Treat yourself and someone special to a date night out or in this year. Here is a complete list of top things to do for a romantic evening in Chicago!
Chicago Dates Ideas
Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions offers an interactive, immersive, and fun experience for couples. Interact and engage with over 80 exhibits that will shock your senses. The museum tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Tickets are $21.
Go ice skating
While ice skating in Millennium Park is usually sold out around this time of year, there are many neighborhood ice skating rinks around the city. Search for your nearest ice rink.
Want to escape the city? The Forge in Lemont, Illinois offers a beautiful ice skating experience for two. Open skate is $10 for 40 minutes. Skates included in all rentals. After a day of ice skating, head downtown Lemont for a cozy dinner at one of the many restaurants in town. End the evening with a romantic after-dinner stroll.
Dinner in an igloo
To really impress your date, reserve a romantic igloo dining experience at IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge. Or, head to Fulton Market for an array of igloo dining options. Reserve beforehand.
Click here for a full list of outdoor dining options in Chicago.
Try axe throwing
Looking for something different and memorable? Book a date at Bad Axe for $26.98/hour (multiple locations). You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Walk-ins are available but we recommend calling ahead just in case.
Game night out on the town
Craving a game night but want to get out of the house? We’ve got you covered. Head to Emporium or Headquarters for arcade-style games and beer. Check out Pinstripes for dinner and a bowling match. For something classic and fun, play some billiards at a historic pool hall in Chicago.
Related blog post: Top Pool Halls in Chicago
At-Home Date Ideas
Takeout is always a good idea
Many Chicago restaurants are offering Valentine’s Day weekend takeout options, some are even working with local florists to offer bouquets of flowers.
A Valentine’s Day package at Bar Sotano includes beet salad, Mexican paella, Gulf shrimp, chicken thighs, and chocolate-avocado mousse toasted with meringue for dessert. Azul Mariscos is offering a brunch mimosa kit with a bottle of rose, fresh juices, and a tray of fresh fruit ($40). B Square Pizza Valentine’s Day package includes a 12-inch pizza, a bottle of prosecco, a half-dozen roses, and chocolate chip cookies ($79).
For a full list of Valentine Day specials in Chicago, click here.
Amazon Explore
Amazon Explore offers a variety of virtual experiences perfect for a fun date at home. Everything from virtual dance classes to wine tasting to painting, there is something for everyone. Experiences start at just $10.
Take a virtual cooking class
The Chopping Block in Logan Square is offering three Valentine’s Day cook-along classes: “Aphrodisiacs” on Valentine’s Day Eve with oysters and sautéed salmon with walnut-parsley pesto and roasted asparagus. Or, “Brunch in Bed” the next morning with eggs Florentine crepes, and herb-roasted breakfast potatoes. On Valentine’s Day night, enjoy a mouth-watering feast with garlicky shrimp scampi, rosemary crumb-crusted rack of lamb, and warm faro salad. Cook in real-time with a chef instructor. Register here.
At-home cocktails
Turn on a pre-selected date night playlist, mix up some raspberry palomas, and dance like you’re at your favorite Chicago bar. Select 2 or 3 fancy cocktail recipes to recreate to impress your lover.
Raspberry Paloma
Muddle 5 raspberries. Add 1/2 oz lime juice, 2oz grapefruit juice, and 3 oz tequila. Shake for 10 seconds and add ice. Strain the cocktail into a separate glass. Then, top with 2oz club soda.
Recipe from @cocktailswithmenyc (cosmopolitan.com)
Click here for more recipes.
Game night
You could choose to play a classic game like scrabble, or a playful, sexy game like All Things Equal Adult Loaded Questions to get to know each other a bit more. Adult Loaded Question cards ask questions like, “what is an instant mood killer?” Or “What sounds dirty…but isn’t?”
Another fun date game is Truth or Dare for Couples. Choose from three categories: Talk, Flirt, and Dare. Talk cards will stir up conversation and Flirt and Dare cards will heat things up.
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What is your favorite date night idea in Chicago? *comment below!*
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