Chicago has its very glamorous side that you seen strewn across the travel marketing ads, but it also has many attractions off of the beaten path.

Spending your time immersed in some of the unique things to do in Chicago can really change your perspective on entertainment. I highly recommend exploring outside of your bubble.

SpaceTime Tanks

SpaceTime Tanks is unlike anything that you have experienced. It is even hard to put into words the feeling that overcomes you. It is a sensory deprivation chamber meant for relaxation. That is right, your senses are essentially void. In this salt-water filled chamber you do not hear anything, see anything, smell anything, or feel anything as you float, that is the hardest thing to understand. Once you cope with that notion, you will reach a level of relaxation like no other.

Lincoln Park, DePaul
2526 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-2700

Chic-A-Go-Go

Chic-A-Go-Go honorably makes the list of unique things to do in Chicago for their acceptance of everyone – just be prepared to wear a silly costume and dance. They are a public access television show that features bands and encourages the young and old alike to get up on stage for their 15-minutes of fame.
Seriously, it is a hoot.

Near West Side, West Loop
322 S Green St Chicago, IL 60607

It is slightly difficult to sum up the Woolly Mammoth with words, when it is something that needs to be experienced with your eyes. This storefront is filled with unique items that you never knew existed, never knew your needed, or maybe even wished you had not seen. From taxidermy to old dental equipment, with a whole lot in between. This place is a museum in its own right.

Andersonville, Ravenswood, Uptown
1513 W Foster Ave Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 989-3294

King Spa

The King Spa is truly a unique experience in relaxation and pampering. The first thing is’ they are open 24/7, which can be very convenient. The day pass is good for 24-hours, which means that you could literally spend the entire day there’ and night. Their facility is massive and ridiculously clean. Being a traditional Korean spa, the same-sex areas require you to be nude [sauna, stream-room, hot tubs] and they provide spa clothes for the other areas. This maintains maximum cleanliness. The food court serves up fantastic healthy food. Stop in for an entire day, and night, of relaxation and pampering.

809 Civic Ctr Dr Niles, IL 60714
(847) 972-2540

A Klingon Christmas Carol

This is exactly what you think it is. The classic Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is completely translated into the Klingon language [subtitles are present], with the costumes to complete the experience. You do not have to be a die-hard Star Trek fan to take in this experience, but if you are, this may be the best way to get into the holiday mood.

https://edgeoforion.com/klingon-christmas-carol/

Lincoln Park
2257 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 404-7336

Police Ride-A-Long Program

This program offers an experience that many people will not have in their lifetime- maybe in the backseat but not the front. You can apply to ride-a-long with an on duty officer as they patrol Chicago’s streets. Get a different perspective from the front-seat of a patrol vehicle.

International Museum of Surgical Science
This museum [IMSS] somewhat blows your mind, and gives you the chills. It is fascinating to see how modern practices have evolved. It is very intriguing’to dive into the history of practices on the human body, from surgical techniques to medicine. This is especially a must stop if you have interest in the medical field.

Near North Side, Gold Coast
1524 N Lake Shore Dr Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 642-6502

Raven’s Grin Inn

Raven’s Grin Inn is a little bit of a trek from downtown Chicago, approximately 2.5 hours west, but if you and some friends are in for a random road trip, head this way. This Inn is said to be haunted, and the atmosphere is pretty eerie. However, the best part of this place is that you can rent it out by the hour for games of hide-n-seek! They recommend having 10 people’ rally the troops and immerse yourself in suspense.

411 N Carroll St, Mt Carroll, IL 61053
(815) 244-4746

Drink Malort

Malort is somewhat of hidden Chicago staple that is in plain view. This liquor pre-dates the Century of Progress Exposition in 1933. Many of shots are taken as rights of passage or pranks among friends. Watching people’s reactions is probably the most enjoyable part of this shot.

Malort really only exists in Chicago’ which means that it is basically a necessity to take a shot or two down. Cheers.