Whether you’re planning a girls night out, Valentine’s Day date, or a weekly date night, we have compiled our favorite adults night out ideas to help you get out of the house in 2026. On date night, I love a quiet dinner out as much as an activity to get us moving. No matter what you feel like doing — we’ve covered many of our team’s favorites below — it’s always fun to find fresh ideas for date night. Because let’s be honest: there’s nothing sadder than making arrangements for the kids for the evening, only to slump into the car for a round of, “I don’t know, where do you wanna go?”
We’ve got you covered when searching ideas for a “date night near me”, unique and memorable activities to do together, local spots offering bar trivia, and ideas for exploring the historic downtown areas you’ll find all throughout Chicagoland. This helpful resource will keep surprises up your sleeve, or share it to see what ideas you’re both excited to try.
Practice Your Swing Year Round with these 12 Indoor Golf Spots
Many of these local indoor golf spots are focused on the overall experience, with food and drinks at the ready in addition to indoor golfing, simulations, and more. Check out these places in the western suburbs to see what feels like a good fit for the two of you:
- Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook
- Score 18 in Bolingbrook
- Legends Indoor Golf in Downers Grove
- X-Golf Downers Grove, X-Golf Naperville, and X-Golf Schaumburg
- Halfway House Indoor Golf in Elmhurst
- Fairview Indoor Golf in Geneva
- Topgolf in Naperville and Schaumburg
- Game of Irons in Oak Brook
- Puttshack in Oak Brook and Skokie
Explore These 10 Local Downtown Destinations
The western and northwest suburbs are full of historic and walkable downtown areas to explore! A downtown date night might involve dinner at a local restaurant, a stroll to see the shops and art downtown, and a final stop for coffee and dessert. Feeling adventurous? Drive to a downtown and explore it on foot, rather than planning your itinerary in advance. Many of these downtowns are also accessible by your local Metra line, why not choose a destination and take a ride on the train-without the kids.
A few fun local itineraries you might want to try:
- Downtown Aurora: A stroll around Stolp Island and a nightcap at the cocktail-bar-and-fine-art-gallery French 75 make for a fancy night out together. Two Brothers Roundhouse accepts reservations, and is conveniently located at the end of the BNSF line, which runs through many of the western suburbs.
- Berwyn’s Depot District: Hunting for treasures from vinyl to pop culture collectables at the fun-and-funky Reel Art Collectables, followed by wood-fired pizzas and local brews at Flapjack Brewery in Berwyn’s Depot District.
- Downtown Downers Grove: Exploring the historic Main Street Cemetery (one of the only cemeteries in a downtown area); heading down the street to Pierce Tavern to warm up with a creative cocktail and specialty burger, and then exploring Fair Game (now on Curtiss Street). Downtown Downers Grove does not disappoint with plenty to do!
- Downtown Glen Ellyn: Eat your way through Downtown Glen Ellyn! Grab a delightful dinner at one of our favorites, fire + wine then stroll across the train tracks to marche´ for cheese, charcuterie, wine and childless conversation. End the night with a stop for gelato or an espresso at Chocolaterie Stam. For a different sort of beverage, Elitea is open until 9pm with boba, smoothies, and more.
- Downtown Elmhurst: Take a walk through Wilder Park to see the conservatory, then go out for tacos at Guac N Tacos and play a borrowed board game over creative signature lattes at Brewpoint Coffee.
- Downtown Geneva: Exploring the Harvey’s Tales bookshop (if you’re early enough), dinner at the critically acclaimed Bien Trucha, and a stroll down 3rd Street to see gorgeous historical buildings — and be tempted by all the sweets shops including the new Coffee, Cones and Cabernet— in Downtown Geneva.
- Downtown La Grange: Honestly, this destination is great to just stroll until you find something that tickles your fancy! We’re partial to Mak’s House for urban cool in the ‘burbs, including band stickers everywhere and a secret beer garden in the spring. For a super-sophisticated meal, try fourteensixteen for New American fare, which has lots of gluten free and vegetarian options!
- Downtown Naperville: There are so many new places to explore in Downtown Naperville. If wandering bookstores is your thing (or a treat for your spouse), Downtown Naperville has you covered. Check out Anderson’s Bookshop (the indie bookstore after my own heart) or explore the recently re-opened Barnes & Noble next to JoJo’s Shake Bar where you can grab a super-creative milkshake. If you haven’t been in a while, you’ll find some great newer restaurants over on Water Street, including Quiubo and Vaisili’s. We also love SixtyFour Wine Bar + Kitchen for some delicious bites and wine.
- Downtown Westmont: Kim’s Uncle Pizza has been making a splash with Chicago critics and foodie lists (check out the Chicago Tribune’s review) with the other Chicago-style pizza: thin-crust, tavern-style cut into square pieces. There are only a couple of booths, so you can snag one or if the weather allows, head over to the benches at Quincy and Cass to eat. If you’re looking for more of a sit-down affair, check out Neat Kitchen + Bar instead. Reservations are available in advance.
- Downtown Wheaton: Downtown Wheaton is the place to be for dining! Take a stroll down Front Street or Hale Street and see what tickles your fancy. Try one of the new additions in town-the infamous Bien Trucha, new sports bar serving homemade Detroit-style pizza- Dough or try the new upscale Italian restaurant, Postiano Ristorante. End the evening enjoying the rotating dance and music concert series, Wheaton College Artist Series. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Save On The Budget with 7 Free or Cheap Date Night Ideas
Date night doesn’t have to be expensive. These free (or cheap) local destinations offer a chance to connect over something fun with a budget-friendly price tag:
- Hiking together is probably the ultimate free date idea! Pack a picnic and explore a local trail. In the winter, hiking crampons for your boots can help you stay steady on icy hikes: for a cheaper alternative, microspikes are much more affordable and work on the kinds of easier, flatter trails you’re likely to find in our area.
- Plan in advance to explore a museum during one of the many Free Museum Days in 2026.
- The Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park in Schaumburg combines 20 acres of forest and paths with a really cool selection of sculptures. Find a warm winter day, and go out and explore.
- Look for the Classic Cinemas location near you to find cheap movie tickets. These classic theaters (including The Tivoli Theater in Downers Grove and York Theater in Elmhurst) show new movies in historic buildings!
- Head to your local library together to browse the shelves, pick out books or magazines, and spend some quiet time reading together.
- Coffee shop dates are some of my favorites. I especially love finding a new local place. If the place is big enough and not crowded, we sometimes bring a board or card game along.
- Hit up one of these local, free, ice skating rinks. Enjoy taking a few laps around the rink, holding hands just the two of you!
Get Creative with 8 Unique Date Night Ideas
- Lock in your love with something that will last longer than a night out! Permanent jewelry and piercings at Adorn512 with locations in Downers Grove and Wheaton. Reservations are accepted.
- Try something totally different in the city! Tuft Stuff provides rug tufting classes every Thursday – Saturday 6:00 – 9:30pm.
- Share a laugh at CG’s Comedy Club in Bolingbrook or Zanies in Rosemont.
- Enjoy a night out cheering on the Bulls or Blackhawks this season. There’s also many great local minor league and college teams to support.
- Up for a laugh? Awkward couples’ photo session at JCPenny’s. Check their website to reserve a time slot at Yorktown, Woodfield Mall, or Fox Valley Shopping Center.
- Grown Folks Stories located in Hyde Park, is two hours of five minute stories shared by story tellers from the Chicagoland community. Doors open at 6:00pm, storytelling starts promptly at 7:00pm. $10 cover fee.
- For a magical, interactive, jaw-dropping night of laughs and mystery, be sure to check out the Chicago Magic Lounge.
- For a fun, winter day trip, go skiing or snowboarding at Villa Olivia in Bartlett.
Compete in a REAL Game Show
Go on a group date or get some friends together to battle it out in a game show setting. Both Game Show Battle Rooms in Lombard and Great Big Game Show in Oakbrook have curated games with a host and a producer to create an amazing experience for your entire group. You really feel like you are in a game show! The Kidlist team went together and had so much fun at both locations. You can read about our experiences at Game Show Battle Rooms in Lombard and Great Big Game Show in Oak Brook.
5 Dates Worth the Splurge
Looking for an extra-special date to celebrate a milestone anniversary (or just to treat yourselves)? Check out this luxe list.
- iFly is a great night out for those seeking a thrill! They have multiple packages to choose from and is designed for everyone of all ages, sizes, and abilities to enjoy. Reservations are available at multiple locations: Lincoln Park, Naperville, or Rosemont.
- Taking a break in a local healing Himalayan Salt Cave will give you the opportunity to relax and reset as a couple.
- Enjoy a night of entertainment and catch a Broadway show at one of Chicago’s beautiful theaters.
- AIRE is located in the West Loop. Have a couple’s massage and enjoy the relaxing ancient baths.
- Heading out to one of the local arcades is a great way to bring out your inner child.
Do Something New And Take One of These 19 Couples Classes
Honestly, these kinds of dates have been some of the most fun for our team. There’s something about a new experience together that’s great for reconnecting. Plus, you get to bring home a new skill. Some places offer classes specifically geared towards couples, while others are more open.
Some local options include:
- The Wilton School for cake baking and decorating classes in their new Naperville location
- Painting with a Twist for follow-along painting classes in Arlington Heights, La Grange, and more
- Farmhouse Academy for BYOB cooking classes in Crest Hill and Mokena
- Board and Brush for DIY classes and sign-making in Downers Grove, Naperville, St. Charles, and more
- Pinot’s Palette for follow-along painting classes in Elmhurst, Naperville, South Barrington, St. Charles, Woodridge, and more
- Marcel’s Culinary Experience for cooking classes in Glen Ellyn
- Cooking Skills & Social in Itasca
- The North American Pizza and Culinary Academy for pizza-making and other cooking classes in Lisle
- Sur La Table for cooking classes in Naperville
- Cook, Cork & Fork in Palatine
- The Kitchen Table for cooking classes in West Chicago
Dive Into an Immersive Experience
These over-the-top special experiences are a fun way to bring out your inner kid! At Kidlist, we tend to focus on the kid-friendly angle, but many of these spots also market themselves for adults-only trips. Check out our reviews of Color Factory Chicago and the Museum of Ice Cream for an idea of what you’ll discover.
Test Your Teamwork At One Of These 40 Bar Trivia Locations
Hit up your local bar to play trivia together! Trivia can run late, so you’ll definitely want to be realistic with your babysitter so that you aren’t running out before the winner is revealed. Trivia usually runs on weeknights.
Trivia is a great outing with friends or as a double date.
Baig of Tricks Entertainment
General and themed trivia nights, including Music Bingo, all over Chicagoland. Check out their calendar of events for regular trivia at local spots including:
- McWethy’s Sports Bar, Bolingbrook
- Miskatonic Brewing Company in Darien and Naperville
- Alter Brewing Company, Downers Grove
- Cellar Door, Downers Grove
- The Beer Cellar, Glen Ellyn
- Pollyanna Brewing Company in Lemont, Roselle, and St. Charles
- Tapster, Lincoln Park
- The VFW, Lockport
- Noon Whistle, Naperville
- Gulliver’s Pizza & Pub, Oakbrook Terrace
Chicago Trivia Guys
Themed trivia and general knowledge nights in and around the city. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events at locations such as:
- 120 Live, Bartlett
- Twisted Shamrock Pub, Chicago
- Crystal Lake Brewing, Crystal Lake
- Flipside Brewing, Tinley Park
- Soundgrowler Brewing, Tinley Park
- Hailstorm Brewing Co., Tinley Park
Sporcle Trivia Night
Sporcle’s events team hosts regular pub quiz nights at local spots including:
- Eola Tap Pub, Aurora
- Old Republic Kitchen & Bar, Elgin
- Chicago Street Pour House, Elgin
- Coach’s Corner, Elk Grove Village
- Pints, Elmhurst
- Scratch Public House, Forest Park
- Nobel House, Glen Ellyn
- Marcushla Brewing Company, Glenview
- Fitz’s Thirsty Irishman, Glendale Heights
- Barrel House Social, La Grange
- Punky’s Pub, Lombard
- Coom’s Corner Grill, Lockport
- Whiskey Hill Brewery & Kitchen, Mount Prospect
- Crosstown Pub & Grill, Naperville
- Old City Pizzeria & Sports Bar, Niles
- Scratch Kitchen, Oak Park
- Craft’d, Plainfield
- Khaos Brewcade, Plainfield
- McBride’s, Plainfield
- Whole Foods Tap Room, Schaumburg
- Alter Brewing + Kitchen, St. Charles
- McNally’s Irish Pub, St. Charles
- Ike & Oak Brewing Company, Woodridge
Check with your favorite local eateries, especially bars, brewpubs, and breweries! Many host occasional or weekly trivia nights. Some bring in an outside company like the ones above, while others do it all in-house. Their website or social media may list trivia.
Do Dinner and a Movie At One Of These 7 Locations
The beauty of the classic dinner-and-a-movie combo is that if you go see the movie first, it gives you a great conversation starter for dinner. But that long of a date isn’t always in the cards, especially when you’ve got a babysitter in the mix. Chicago’s west suburbs have some great locations to eat while you watch, including:
- Star Cinema Grill in Bolingbrook and Barrington
- AMC DINE-IN Yorktown 18, Lombard
- Hollywood Palms in Naperville
- AMC DINE-IN Rosemont 12, Rosemont
- Studio Movie Grill in Wheaton
- Hollywood Blvd. in Woodridge
- AMC DINE-IN Yorktown 18 in Lombard
Outdoor Date Nights
When the weather warms, outdoor date nights are a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy quality time. Here are a few of our favorite date night ideas for those sweet summer nights:
- In the summer, an outdoor movie in the park is lots of fun. There’s usually a mix of kids’ movies and PG-13 fare offered throughout the summer, so you can look for a more mature offering on your night away from the little ones.
- Classic car shows are a great way to get out and walk around, check out some classic cars, enjoy the weather and grab some food together.
- In summertime, our list of drive-in theaters makes for a fun retro date, too!
- Six Flags Great America or any outdoor amusement park in Chicago’s suburbs is a great way to bring out your inner child plus great shows and other themed or seasonal events.
- Outdoor Summer Concerts are a great couples activity, just as much as a family friendly activity. Grab your lawn chairs and coolers and enjoy the beautiful weather and music.
We hope this list helps inspire some creative new date nights and fun outings with friends. Tag us with your date night adventures! Have another favorite spot? Leave a comment below and let us know.
