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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Lower West Side

Fun activities

A bit of movement and a change of scenery are necessary to break up the monotony.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Maggie Speaks Inc image 1
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Orchestra creates an energetic atmosphere with a packed dance floor and top-notch vocalists. Fun activities like Maggie Speaks add excitement and blend well into business meetings. The band leader acts as an MC, ensuring a full concert experience that keeps everyone engaged.

Fun and energetic sessions like Maggie Speaks add excitement. Activities blend smoothly into business meetings to keep things lively.

People are saying

"The dance floor stayed packed all night long."

"The performing arts here made my wedding unforgettable."

"The dance floor was packed all night with amazing energy."

Good to know

1

Maggie Speaks performs at weddings, corporate events, and private parties.

2

Final Say Big Band is available for hire for various events throughout the year.

3

Expect a high-energy performance that keeps the dance floor busy all night.

02
Workshop Apothecary image 1
Natural goods store

Rustic space offers custom scent workshops and a plentiful tea bar for a cozy vibe. Guests enjoy a unique group experience crafting perfumes with helpful staff. A community seed bank adds a natural, inviting touch.

Unique group experience stands out here. The perfume workshop offers a fun and engaging activity with accommodating staff helping along the way.

People are saying

"I had the best time at the perfume making workshop, creating my own signature scent."

"I had the best time at this perfume making party."

"The owner's passion made the scent creation process fun and educational."

Good to know

1

The perfume making workshop is available for $65 per person.

2

Reservations are recommended for the perfume workshop to ensure availability.

3

The venue allows guests to BYOB, making it a fun group experience.

03
Chicago Candle Co. image 1
Candle store

Candle-making studio offers a hands-on experience perfect for groups of 6-18. Guests enjoy a classy, casual atmosphere with BYOB and snacks allowed. Easy elevator access and parking make visits relaxed and fun.

Exploring new parts of the city adds to the fun experience. Making candles involves a hands-on process that is both interesting and challenging.

People are saying

"I learned candle making step-by-step with Fernando; it was a blast!"

"The workshops are hands-on with friendly, knowledgeable instructors."

"Fernando's service for Date Spots was patient and kind."

Good to know

1

To enter, use the side entrance on Carpenter Street near the loading dock.

2

The class accommodates groups of 6-18 people, ideal for parties.

3

Parking is easily available on the roadside, especially on Sundays.

04
Untold Stories Recordings image 1

Recording studio blends cozy atmosphere with high-end equipment for clear sound. Ian's expert skills and fun vibe make sessions enjoyable. Space feels both professional and laid-back, perfect for creative projects.

Sessions offer fun project ideas with support throughout. Ian brings expert skills and a fun, easy-going personality that makes the experience enjoyable.

People are saying

"Working with Ian was impressive and fun."

"It's affordable and Ian is so patient and welcoming."

"I found the studio to be really cozy and comfortable."

Good to know

1

Recording sessions are reasonably priced, making it accessible for various budgets.

2

The studio is located in an easily accessible area with convenient parking.

3

Ian, the engineer, provides a comfortable and professional recording experience.

05
Dark Horse Gym image 1
Boxing gym

Large gym with city skyline views offers fun, intense workouts. Coaches provide focused training and keep sessions engaging for all skill levels. Atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, building camaraderie among boxers.

Workouts combine fun and challenge with every session. Coaches bring encouragement and knowledge, making classes intense and engaging for all levels.

People are saying

"This gym has such a welcoming community and amazing coaches."

"The workouts here are challenging and fun!"

"The gym has a nice view of the city skyline."

Good to know

1

Classes are open to everyone, from beginners starting boxing to active competitors.

2

The facility is clean, organized, and well-maintained.

3

The community at Dark Horse is supportive and welcoming.

06
Sofive Soccer Centers Chitown image 1

Spacious soccer fields offer well-maintained turf for fun games and private training. A lively bar area with several televisions keeps the atmosphere upbeat. Families enjoy a safe, family-friendly space perfect for kids and adults alike.

Parties and soccer games offer fun group activities with options for private training or casual play. Kids and adults enjoy a safe environment for sports and socializing with drinks.

People are saying

"This place is great for kids' soccer parties and team events."

"It's a great place to watch live sports with TVs and a bar."

"It's a fun place for birthday parties and soccer games."

Good to know

1

Renting a field is straightforward and can be done online.

2

The venue has a DJ three times a week and hosts karaoke on select nights.

3

Expect well-organized events with games starting on time.

07
National Museum of Mexican Art image 1

Art museum features colorful murals and Day of the Dead displays that create a calm, immersive space. Spacious galleries invite quiet exploration while themed exhibits offer fun, educational experiences. Charming gift shop adds adorable, fun items to the visit.

Themed exhibits offer a fun and educational experience focused on Mexican culture. Cultural events and a gift shop full of adorable, fun items add to the engaging atmosphere.

People are saying

"I learned so much about Mexican culture and history at these museums."

"The Mexican art here is so colorful and stunning."

"The art here is fun, interesting, and culturally relevant."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.

2

The museum hosts a special outdoor annual Day of the Dead festival.

3

Community events and makers' markets support local artists throughout the year.

08
Thalia Hall image 1
Live music venue

Historic opera house shines with vintage architecture and great acoustics. Intimate concerts and a spacious layout with balcony create a cool atmosphere. Neighborhood vibe adds to fun, safe events for all ages.

Events offer safe and fun experiences for all ages. The neighborhood vibe adds to the cool and lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's an intimate venue with awesome sound and good acoustics."

"It's a cool old school venue with unique architecture."

"It's a fun place with a great vibe and friendly bartenders."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area can be rough; add time for street parking.

2

The coat check costs $5.

3

Food is reasonably priced, with popcorn at $4 and hot dogs at $5.

09
Tack Room image 1
Piano bar

Small space with an intimate setting and an upstairs piano bar offers a lively, fun vibe. Live piano and saxophone create a music-focused atmosphere where people sing and enjoy together. Tables fill fast, so arrive early for the best spot.

Upstairs features a small piano bar that creates a fun atmosphere without being too wild. New Year's Eve there offers a lively but not crazy vibe.

People are saying

"The piano bar upstairs is a fun activity with a nice atmosphere."

"The drinks here are delicious and off the chain."

"The piano bar upstairs was sometimes fun and lively."

Good to know

1

Expect live music or a piano player after 9pm on weekends.

2

Arrive early to secure a table, especially on busy nights.

3

The Tack Room has limited hours, so check before visiting.

10
Simone's image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill buzzes with steampunk decor and recycled pinball machines. Salsa and bachata dancing light up Saturday nights, creating a fun vibe. Energetic crowd enjoys well-mixed tunes and warm, friendly service.

Salsa and bachata dancing create a fun vibe on Saturday nights. Decor features reclaimed bowling alley parts and pinball machines, adding to the lively atmosphere. Warm, friendly service complements the youthful crowd looking to have fun.

People are saying

"The bar's atmosphere felt alive, eclectic, and deeply rooted in culture."

"I thought the burgers here were awesome and tasty."

"The music here is great for fun activities."

Good to know

1

Drag brunch happens every Sunday with a reservation recommended due to popularity.

2

Karaoke night is every Thursday starting at 10 PM with a two-drink minimum.

3

Live DJ performances occur every Friday and Saturday night from 9 PM.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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