Fun with your girlfriends can be key to preserving a mom’s sanity. Summer offers some unique ways to kick back and enjoy kid-free time together. Some of these are places that you go to with the kids, but it turns out that they can be a ton of fun when the grown-ups take over, too!
Margaritaville Night at the Chicago White Sox game
Aug. 17:10 p.m.
Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W 35th St, Chicago
Whether or not you’ve spent a ton of time watching Little League this summer, a trip to the ball park with your girls can be a ton of fun. Even my friends, who wouldn’t call themselves baseball fans, have fun when we head to a major league game. That’s especially true when the margaritas are flowing and the Jimmy Buffet tunes are playing on Margaritaville Night.
If daytime is preferable, consider White Sox Yoga Day on Sunday, Aug. 27. Gather your friends and come for an hour-long yoga class led by instructors from Core Power Yoga overlooking the field and then enjoy the game. You can find tickets here.
Grown Up Play Date at Morton Arboretum
Aug. 18 6-9 p.m.
Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rt. 53, Lisle
After organizing countless play dates for your kids, make time for one for yourself! No kids are allowed when adults 21 and older take over the Morton Arboretum’s Children’s Garden for a Grown Up Play Date. Dancing to live music, playing life-size Jenga and super fun botanical adult beverages make this a must-do event.
If this date doesn’t work for your squad, checkout the weekly Wednesday, Woods & Wine event that happens from 5-8 p.m. every Hump Day through August.
Trapeze School of New York
July 21 7-9 p.m.
Belmont Harbor, Chicago
When you’re a busy mom juggling a ton of balls in the air, swinging through the air on a trapeze really may be the easiest thing you do all day. And it’s definitely the most fun. The Trapeze School of New York has set up shop outdoors at Belmont Harbor. They have an intro night when first timers can see what the classes involve and try them out. The next one is Friday, July 21 from 7-9 p.m. If you love it, sign up and make it a regular girls night out.
WhirlyBall
Locations in Chicago (Bucktown), Lombard and Vernon Hills
Lots of laughs are a given when you get a group of ladies together for WhirlyBall. If you’re new to the sport, WhirlyBall is played with a scoop and wiffle ball — all while driving bumper cars. If you’re so tired from driving the carpool that not even bumper cars sound fun, consider laser tag which is available at WhirlyBall’s Chicago and Vernon Hills locations. They also have a bar that promises to delight even the most critical “adult beverage aficionado.”
Bad Axe Throwing
165 N. Loomis, Chicago
This one is purely adults only. If you want a unique night out, try axe throwing. Yes, it is a thing and you can do it in Chicago at Bad Axe Throwing. It definitely ups the excitement level, and your kids will likely be impressed. They may also listen a little better. Minimum group sizes start at eight people. They provide the axes, as well as instruction on how to throw them. You’re also welcome to bring your own food.
