Father’s Day is a time to celebrate and check off some bucket list items for Dad. Starting a new tradition or creating a unique experience can be a memory that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s family time, embarking on a city adventure or sending Dad on an excursion all his own to a city hotspot, there is something for even the most discerning dad on this list.
Chicago Magic Lounge
- Address: 5050 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Tickets start around $50
The trickery begins the moment Dad enters this hidden gem. Disguised as a laundromat, enter a back door that transports visitors to a swanky art deco-style speakeasy.
From there, Dad will be ushered into the Harry Blackstone Cabaret Theater to enjoy close-up magic performed tableside by talented house magicians, coupled with a mind-blowing stage show.
This gift is an opportunity for Dad to escape his everyday life and feel like a kid again. It is an adult-only night out, however. Shows run seven nights a week with ever-changing entertainment, so dad can fit this experience into his busy schedule. Chicago Magic Lounge is the only venue of its kind in the Midwest and truly allows adults to explore that nostalgia that comes with whimsical and classic turn-of-the-century magic.
Studio W.I.P.
- Address: 800 Kedzie Ave., #208, Chicago
- Cost: $40/adults, $30/children ages 10 and under
Chicago is no stranger to street art and seeing it in abundance might make Dad want to dabble in a little himself. Maybe he needs an eclectic piece for his man cave or garage and wants the kids to join in. Enter The Studio at W.I.P.
A team of local artists will lead dad and the family through a 90-minute spray paint workshop. Instruction includes can technique, stencil application, line work, drip technique and a take-home 16×20 canvas that will make all of Dad’s friends jealous.
For the dad that appreciates his creative side but wants a little edge, this is a space custom-made for a Father’s Day outing. All classes are kid-friendly and BYOB. The Studio at W.I.P. provides the tools, Dad brings his imagination.
Moody Tongue Brewing Company
- Address: 2515 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $315
Moody Tongue is a Michelin-starred beer concept that offers a 15-course hyper-seasonal tasting menu with curated beer pairings at the restaurant, as well as its most popular offering — a private culinary beer virtual tasting. Dad will enjoy this experience from the comfort of home and will have the opportunity to learn while enjoying beer.
This private, interactive experience allows the participant to taste four different beers while learning from acclaimed brewmaster Jared Rouben, a new father himself. The tasting includes two specialty glasses and two bottles each of Aperitif Pilsner, Juiced Lychee IPA, Steeped Emperor’s Lemon Saison and Bourbon Barrel Aged 12 Layer Cake Imperial Stout.
“Our virtual beer tasting is the ultimate Father’s Day gift,” Rouben says.
Tall Ship Windy
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Starting at $49 for adults, $39 for kids under 12
There is nothing more quintessential Chicago than cruising Lake Michigan in a sailboat. The Tall Ship Windy is perhaps the most notable for a brisk and beautiful family-filled Father’s Day.
Each adventure lasts 75 minutes with great points of history and some embellished pirate stories. Everyone will be a part of the crew — hoisting the sails or even firing the cannons. It is always OK to just sit back and enjoy the incredible Chicago skyline, too.
Galloping Ghost
- Address: 9415 Ogden Ave, Brookfield
- Cost: $25/person
If Dad is a gamer, then you need to take him to Galloping Ghost, the largest video arcade in the nation, right here in Chicagoland. With nearly 900 games to choose from, both retro gamers and lovers of modern games will be in arcade heaven.
Instead of using tokens, the arcade charges a one-time, all-day fee of $25, and then you can play to your hearts content. Dad will love showing the kiddos his favorite games — and they might be able to show him a thing or two about theirs!
Axe Throwing
Get the adrenaline pumping this Father’s Day. Best for Dads of older, sports-loving kids, axe throwing is an exciting activity that is sure to make for a memorable day. We rounded up kid-friendly axe throwing spots around Chicagoland so you can find the ideal spot for your family.
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