Looking for engaging activities that the whole family can enjoy indoors? Chicago offers plenty of immersive and interactive attractions that stimulate the senses and captivate the imagination. From cutting-edge technology to whimsical exhibits, here are Chicago’s must-see immersive experiences that promise fun for everyone.
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FlyOver
What to Expect: Located inside Navy Pier, FlyOver is an immersive flight simulation that lets visitors experience Chicago’s iconic landmarks from a bird’s-eye view. Using advanced tech and multi-sensory effects like wind and mist, this ride takes you on a stunning journey above Chicago, showing off the city’s architectural wonders and natural beauty.
Don’t Miss: Its new experience, “Legendary Iceland” delivers an awe-inspiring journey through glaciers, fjords and waterfalls. Discover folklore, natural wonders and even some friendly trolls.
Museum of Illusions
What to Expect: In Chicago’s Loop, the Museum of Illusions plays with perception, offering a funhouse of optical tricks and brain-bending puzzles. Unique exhibits like the Vortex Tunnel and the Tilted Room challenge what visitors think they know about reality.
Don’t Miss: Check out its collection of holograms that will make you question your eyesight. The museum is perfect for family outings or a playful date night.
Color Factory
The Vibe: Situated in the Willis Tower, Color Factory is a celebration of color, art and creativity. The interactive exhibits feature vibrant installations, including a sensory experience for your taste buds and a green ball pit.
For Kids at Heart: Each installation is designed for hands-on fun, and guests leave with treats, photos and colorful souvenirs. It’s a joyful escape from the city’s everyday grind.
Sloomoo Institute
The Scoop: A sensory wonderland in River North, Sloomoo Institute is all about slime. Here, visitors of all ages can play with handcrafted slimes, customize their own at the DIY bar and explore other interactive experiences, such as walking over 350 gallons of slime at Lake Sloomoo.
Perfect for Children: Sloomoo offers a unique tactile experience that’s fun, colorful and designed to spark creativity. Purchase the Enhanced Experience to get slimed at Sloomoo Falls.
Museum of Ice Cream
The Scoop: This Magnificent Mile hotspot combines a sweet tooth’s paradise with Instagram-worthy installations. The Museum of Ice Cream offers a tour through colorful rooms with themes like Jelly Bean and Sprinkle Pool.
Must-Do: Try a variety of ice cream flavors along the way and capture the fun in this imaginative, dessert-inspired world.
WNDR Museum
The Details: Located in the West Loop, WNDR Museum combines art and technology with over 20 exhibits, including the Ames and Lake Shore Drive rooms. Known for its multisensory works, this museum offers immersive installations that visitors can explore, interact with and become part of.
What’s Special: Each exhibit blends innovation with visual art, making WNDR a go-to for art lovers and those seeking an interactive cultural experience.
Hershey’s Super Sweet Adventure
For the Sweet Tooth: A chocolate lover’s dream, Hershey’s Super Sweet Adventure at Water Tower Place lets visitors explore larger-than-life candy displays, interactive chocolate-themed activities and candy-inspired installations.
Bonus: This family-friendly experience includes fun photo ops with iconic Hershey’s characters, making it a tasty addition to the city’s immersive lineup.
Verse Chicago
The Experience: At Verse Chicago, holograms bring 3D characters and worlds to life using augmented reality. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into an interactive adventure. Located in Block 37 in the Loop, this unique theater uses AR visors, creating an experience where digital worlds layer over real life, not to be confused with virtual reality (VR).
What to Expect: Choose from experiences like Primal Ranch, The Unreal Garden, and Star Walk, each offering its own interactive journey. It’s ideal for solo visitors, dates or family outings.
