Best Date Ideas in Chicago: Fun & Romantic Things to Do for Couples

Even if we love a partner very much, sometimes our dates lose their charm and turn into a routine coffee break, dogs walking, or pizza eating. We are tired, busy and our imagination needs some help sometimes. 

So, the Flisk team is here to simplify the organization of your perfect date. We prepared the top 10 outstanding fun things for couples to do in Chicago to all tastes: parks, specialty museums, places for art and wild nature lovers, venues with scenic views, and a lot of other great ideas. Check this post to see your city with new eyes and find the breathtaking setting for your Chicago date. 

1.The Art Institute of Chicago

If you are looking for new things for couples to do in Chicago, visit the Art Institute of Chicago and discuss what masterpieces made a big impression on you. 

Here you can see great works of Rubens, El Greco, Manet, Seurat, Picasso, various exhibitions dedicated to interesting themes, famous artists or great art styles, and others.

Little tips: buy tickets online to not wait in line. Also, you will get more pleasure from visiting the Art Institute if you download a special app. Doing so, you can listen to knowledgeable comments about exhibits, marked with the symbol of headphones. 

Good for: Couples, Art lovers

Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603-6110

Working hours: Wed – Fri 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Sat – Tue 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: +1 312-443-3600

Website: https://www.artic.edu/ 

2. 360 Chicago Observation Deck

When we are searching for the most romantic places in Chicago, one of the criteria of a romantic venue becomes a stunning view. 

The 360 Chicago Observation Deck offers its visitors a gorgeous city skyline from the height of the 94th floor. Enjoy the breathtaking attraction and try a TILT ride: this giant mobile platform moves over the edge of the building and gives the remarkable experience of flying.

Also, here is a bar where you can enjoy delicious dishes and cocktails.

Good for: Couples, Entertainment

Address: 875 N Michigan Avenue 94th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611-1803

Working hours: Thu 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Fri – Sat 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sun – Mon 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Phone: +1 312-751-3681

Website: https://360chicago.com/  

3. Museum of Science and Industry

How can you combine a museum and attractions? Easily, if you add a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry to your list of fun things for couples to do in Chicago.

Here you can see, touch, and interact with a lot of thousands of exhibits. We recommend to pay attention to these must-see examples:

• see how totally ecological house can look
• explore a World War II German submarine
• watch the rhythm of your pulse in the 13-foot 3-D beating heart
• try to run in a human-sized hamster wheel and other amazing things.

Good for: Couples, Art lovers, Entertainment

Address: 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637-2093

Working hours: Wed – Sun 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Phone: +1 773-684-1414

Website: https://www.msichicago.org/ 

4. Millennium Park

Refresh your mind and take a stroll at the Millenium Park with its wonderful lakefront, music pavilion, and Ferris Wheel.

Lazy walk through the park is always in the top places of proper things to do in Chicago on a date. Enjoy scenic nature, an extraordinary sculpture of the Bean (Cloud Gate), green gardens, free exhibits on weekends or have a romantic picnic. If it’s winter, you can also have fun at the ice skating rink.  

Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers

Address: 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601-6530

Working hours: Sun – Sat 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Phone: +1 312-742-1168

Website: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park 

5. Field Museum

If you two agree that creatures of nature are the biggest mystery and can spend several hours exploring them, the Field Museum should be on your schedule as one of the required things to do in Chicago for couples.

The Museum has a lot of artifacts to surprise you and the world’s most complete skeleton of Tyrannosaurus rex is a center-piece of its treasures. Also, you can find there millions of exhibits from various parts of the world: ancient Egypt, China, the Pacific, indigenous cultures of North America, etc.

Good for: Couples, Families, History lovers

Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605-2827

Working hours: Thu – Mon 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: +1 312-922-9410

Website: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/ 

6. The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is the proper place if you want to surround your special person with the best things that Chicago can offer.

On this fascinating avenue, you can find amazing stores, great eateries, bars, places of attraction and entertainment, great historic and new architecture, beautiful nature oases, stunning Chicago River views. Choose anything as one of the romantic things to do in Chicago.

Good for: Couples, Families, Strolling

Address: North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Working hours: Daily

Phone: +1 312-409-5560

Website: https://www.themagnificentmile.com/ 

7. Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is a beautiful place with free admission that attracts a lot of people and gives them positive emotions.

Here you can enjoy charming nature, see and learn more about amazing animals from different parts of the world: polar bears, penguins, reptiles, big cats, birds, monkeys, and gorillas. Don’t forget about the Great Ape House, its inhabitants worth your attention.

A zoo has several cafes and places of rest, so you shouldn’t worry about lunch and drinks.

Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers

Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614-4757

Working hours: Sun – Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: +1 312-742-2000

Website: https://www.lpzoo.org/ 

8. Garfield Park Conservatory

If you miss the parks’ greenery in winter, grab your sweetheart and go to the Garfield Park Conservatory. Amazing plants, blooming flowers: there are 12 acres of gardens under the glass and great outdoor landscapes. 

In addition to the Palm House, Fern Room, Dessert House, Horticulture Hall, and other themed sections, you can see awesome rotating exhibits, showcases of Chicago-based artists, events, and seasonal blooming plants.

Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers

Address: 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624-1996

Working hours: Wed – Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: +1 773-638-1766

Website: https://garfieldconservatory.org/ 

9. Shedd Aquarium

The mysterious depth of the sea with its fantastic creatures always attracts people. The process of exploring them fascinates and soothes. So, visiting the Shedd Aquarium can be among your favorite dating ideas in Chicago. 

Here you can see fun dolphins show, feed fishes in Caribbean Reef, watch 4-D Theater, meet giant beluga whales, sharks, jellyfish, and other outstanding sea inhabitants face-to-face. 

Good for: Couples, Families, Nature lovers

Address: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605-2490

Working hours: Mon – Thu 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat – Sun

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Phone: +1 312-939-2438

Website: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/ 

10. Richard H. Driehaus Museum

How often do we pass by true gems and have no idea what treasures a particular building is hiding? The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is located on the Magnificent Mile. So when you are there next time, visit this restored Nickerson Mansion, built in the 1880th. 

Here you can enjoy permanent and temporary exhibitions dedicated to the architecture, art, and interior from the gilded age to nowadays.

Good for: Couples, Families, History lovers

Address: 40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611-2730

Working hours: Sun 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Fri 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM,

Sat 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone: +1 312-482-8933

Website: http://driehausmuseum.org/ 

If you are single, it is not a reason to be sad – register on Flisk, meet vibrant Chicago singles, chat with them and find your perfect match to visit all these stunning romantic places in Chicago!