One of my favorite gifts to give my friends and family is the gift of experience. Creating memories is the best! I have rounded out a few of my favorite things to do around the city for everyone this holiday season. I hope you like some of these Chicago Experience gifts for your or someone in your life!

SHOP THIS GIFT GUIDE: No. 1 Variety of cooking classes // No. 2 Aire Ancient Bath // No. 3 City Pass // No. 4 Chicago Food Planet Tour // No. 5 Shop 900 Golf Suite // No. 6 Architecture Tour // No. 7 Cocktail Class // No. 8 Rage Room// No. 9 Brooklyn Boulders Chicago // No. 10 King’s Bowl // No. 11 Afternoon Tea at Langham Hotel // No. 12 Pearachute // No. 13 Children’s Museum Membership // No. 14 Kid’s Table // No. 15 iFly // No. 16 American Girl Tea Time // No. 17 Dozin’ with the Dinos

For the Adults

Cooking Classes

There are several places that have cooking classes throughout the city. They all vary in prices. Here are few:

• Eataly from $15-$75
• The Chopping Block Prices Vary
• Whole Foods Cooking School $40
• Sur La Table $48-$69
• Social Table Prices vary

Aire

This is something I always wanted to do (hint, hint, haha). Everyone I talk to just loves this ancient bath experience. This would be such a nice gift for a busy mom and a group of friends to do together!

City Pass

I feel like this is this is the ultimate Chicago experiential gift. This is such a great way to see the city. For $108 dollars, you get access to 5 Chicago attractions like the Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute Field Museum, Sky Deck and more! If you have any guests coming in from out of town this year or you just want to get out an explore yourself, this is a great way to do it.

Chicago Food Planet Tour

A year ago, I did the West Loop tour with a friend and we had the best day! It’s a full day of eating and drinking, so that’s pretty much the best gift ever right?! You can purchase e-certificates on their website.

Shop 900 Golf Suite

I am not a golfer by any means, I think I have gone once in my life. However, this golf suite is SO much fun! I went a few months ago for their preview and had such great time. There are lots of other games like dodgeball and football to play. The drinks and food are from Astor Hall, so it’s all really good. This would be a great gift if you wanted to reserve the space for a golfer partner and his/her friends.

Architecture Tour

One of the best tours in Chicago! I have done it a few times and always learn something new. You can also do them on a bus in the winter to avoid the cold. Such a good gift for any family coming into town and just to give something to a fellow Chicagoan.

Cocktail Class at Violet Hour

How fun would this be for a date night?! Learn how to make cocktails from some of the best in the city, if not in the country! They offer a variety of classes and have just released their winter schedule.

Rage Room

I did this with a group of friends for a birthday and it was so cool. You can see me in full gear here. There are two options: you can bring in things or purchase items there to just smash the heck out of it. Then take turns in the room with your choice of music and just SMASH. We then went out for drinks and dinner after, such a fun girls day. They have gift certificates you can purchase online.

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago

I am set to do this in a few weeks and can’t wait! This rock climbing, exercise classes and event space looks so fun. It looks like a lot of work, but would make a great gift for those athletic friends in your life! There is one in West Loop and opening one in Lincoln Park soon.

For the Family

Kings Bowling Gift Card

We went as a family a few months ago and had so much fun! Even with our almost one year old and toddler. They have bumpers and lighter balls for the kids. Plus there are lots of games we played and the food was delicious. There’s a Lincoln Park and Rosemont location.

Afternoon Tea at the Langham Hotel

Afternoon tea time at the Langham is such a cute gift for little kids or your family. You can get dressed up and enjoy the sweets and treats they have. Plus, if you go over the holidays, it’s decorated beautifully.

Pearachute Gift Card

This program is a class drop in class that allows parents to try different classes for their kids without buying memberships. It’s kind of like class pass, but for kids. hah. I am starting this with Mila soon and will be sharing the different music and art classes we will be taking all over the city.

Children’s Museum Membership

I love bringing both kids here! There is so much to do and once you buy a ticket, you can come and go all day. Navy Pier has really made some upgrades in their food selection so you can really spend all day here. You can buy individual tickets here or membership packages that start at $190 and include several perks like unlimited admission.

The Kids’ Table

This is a cooking school just for kids 18 months and older. I have always wanted to bring the kids because it looks so cute! This would make such a nice gift from an aunt or uncle!

iFly

I have always wanted to try this indoor skydiving. This would make a great gift for kids 6 and older. I know kids and adults that have both loved it. It’s something totally different and such a unique gift.

Afternoon Tea at American Girl

I actually just learned that not only is this a store, but they have lots of events like afternoon tea, classes, a restaurant and more. Definitely could make a fun day out!

Dozin’ with the Dinos

This is an overnight at the Field Museum right underneath the fossils, I mean how fun right?! Tickets are $68 dollars (member) and $73 (non-member) and an adult must be present. This would be such an experience for kids.

So that’s it! Chicago experience gifts this holiday season. If you are looking for more things to do, you can read my bucket list here or check out my Chicago Girl’s Gift Guide. And you can follow me on Instagram.

Until next time,

Christine