It doesn't matter if you're single or in a long-term relationship: coming up with an unusual date can be challenging. Sure, you could go out to eat, but it's occasionally great to do something that doesn't need you to sit across from each other at a table. That's why we've compiled a list of more imaginative possibilities for you and your potential or current spouse (while keeping current safety constraints in mind). Explore Chicago sights, demonstrate your axe-throwing prowess, or visit the conservatory. Here are a few unusual date ideas in Chicago for your romantic inspiration.
6 Unique Date Ideas Around Chicago
1. Walk along the 16th Street Murals
The walls of an abandoned railroad embankment in Pilsen stretch from the Chicago River to Western Avenue, hosting a colorful and expanding outdoor gallery of murals by well-known and rising artists. As you walk down 16th Street, impress your date by pointing out some of your favorite artworks, whether they're vibrant compositions by renowned local artists like JC Rivera and Hebru Brantley or contributions from international street artists like ROA and Sheryo.
2. Hit the mark while axe throwing
Axe throwing, which is sort of like the Canadian lumberjack version of darts because it requires tossing an axe at a wooden target, has grown in popularity in recent years, but don't rule it out as a unique (though a little intense) date option. Bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to lighten the atmosphere while you see who has the better arm, and check the company's website for walk-in availability at one of two Chicago sites.
3. Get lost in Garfield Park Conservatory
Are you looking for a low-cost date idea? The Garfield Park Conservatory is free and open 365 days a year (but reservations are required and donations are appreciated). Once inside, you and your date can wander through rooms brimming with various plant types. Admire the colossal palm trees, pose for a snapshot in the Desert House, and examine the prehistoric ferns.
4. See Chicago Avenue's art galleries
Some of the city's best and most inventive galleries are located along Chicago Avenue between Ashland Avenue and Wood Street, making for a very manageable (and not to mention free) walking art tour. Begin your journey with Matthew Rachman Gallery, which features elegant mid-century furniture and modern art, before heading west. Along the route, you'll pass across galleries like DOCUMENT, Rhona Hoffman Gallery, Volume, and others. Keep in mind that many galleries require reservations in advance of your visit, so you'll probably need to prepare ahead.
5. Indie movies at the Music Box
You and your date might go watch the latest blockbuster at the multiplex, but at this beloved arthouse theater, you're more likely to find something a little more thought-provoking. Now that the Music Box has reopened to a restricted capacity, you can watch everything on the big screen, from foreign blockbusters to indie documentaries.
6. Have a beer by the river
You're not quite ready to have a drink with your date inside? It's not an issue. The terrace at Metropolitan Brewing in Avondale has been open all winter, selling German-style beers with a view of the Chicago River just outside the bar. Tables are first-come, first-served, although when the temperature is low, you won't have to wait long. If you are too cold, snuggle up next to your date rather than across from them!