Non-Drinking Activities in Chicago
I promise you will love these and you won’t have a hangover.
Living in Chicago, a city known for it’s booming restaurant and bar scene, most definitely has it’s perks. But, sometimes we forget about all the brilliant activities we have access to in the city that are not eating or drinking related. [Yes, I said it!] This is especially true when the weather is still unpredictable and it's easy to get stuck in the same routine. So before you decide to camp out at Big Star all Saturday enjoying el pastor tacos and a pitcher of margaritas (not that there is anything wrong with that because who doesn't love tacos & ritas?), consider mixing it up and try one of these weekend activities in Chicago that are alternatives to dining out. I promise you’ll be happy that you did.
1. Be One with Nature at the Garfield Park Conservatory: No need for flying to the Caribbean when you’ve got the Garfield Park Conservatory in your backyard. The conservatory occupies two acres with thousands of plant species. You’ll get to experience the lush flora and tropical temperatures that will make you feel like you’re strolling through the jungle. Also, did you know that being around plants has great health benefits? It’s true, flowers generate happiness! Studies have proven that people who spend more time outside in nature have better mental health, less stress, improved concentration and memory, and a more positive outlook on life. Learn more about the health and well-being benefits of plants.
2. Mind & Body Exercises at an Indoor Rock Climbing Gym: I first became a member of the Chicago rock climbing gym, First Ascent in February of 2016 after completing their Intro to Climbing course. I instantly became addicted to the physical and mental benefits of climbing. When I climb, I become more focused, balanced, and determined to accomplish goals on or off the wall. Not only is rock climbing a killer workout, involving cardio and muscle building, but it’s also brilliant for your mind because you have to problem solve your way up the wall. There are so many other benefits of rock climbing. Check out First Ascent or Brooklyn Boulders in Chicago to start climbing. Don't worry about committing to a monthly membership because they have day passes available. You can sign up for their intro classes, which I strongly recommend.
3. Saturday Mornings at Green City Market: Okay, so this one is about food, but I promise it’s for a good reason! The Green City Market is Chicago’s largest and first year-round farmers market that produces sustainably grown food by connecting farmers and local producers directly to the greater Chicago community. Matt and I love riding our bikes to the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings to wander through the market and pick up a backpack full of fresh herbs, organic vegetables, and local treats to cook later for dinner. The indoor market is November through April at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr.) in Lincoln Park. Beginning in May through October, the market will be held outside at Lincoln Park. Keep up to date with their market calendar.
4. Soak and Sweat it out at King Spa: With every change of season, comes a need for a recharge. I recently visited King Spa, the 24-hour Korean bathhouse and sauna complex, for the first time and immediately felt rejuvenated from the spa’s energizing and healing benefits. Don’t get me wrong, I was definitely skittish about experiencing the nude bath house, but I quickly adapted and felt completely at ease. I strongly recommend paying the extra $70 for the full body salt scrub. My skin has never felt so smooth and soft! While the nude bathhouses are strictly separated by female and male, the saunas are coed and clothes are required. There are so many sauna rooms to experience: amethyst, gold, charcoal, oxygen, and salt, to name a few. If you’d rather stay clothed, you can always skip the bathhouse and just spend time in the saunas. Either way, you’ll feel like a whole new person when you leave.
5. Elevate Your Endorphin Levels on the Dance Floor: I love to dance. I do! I’ll dance at home, with friends, or in the most spontaneous times, whether it be in the aisles of the grocery store, or when waiting in line for coffee. But, that doesn't mean I'm a good dancer, ha! I’ve always wanted to take professional dance lessons, especially salsa lessons, so I finally signed Matt and I up for a 6-week salsa dance class at Dance Academy of Salsa last Spring. They have $15 drop in classes for Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Cha Cha. Check out their drop in schedule. There are many benefits to dancing. Dancing is socially and culturally satisfying and also helps strengthen muscles, balance, social skills, and memory. If Salsa’s not your style, there are many other studios in Chicago that offer drop in classes for Swing, Ballroom, or Tango. Next on my list is to take Swing dance lessons.