek into what goes behind this trendy spot in the West Loop.
Starved Rock State Park
Address: Oglesby, IL 61348, United States
There are only a few times when you really have to step out into the wild, and a fun Chicago birthday should definitely be one of them. There is nowhere better than Starved Rock State Park to explore the canyons, waterfalls, and views of the river with your friends and family.
This place is perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones, as you host a family reunion or a large birthday bash at the meeting space to celebrate joyful moments in the company of delicious food, and a beautiful environment.