The Windy City offers endless options to make your celebration one to remember. Whether you're into hands-on experiences like cooking and baking classes, exploring new flavors with food and drink tastings, or tapping into your creative side with arts and crafts classes, there's something for every kind of party. For those who love a bit of friendly competition, you can challenge your friends with trivia, escape rooms, or even a city-wide scavenger hunt. No matter your style, these exciting activities will make your Chicago birthday party truly unforgettable!
Celebrate with Something Scrumptious
Cooking and baking classes are perfect for a birthday party in Chicago! Whether you’re a foodie or just love trying new things, these experiences bring friends and family together in a fun, hands-on way. You can celebrate by learning to roll sushi with friends, craft delicate French macarons, or whip up a fresh batch of homemade pasta. These activities not only let you indulge in delicious treats but also give everyone a chance to create something from scratch, making memories—and tasty dishes—that last long after the candles are blown out.
From truffle-making to perfecting pasta sauces, cooking and baking classes cater to a variety of tastes and skill levels. They offer a great way to break the ice and laugh together as you navigate new culinary techniques. Plus, in a city like Chicago with its rich food culture, you’ll get to learn from top-notch chefs who make the experience extra special. Whether it's crafting French pastries or mastering sushi rolls, these birthday activities are sure to make everyone feel like a culinary star for the day!
Tasting Group Activities
- Live hosts
- Curated experiences
- Hassle free
- Free Gift card for every participant
Thousands of classes & experiences. As featured in Time Out.
Discover the flavor-packed world of dumplings! This class teaches you to make pan-fried Chinese dumplings using traditional fillings and new creative styles. We will create these morsels around our creativity and personal preferences. Experiment with ingredients like tasty meats, delicious cheeses, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices. Try your hand at replicating intricate folds and designs! Want to add some sauciness to your dish? Try some tomatillo vinaigrette or bruschetta salsa for your dipping pleasure. These treats will surely make your stomachs happy and can have guests raving at your next family dinner.
Thick or thin crust? You decide! Come learn the best baking techniques as you create your own "Personal Pizza Masterpiece." Receive hands-on instruction from artisan bakers on mixing your own pizza dough and skillfully choosing your toppings. After the bake, enjoy your handiwork with ONE glass of Wine or Beer per adult guest or unlimited house iced tea and lemonade, all included in the price, at our communal table with your fellow pizza makers. Leave with your own handmade dough and home-made sauce to continue your pizza making at home!
Is homemade pasta worth the time and effort? Absolutely! Come join this class to learn how to make fresh pasta at home! Students will learn to make their own dough, create different pasta shapes, and experiment with seasonal flavors. Each student will enjoy their own homemade pasta in two different seasonal flavors on-site!
Experience the perfect blend of flavors at Chicago: Sushi & Gyoza Night! Kick off the evening by mastering gyoza, then dive into crafting three delicious sushi rolls as a group. With plenty of hands-on fun, this culinary adventure is one you won't want to miss—consider adding a charcuterie board to tide you over until your feast begins!
In this class, demystify the art of crafting the perfect risotto. Learn to create a delightful spring vegetable risotto and debunk common myths. Join this evening of culinary exploration and indulge in delectable dishes like Marinated Seafood Salad and Wild Mushroom Risotto, topped off with a delightful Orange Zest Panna Cotta.
Learn the foundations of cake decorating and several piping techniques, including shells, stars, zig-zag, and rosettes. The first half of this lesson will concentrate on mastering basic skills and proper technique. The second part of the class will focus on applying the skills you learned to create a professional-looking textured buttercream cake.Â
Make a batch of classic, delectable truffles in this beginner-friendly event. Your group will receive everything they need to make a flawless chocolate ganache and learn the basics of rolling truffles by hand, including their first attempt at filled truffles. As their smooth ganache chills, they'll prepare an assortment of delicious toppings before learning to shape and coat their truffles. Officially, they'll last a week in the fridge, but we all know they'll be gone before then!
It's all about the foot and the delicacy and crunch and the egg whites and the beating time and, well, you'll get it once you take this class where you will learn how to create patisserie-quality French Macarons at home. A certified pastry instructor will walk your group through techniques for making these classic pastries and a variety of fillings. Despite the rumors, these delicate beauties are easier to make than you might think.Â
Explore New Flavors
Food and drink tastings make such a fun and unique birthday activity in Chicago! Get your friends together for a wine and cheese tasting where you all sip on perfectly paired reds, whites, and bubbles while indulging in artisanal cheeses. It's relaxed, delicious, and a great way to explore new flavors together. For those who love a good cocktail, a mixology workshop is the perfect way to shake things up—literally! You can learn how to make your favorite drinks, get a little creative with ingredients, and of course, taste-test your creations along the way.
If you’re looking to take things up a notch, why not try something totally different like a "cooking and magic" experience? It’s not just about making a meal; you also get to enjoy a little entertainment with a side of mystery as a magician dazzles you between courses. Chicago’s food scene is already top-notch, but adding these interactive elements turns a birthday celebration into something truly memorable. Whether you’re sipping wine, mastering cocktails, or witnessing magic, these experiences will leave everyone talking about your party for years to come!
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s rich culinary heritage as you travel through the diverse and delicious dishes that define the city’s iconic ethnic neighborhoods. In this hands-on cooking party, a professional chef will guide you through the exploration of authentic recipes inspired by Chicago’s vibrant food scene. From the savory delights of Little Italy to the bold and spicy flavors of Pilsen and beyond, you’ll learn how to recreate the distinct tastes that make each neighborhood a culinary gem. Your guests will savor the array of dishes they prepare as they expand their culinary repertoire and foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse flavors that make Chicago a culinary melting pot.
Come in and learn how to make some great dishes and then have an hour dance lesson! Choose from the following menus: Tapas Inspired Menu, Sushi Making, Chinese Food or Pizza & Stromboli. Have a dance lesson while you make great food and bond with your friends or corporate team! You can't do anything like this anywhere else!Â
Come in and learn how to make an amazing meal while you sing for your supper as we sing karaoke throughout the evening! Choose from the following menus: Pasta Making, Sushi Making, Chinese Food or Pizza & Stromboli. Sing your heart out while you make great food and bond with your friends or corporate team! You can't do anything like this anywhere else!
Get ready for a fabulous night of flavor and flair at Chicago's Cooking & Queens! Prepare delicious dishes like sushi or pizza with friends, then enjoy two dazzling drag sets that will make your evening unforgettable. Cooking has never been this entertaining!
Experience the enchantment of Chicago's Cooking & Magic night! Whip up delicious dishes like sushi or pasta, then be amazed by a live magic show that will leave you spellbound. It's an unforgettable evening where culinary skills meet captivating illusions!
Stromboli & Cooking Competition Party!
Unleash your culinary creativity at Chicago: Stromboli & Cooking Competition Party! Start by mastering stromboli pizza rolls, then compete in teams to craft a dish using a pantry of ingredients. With minimal instruction, it’s the perfect challenge for those ready to put their kitchen skills to the test!
Join us for a captivating wine and cheese-tasting experience to elevate your group's knowledge and conversation skills. With expert guidance, explore two wines and two cheeses while learning about their unique creation methods and impressing your friends with new vocabulary and pairing ideas.
Make three different drinks while learning about the fundamental elements that make cocktails great! You'll first learn a bit of mixology history, bar tools (and substitutions), and key skills. Then you'll move on to how to master three craft cocktails:Â
- Good Afternoon—Spirit of Choice, Seasonal Syrup, Citrus, Dehydrated Lemon
- Awesome Sauce—Spirit of Choice, Seasonal Syrup, Citrus, Orange Liqueur, Dehydrated Lemon, Dried Flowers
- Huzzah!—Spirit of Choice, Seasonal Syrup, Citrus, Ginger Beer, Dehydrated Lemon, Umbrella, Glitter, Glow Stick
Mocktail options available on request.
Make Something Memorable
Choosing an arts and crafts class for your next birthday celebration is such a creative and fun way to spend the day! Try a paint and sip session, where you all get to unleash your inner artist while enjoying your favorite wine. It’s laid-back, filled with laughter, and everyone gets to take home their own masterpiece—no experience required! If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, a candle-making class is perfect. You get to personalize your own beautifully scented candles, making the room smell amazing and giving you a special keepsake from the day.
Other fun options like soap making or wreath making offer the chance to get crafty while learning something new. Making your own soap with custom scents and colors is not only a fun activity but also leaves you with a luxurious treat to enjoy later. And with a wreath-making class, you and your friends can create gorgeous, seasonal decor to brighten up your home. No matter which class you choose, arts and crafts birthdays let everyone tap into their creativity, laugh together, and walk away with something personal and memorable. It’s the perfect way to make your special day unique!
Relax and create together with our classic Paint & Sip event! Everyone will receive wine and an acrylic painting kit, learn the techniques to paint a beautiful image of your choosing, and then toast to a fun and relaxing event! It's easy, fun, and totally stress-free. This activity is designed for beginners but has something for all skill levels. You will select from our catalog of images, and each participant will get to paint whichever image they like.Â
Unlock your group's true creative potential with an extraordinary group event at a Chicago art studio. Your group will work together to create a fluid art piece. Protective clothing and paints provided.
Experience a unique night with UV painting in a dark studio. Let your imagination run wild as your group explores this playful and creative activity under the guidance of a professional artist. No artistic skills are required—just bring your enthusiasm and a sense of adventure!
In this private workshop, your group will create a painting together on canvas. Though you'll all be working on the same painting, each work of art will be uniquely yours. The goal of this class is to have fun, unwind, get creative, and try something new together.Â
In this private workshop, your group will create your very own dot mandala designs!Â
Dot painting originated from Aboriginal Australia, and a mandala, in Sanskrit, means a circle representing the universe. In this event, you get to blend these two concepts together to create a "mini-universe of our inner selves." Dot mandalas are an easy way to get started on learning this ancient art form. It's not only creative but also relaxing and meditative, which helps to awaken intuition and creativity. Your instructor will guide you through the process so that even the most novice painters will walk away with new skills and a beautiful piece of art!
Get creative this holiday season with our interactive wreath-making workshop! In this private 90-minute session, our professional artist will guide you through crafting a custom wreath. This course is perfect for team building and can add a festive touch to your home or office.
Have you ever wondered how beautiful candles are made? Have you ever wanted to make fragrant, multicolored candles for yourself or friends? In this dynamic workshop, students will learn virtually how to create unique candles to admire and share for far less than what they cost in stores. Students may be able to complete several candles and learn skills enabling them to continue on their own.Â
When you add beautiful and fragrant handmade glycerin soaps to your bath, your bath can become your at-home getaway. Making these soaps is easy and enjoyable, and expressing your creativity is part of the fun. In this workshop, your group will create different types of soaps while learning how to use colors, molds, fragrances, essential oils, extracts, herbs, and novelties. Custom-made soaps are gentle for those with sensitive skin, make unique gifts, and add to the décor of any bathroom.Â
Challenge Yourself
Game sessions are an absolute blast for a birthday celebration in Chicago! Whether you're teaming up or competing head-to-head, these activities bring out the fun and excitement in any group. Try a brick-building challenge where you and your friends race against the clock to build the tallest or most creative structure—it’s a perfect blend of teamwork, strategy, and laughs! Escape rooms are always a hit if you're up for a bit of mystery. Working together to solve puzzles and find your way out before time runs out creates a thrilling, high-energy atmosphere that will get everyone’s adrenaline pumping.
For something a little more laid-back but still super engaging, a trivia night is a great way to show off your random knowledge (or lack thereof!) while enjoying some friendly competition. Or, if you want to explore the city in a fun and interactive way, a Chicago scavenger hunt is the perfect birthday adventure. You’ll discover hidden gems, complete challenges, and maybe even learn something new about the Windy City! Whether you're cracking codes, answering trivia, or exploring the streets, game sessions make for a super memorable and exciting birthday that everyone will love.
Unleash your inner architect in the Chicago Brick Building Team Challenge! Compete in exciting Lego® challenges that test your creativity and teamwork as you build unique structures and tell stories with your creations. With Lego® kits sent to every participant, it's an even playing field for crafting masterpieces and embracing diverse ideas.
Challenge your team to a game of Pictionary where you'll work together to guess your teammate's drawings on a whiteboard. With entertaining hosts and engaging gameplay, this team-building activity guarantees laughs and a unique experience for your group.
Space exploration is all fun and games until someone’s rocket ship breaks down. Turns out getting to Mars was the easy part! Your astro crew had an unfortunate crash-landing onto the red planet, causing serious damage to your spaceship. To make matters worse, you’re only 60 minutes away from a massive, not to mention deadly, solar flare. Being on Mars when that hits will be positively catastrophic! Can you repair your ship’s systems and re-launch in time? This is your only chance ever to see Earth again.
Are you brave enough to dive into the ocean's depths to investigate an abandoned laboratory? Well, you’ll have to be in this escape room! The brilliant researcher, Dr. Humphreys, has gone missing, and rumors of mysterious experiments have occurred since his disappearance. You must navigate your submarine to the lab, decipher Humphreys’ research, and discover what he’s been hiding deep in the ocean. Just be careful. You’re not alone in these waters. Your group will work together to escape the room, completing challenging puzzles and brushing up on their teamwork, collaboration, and analytical skills!
Embrace the crisp air and vibrant colors of the season with Fall Trivia, a festive and fun-filled experience designed to bring your team, friends, or family together. Dive into an exciting game of trivia where the questions are all about fall! Topics include autumn holidays, seasonal music, cozy movies, fall sports, harvest food and drinks, scenic destinations, and plenty of other surprises. Your group will be divided into teams and confronted with a mixed bag of fall-themed trivia that requires the breadth of knowledge only a team could summon. Our trivia style changes every round, so your team will need their ears, their eyes, and maybe even their autumn spirit to make it through. Get ready to flex those fall facts and face off in a friendly competition that will engage the most trivial corners of your colleagues' minds!
Experience the excitement of Virtual Feud Frenzy, a digital twist on the classic game show that will have your group strategizing their way to victory. Engage in fast-paced rounds, compete against other teams, and enjoy a fun and unique experience that will enhance team building and creativity.
Navy Pier Pressure Scavenger Hunt
It’s an amusement park! A garden! A market filled with scrumptious food! A place for great views! There’s something for everyone on Navy Pier. On this diverse scavenger hunt, your team will tackle a variety of challenges: you’ll decipher clues and answer humorous questions about interesting locations, take creative and unusual Team Photos, find and create unique items, and seek out our Hunt Host for a surprise challenge.
Secrets of The Loop Scavenger Hunt
Unveil the hidden history of Chicago with the Secrets of the Loop Scavenger Hunt! Navigate iconic landmarks, whimsical gargoyles, and architectural marvels while solving tricky, humorous clues with your team. Perfect for birthday celebrations, this scavenger hunt offers a unique, fun-filled exploration of the city's historic heart.