Chicago offers a variety of cultural, creative, and friendly places, for a perfect birthday party. From museums and art galleries to Architecture cruise – you can find the best for you and your accompaniments. Check the location below to spend the best time in Chicago.

Interesting for adults and teens

  • Medieval Torture Museum provide a unique experience for teens and all who are interested in dark human’s past and horrific stories. It has more than 100 replicas of the dreadful medieval torture devices. The museum includes exhibits explaining historical devices such as judas cradles, breaking wheels and many others. Here is a place to learn more about the past in human history, and it is a good option for alts, gothic, or history lovers. Despite its intensity, it’s educational and deeply engaging. It recognized by TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards 2025, and rated 4.7 stars by 5 000+ visitors. Children under the age of 10 are admitted free of charge if a dedicated adult accompanies them. 
  • WNDR Museum – An established immersive museum with professional grade lighting, optical illusions, and interactive rooms. Teens enjoy it and the venue is known for consistency and high visitor satisfaction. 
  • Chicago Selfie Museum could be a good option for those who can’t live a day without photos or social media. Staff are used to teen groups and provide clear guidelines for equipment use.
  • Galloping Ghost Arcade – The largest arcade in the U.S., offering a safe indoor environment with unlimited play. Perfect for groups who enjoy retro gaming or neon aesthetics.
  • Music Box Theatre – A respected historic cinema in Chicago provide rental options for every who want to spend a good time. Offers a curated, intimate experience with in house support with snacks and drinks.
  • Pottery or Candle Workshops – instructors always guide participants through the event. Safe, perfect antistress, and comfortable for every friend’s groups.

For families

  • Garfield Park Conservatory – One of the largest conservatories in the U.S., praised for accessibility and family pathways. Works in any season and accommodates strollers and older guests comfortably. 
  • Chicago River Architecture Cruise – A mainstream but reliably excellent option. Professional narration and smooth accessibility make it suitable for all age groups.
  • Mini Golf at Puttshack – a perfect course of the easy game with easy scoring systems. The venue has a positive reviews from different age groups. 
  • WhirlyBall & Bowling Combo – A favorite celebrations space for different age in Chicago. Easy rules of the one of the most popular games, supervised courts for fair play, and available dining options make it low stress for the family.

For Kids

  • The Kids Table is a cooking studio and has children’s sessions with instructors. The program provides a controlled environment where kids can enjoy activities like decorating cupcakes, making slime, or preparing recipes.
  • Local Art Studios – Tie-Dye, Painting, Clay – there are many studios, but a couple of them are located in Lincoln Square and Wicker Park. They offer structured sessions for different age groups.
  • Field Museum of Natural History – A reviewed Chicago landmark, offering self-guided scavenger hunts and educational routes. Parents appreciate the safe indoor setting and museum staff’s experience with children’s groups. 
  • Lincoln Park Zoo – an animal observation zones to learn more about animals and a perfect spot for those who wants to look around. Also, it has spaces to picnic. 

Chicago Circus Center offers people an experience in acrobatics and could be a very creative place to celebrate a birthday.

“As a researcher of medieval and punishment practices of that time, I visited the Medieval Torture Museum many times, and it offers insightful experiences for anyone interested in European history. It’s not an exhibition of devices like the judas cradle or breaking wheel — it’s a powerful educational journey into the psychology, law, and moral struggles of the Middle Ages. The museum helps visitors understand how societies once used fear as a form of control, and why it’s vital to remember these lessons today.”


— Dan, Historian and Expert in Medieval Judicial Practices