Last updated: 2025-04-22
When the Chicagoland weather turns chilly, indoor adventures beckon. From the North Shore to the city’s vibrant core, an array of engaging activities await those seeking shelter from the wind and cold.
Whether you’re a local looking to escape winter’s bite or a visitor exploring the region, these indoor destinations offer entertainment, creativity, and unique experiences across diverse neighborhoods.
Discover Chicagoland’s coolest indoor destinations now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Wheeling
- The Chicago Theatre (Chicago)
- Kohl Children's Museum (Glenview)
- WhirlyBall (Vernon Hills)
- Color Cocktail Factory (Chicago)
- Regal City North 14 (Chicago)
- The Art Center Highland Park (Highland Park)
- Ravinia Brewing Company (Highland Park)
- The Glen Club (Glenview)
Color Cocktail Factory (Chicago)
What to Expect
Adult-oriented ceramic workshops with provocative and creative class themes
Description
Color Cocktail Factory offers immersive pottery and ceramic workshops in Chicago, featuring unique hands-on classes for creating everything from mugs and vases to more unconventional ceramic pieces. Participants can explore wheel-throwing, hand-building techniques, and creative ceramic art with no prior experience required, all in a BYOB social setting.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Color Cocktail Factory
Kohl Children's Museum (Glenview)
What to Expect
Child-sized interactive science laboratory
Description
Interactive children's museum offering hands-on learning experiences across science, art, and play zones. Children explore imaginative exhibits like a child-sized laboratory, engage in discovery-based activities, and participate in educational workshops that encourage creative problem-solving and sensory exploration.
Where: Glenview | More Info: Kohl Children's Museum
Ravinia Brewing Company (Highland Park)
What to Expect
Award-winning craft brewery with Mexican street food
Description
Craft brewery with two taprooms in Chicago and Highland Park, offering innovative locally brewed beers and made-from-scratch Mexican street food. Specializes in creative craft beers like Food Truck Pilsner, Steep Ravine IPA, and award-winning Medusa's Lagoon Hazy IPA. Features rotating beer selections and a diverse taco menu.
Where: Highland Park | More Info: Ravinia Brewing Company
Regal City North 14 (Chicago)
What to Expect
Extensive movie selection with multiple screening formats
Description
Regal City North 14 offers a comprehensive movie-watching experience with multiple screens featuring stadium seating and diverse film selections. The theater provides a wide range of movie formats, including standard screenings, special anniversary re-releases, and themed movie series like Halfway to Halloween and Ghibli films.
Where: Chicago | More Info: Regal City North 14
The Art Center Highland Park (Highland Park)
What to Expect
Community-driven art education and exhibition space
Description
Community art center offering diverse studio classes, dynamic art exhibits, and engaging workshops. Provides creative opportunities for all ages through figure drawing, summer camps, and wellness classes. Supports local artists and community artistic expression through exhibitions and educational programming.
Where: Highland Park | More Info: The Art Center Highland Park
The Chicago Theatre (Chicago)
What to Expect
Iconic landmark theater with architectural significance
Description
Historic landmark theater in downtown Chicago offering guided tours and live performances. The venue features a grand lobby, sweeping staircase, and majestic auditorium with rich architectural details. Provides accessibility services and comprehensive guest amenities for diverse entertainment experiences.
Where: Chicago | More Info: The Chicago Theatre
The Glen Club (Glenview)
What to Expect
Top-100 golf course with panoramic Chicago skyline views
Description
The Glen Club offers an exceptional golf experience on a Tom Fazio-designed, Top-100 public course situated within a 195-acre sanctuary. Located on the former Glenview Naval Air Station, the venue features a 48,000 square foot clubhouse with stunning terrain, elevation changes, lakes, and distant Chicago skyline views.
Where: Glenview | More Info: The Glen Club
WhirlyBall (Vernon Hills)
What to Expect
Hybrid bumper car and basketball team sport
Description
WhirlyBall offers a unique indoor entertainment experience combining bumper cars, basketball, and team strategy in a high-energy game. Players navigate specialized vehicles while attempting to score points by throwing a soft ball into a goal, creating an exciting and interactive team activity that blends physical skill and competitive gameplay.
Where: Vernon Hills | More Info: WhirlyBall
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