The best group activities in Chicago for small to large groups

If you have a small group, say, between three and eight people, there are a lot of different options available to you for planning a fun night in Chicago. These events can range from practical hands-on classes in subjects like art or cooking to one-of-a-kind art experiences or perfectly tailored games. These events are an excellent way to spend an evening out with friends without falling back on just going to a bar or a restaurant. These events are also great bonding activities since the shared experience of learning a new skill or completing a fun challenge is sure to build memories that will carry with all members of your group.

One great way to host an event for a small group is to combine a new experience with a practical class, meaning that you and your guests will get to do something new and exciting while also learning skills that can be applied elsewhere. Cooking classes are an excellent version of this since they give everyone the chance to make their delicious dishes while learning how to replicate that meal in their home kitchens. Plus, everyone will have their dinners covered since they will be able to enjoy and share their culinary creations. The options are nearly endless since you’ll be able to choose from classes that focus on cooking favorites like sushi or pizza, basic techniques like working with knives or making sauces, or specialty menus focused on different culinary traditions, like tapas or Thai cuisine.

Chicago is home to many exciting and elaborate escape rooms, making these events ideal places to spend an hour with a few friends solving puzzles and scouring for clues. These escape rooms are loving crafted puzzles that will test your group's lateral thinking skills as you move through the complex, detailed challenges in order to get out of the room within an hour. These experiences are crafted by experts in game design and serve as a fun and unique way to spend an afternoon. Plus, you’ll be able to admire all of the hand-crafted props and game pieces that make these escape rooms so unique.

While there are a lot of different cooking classes you can take, few are as popular as baking classes. In these classes, you and your guests can learn how to bake a whole host of desserts and pastries, including cakes and pies, or more elaborate and fancy pastries like croissants, eclairs, or tiramisu. Like other cooking classes, you and your guests will get hands-on experience working with professional chefs and getting to practice their baking skills in a fully stocked test kitchen. All of the skills learned in these classes can be easily replicated in a home kitchen, and everyone will leave the event with a fully baked dessert that they can enjoy and share with their group.

If you want to replicate the experience of a happy hour while still participating in a fun, guided group activity, consider a wine tasting or mixology experience. In a wine tasting event, you and your guests will be guided through several glasses of wine, and a professional sommelier will provide you with lessons on the finer points of enjoying and sampling wine. Even if you can’t tell a merlot from a chardonnay, these events are sure to be a hit. Likewise, in a mixology experience, an experienced bartender will guide you and your group through the steps of making classic and modern cocktails that are simple yet delicious. Menus are constantly in flux, so you are sure to be able to find a class that teaches you the kind of cocktails that you will continue to enjoy well after the class is done.

If you are interested in an art class but find the idea of just taking a painting or sculpting course less than thrilling, you can sign up for an art experience and learn a whole new way to approach art. These events include painting courses in which you use balloons, paintball guns, or even your body to make abstract works of art, creating a chaotic and tactical relationship to the art being produced. These experiences are less about the finished project and more about the experience of creating the canvas, which is often done as a group, adding another layer of chaos and camaraderie to the mix.

On the more controlled side of the art world, you and your group can learn how to make living works of art in a floral design course. These classes can cover traditional American design principles, wedding traditions, or global floral design techniques. These courses are a unique way to learn new artistic skills, and they are enjoyable, hands-on experiences that will conclude with everyone leaving with a personalized floral creation. There are also more professionally focused versions of these floral design courses for anyone (or a group of people) looking to learn how to handle the more practical side of the business, like working with clients and wholesale vendors.

Learning the art of dessert making is a practical cooking skill that will help you become a more well-rounded chef and be able to prepare something for any social event or gathering. In these hands-on baking and dessert making courses, you can learn how to make everything from chocolate truffles and cupcakes to flaky croissants and delicious French eclairs. You and your group will have the chance to get hands-on experience working with professional chefs, and you can learn how these recipes can be easily replicated in your home kitchen. Even if you have no prior experience baking, these classes will ensure that you leave with a finished dessert in hand, ready to enjoy as you work on improving your pastry making skills.

If you want to go with an old standby for art classes, you and your group can enroll in a painting or drawing class. These courses, which can range from beginner lessons, cover the basics of anatomical drawing to advanced courses exploring the finest details of charcoal figure drawing. No matter what level of artistic experience you and your group members have, there is likely to be a course available to fit your needs. Plus, if you are looking for a low-stakes course, there are many art classes that aim to be as casual and inviting as possible, often offering a BYOB option for artists looking to enjoy a bit of light refreshment with their art lessons.

In this stained glass workshop, you and your group will learn just how easy and accessible the art of working with painted glass truly is. In this hands-on course, everyone will have the chance to make their own work of stained glass art using colored glass, wiring, and soldering tools, all of which can be easily replicated in a home art studio (read: a kitchen table). In this course, students will learn the art of fusing different pieces of glass together to create small, beautiful trinkets that they can show off to family and friends, and everyone will leave the class with an understanding of how to further practice and improve their stained glass skills.

One of the first things that you need to learn if you are planning to work in the kitchen is how to handle a knife. This can be an intimidating skill to practice early on (what with the defining characteristic of a knife being that they are sharp and used to cut things), so learning knife skills as a small group can be a good way to deal with some of the more anxiety-producing aspects of it. However, this isn’t just a demonstration class; since everyone will learn these knife skills as they prepare their own meal consisting of vegetables and meats that they practice their knife skills on, the course doubles as an accessible introduction to cooking.

Stone carving is one of the oldest artistic forms in the world (quite possibly the first developed by humans), and if you and your friends want to join this long tradition, you can enroll in a stone carving class. In this class, each member of your group will be able to work on a personalized stone carving piece while receiving expert guidance from a professional stone carving expert. Everyone will learn the basics of working with stone as a medium and the process that various stone cutters use to plan, design, and craft a finished artistic project. These courses can last several days, giving participants even more time to work on and complete elaborate projects.

If you are looking for a cooking class to take as a family (or just a group of friends masquerading as a family), this pasta night event is a great way to build bonds with one another, learn valuable life skills, and enjoy a good meal out. In this class, everyone in your group will work together to make handmade, fresh pasta (four different kinds, including multiple kinds of stuffed pasta). In addition, you’ll get to prepare roasted squash and a pair of pasta sauces, creating a complete meal that you can replicate in your home kitchen.

If your group is interested in making art but is looking for something more casual than a drawing course or an anatomy lesson, consider getting signed up for a BYOB paint and sip event. These aren’t really classes as much as experiences, where you are given paint, a pre-sketched canvas and are told to let loose and enjoy the evening with friends and whatever beverage you have decided to bring. If you are in the market for a fun night out and are looking for a new experience, a paint and sip event might be right up your alley.

Experience the thrills of a culinary bootcamp and learn some important practical home cooking skills as a group in one of these cooking courses. In this five-day course, everyone will receive a complete culinary education, covering everything from the basics of using knives and navigating a kitchen to complex skills in building flavor profiles based on combinations of dishes and selecting the right spices and oils for any given recipe. This course also covers practical skills like how to select fish and meat at the store and how to meal prep. By the end of this course, everyone in your group will be ready to take their newfound culinary skills into the world as confident home chefs.

Screen printing is a relatively accessible art form that is perfect for anyone looking to learn how to make beautiful wall scrolls, posters, or t-shirts. The process is relatively simple but requires a bit of a set-up, so enrolling in a course is a good way for you and some of your guests to learn the process of stenciling a design and applying paint to that design using a special screen and ink. This course will provide students with the training they need to create their own stenciled work of art, and since, by design, screen printing is easily replicable, they can use that stencil and set-up to produce their creations masses.

If you are looking for a fun, unique crafting experience while still making something that you think you will regularly use in your daily life, consider signing up for a group handmade lipstick making course. Here, you will get to create your own custom, artisanal lipstick using natural ingredients, ensuring that you are creating a lipstick that you can feel comfortable wearing. This course will be based on your own personal color palette, so you can ensure that the lipstick you make is one that lines up with your sense of style and personal color. This course will let everyone in your group express their own vision of style, and everyone will leave with the knowledge they need to keep making fine, artisanal lipstick.

Another art option for small groups is a beginner’s drawing course that aims to introduce you and your guests to the process of drawing fine art and human anatomy. This course is a great way for new artists to experience the structure and process of a studio drawing program. Even if members of your group have no prior experience drawing, this course will give them the guidance they need to start working on complex figure drawings that are anatomically correct and detailed in their shape, structure, and shading. This course may be the first of many drawing classes that you or your friends take, and it is a wonderful way to introduce yourselves to a complex and beautiful art form.

Enjoy a date night meal experience with this handmade pasta for two courses. You and a partner (be they romantic or platonic) will spend an evening learning the fine art of creating handmade pasta from scratch in multiple different shapes and sizes. Then, with the pasta completed, you and your partner will have the chance to cook the pasta and complement the meal with handmade sides and sauces. This event is BYOB, so you and your partner can enjoy your favorite adult refreshments as you learn how to work together in the kitchen, culminating in a romantic (or platonic) meal for two.

If you and your partner want a slightly longer culinary experience, consider spending some time together crafting and aging your own personal label of wine. In this course, you’ll learn the basic science of wine making and the techniques that modern home vintners utilize to create their personal varietals. You’ll also learn the difference between major kinds of wine as you select the type of grape that you are going to age and ferment. You and your partner will make about 22 bottles of wine (give or take), and the fermentation process is overseen by experts in the studio’s private cellar, so you’ll be contacted when the wine is ready for pick-up. You can even use the studio’s machinery to create a custom label for your wine and cork the bottles for further storage and aging.

Wine makes any activity more special, whether you are sipping while you paint or you’re sharing a bottle with your special someone by the moonlight. Wine also makes a meal more memorable, and not just as a beverage. Wine has long been a favorite cooking ingredient in many cuisines, and in this class, you’ll explore delicious main dishes and irresistible desserts that are perfect for date night or anytime. You’ll make savory Salmon en Papillote and Bacon & Leek Risotto, the main dishes you’ll want to cook again and again. Then, for an elegant dessert, you’ll create red wine-poached pears with cinnamon whipped cream. This cooking experience is naturally gluten-free.

Artistic experiences can be a lot of fun, especially in a group setting, but there is a degree to which the level of structure involved in an art class. Not only do you have to consider the level of experience all of your friends have with art, but you also need to find the kind of class everyone wants to attend. In this open studio event, you can bypass these worries and get right into the creative side of a group art course, taking advantage of all of the studio equipment and receiving guidance from experienced artists who can help each attendee complete their own personalized project. This is a good course for any group looking for a chance to experiment artistically and for the opportunity to express themselves creatively.

Chicago is one of the most scenic cities in the world, and whether you are a lifelong resident or a weekend visitor, you and your friends may want to take some pictures while you are there. If you are interested in preparing for a photo journey down Lake Shore Drive or in Millenium Park, you’ll want to make sure that you understand exactly how your digital camera works. In this course, everyone in your group can bring their cameras into the studio, and a photography expert will walk them through how to make simple and complex adjustments with their specific camera in mind. Participants will get one-on-one support and can ask questions about specific issues that they may have with their camera. Plus, this course can be scheduled as a part of a photo safari to many of the city’s most awe-inspiring locations.

Making the perfect silken risotto might seem like a challenge that is beyond your culinary skills, but this class breaks it down into simple steps that guarantee success. Your group will learn the secrets and eliminate the myths about making delicious risotto. Discover the finest ingredients, master the best cooking techniques, and learn to balance flavors so you can create a sumptuous risotto feast. You’ll prepare a simple risotto using seasonal vegetables, and you’ll master the skills to branch out and cook more elaborate versions of this classic Italian dish. This is a great way to spend a night with a friend or two.

Mixed media art is a fusion of materials and styles that can be exuberant or restrained. It’s the perfect creative method for someone who likes to experiment and make their own rules. In this class, your group will learn to create dynamic, multi-layered compositions using watercolors, acrylic inks, found objects, and pastels, and you’ll explore techniques for art making like photo transferring, collage, printing, drawing, painting, and assemblage. The emphasis is on conceptual practice and your personal process. Discover the exciting possibilities of mixed media for your artwork.

While it might look intimidating to capture a scene with paints, it’s really just a matter of learning the right techniques and materials to use. This class provides an introduction to the basics of painting that ensures success for even a complete beginner. Using water-based paints like watercolors and acrylics, you’ll learn to mix and apply color and use blending and balance. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own abstract, surreal, and representational paintings, whether you prefer still life or abstract expressionism. You won’t just learn the techniques of painting in this class; you’ll learn to express your own style and imagination. This class includes lectures, demonstrations, and individual painting instruction.

An artisan pizza fresh from the oven is a much-loved delicacy, and you can learn to craft this delicious meal yourself. In this private class, you’ll learn the secrets to working with yeast and preparing your dough from scratch. Then, you’ll learn how to shape your dough for the perfect thin pizza crust and choose from high-quality and delicious toppings to make a scrumptious pizza. Once you see how easy it is to make your own, you’ll think twice before you dial up the pizza delivery. You’ll learn to make several kinds of pizza in this class, including a classic Margherita pizza, Pizza alla Bismark (brunch pizza), and Mushroom Lovers Pizza. And since pizza night wouldn’t be complete without a sweet to finish it off, you’ll also learn to make Warm Donut Bites with a Chocolate Drizzle.

This classic form of art creates beautiful designs with rich colors made seemingly from scraps. You’ll use fragments of glass, ceramics, or anything you can imagine to unite these disparate pieces into a vibrant whole. There are endless possibilities for your mosaic art, and it’s a fun, relaxing activity to share with friends or colleagues. Your creativity will flow as you explore the ways you can use mosaic art to craft a masterpiece for your home or office.

Scavenger hunts in Chicago offer an exhilarating blend of adventure and exploration, making them a top choice for group activities. Ideal for any group size, these hunts transform the city into your playground, challenging participants to solve clues and complete tasks in a race against time. Teams will navigate through famous landmarks, uncover hidden spots, and tackle a variety of themed challenges that bring out their competitive spirit. Whether for corporate team-building, birthday parties, or a fun day out with friends, scavenger hunts encourage collaboration, strategic thinking, and plenty of laughter. Embark on this interactive journey and discover Chicago in a whole new way while strengthening bonds with your group!

Why should you plan a group activity in Chicago? 

Group activities are a great way to add some fun and novelty to your usual routine. When you share new experiences, tackle challenges, and overcome problems together, you’ll create stronger connections among your group members and gain a sense of accomplishment. Group classes are as entertaining as they are informative, and they’re a great icebreaker and team builder. You’ll have a chance to tap into your creativity and get to know your colleagues and friends on a more personal level. 

Learning new skills together gives everyone’s personality a chance to shine and provides a space where they can express their original ideas. In addition, learning a new skill commands your entire focus, a state of mind called flow that promotes happiness and improves performance at work. When you’re spending time together in a fun, relaxed environment, team members are more relaxed and show sides of themselves that might not come out at work. These unique memories are a key to a strong and cohesive team or to stories you’ll be sharing with your friends or family for a lifetime.

Tips for planning a successful event

It can be a challenge to plan a successful event for your large or small group. You may need to plan a large event involving multiple venues or taking place over several days, or perhaps you are seeking an intimate event that will be a perfect break from the ordinary day for a small group. 

Paying close attention to the details is the key to making sure everything runs smoothly. Start planning your event early, and designate one person to handle the logistics and communicate with the group. Touch base with your venue or instructor beforehand to iron out any last-minute details, and be sure to let everyone know what to bring or wear. Confirm that your chosen activity can accommodate your group size. If you have a large group, you may need extra instructors or additional time slots. If you’re planning to include extra elements like a holiday celebration, team awards, or social hour, check whether you can extend the class time. Create a budget for your event and allow for contingencies. 

Make sure you clarify the pricing details upfront to avoid surprises; some classes include all costs, while others may have additional fees for taxes or gratuities. Look for an event with experienced instructors who have experience with groups of your size and skill level, and see if the project or menu features appealing, high-quality materials. Some group activities can double as a social event or even a group dinner, making them a great value. Also, ask whether you can bring your own beverages to the class or if beverages are included. Some venues have restrictions on outside food or drink, so you may need to budget for on-site purchases. If you’re bringing your own beverages, decide what you’ll bring and who’s responsible for getting it there. 

Planning a successful event often has many moving parts and requires a lot of coordination. Choosing a provider who can coordinate your event and provide all the materials you need can ensure you have a seamless experience. 

How to choose the right group activity for small and large groups

Deciding to host a group activity is just the beginning; the next step is to decide which event will be the ideal fit for your group. With so many options out there, you’re sure to find a class that’s perfect for your interests and needs. Start by considering the size of your group. Classes that take place in small, intimate spaces or offer a lot of one-on-one instruction are ideal for small groups. If your group consists of dozens or even hundreds of participants, look for classes that feature more structured demonstrations and multiple team stations or that feature individual projects that require little assistance.

Next, consider what your goals are for the event. If you want an active event that has everyone out of their seats, you could opt for an escape room, a sports class, or a game show event. If you want a more relaxing creative event or you want to share drinks or a meal, consider a wine tasting event or an immersive craft like stained glass making. In a culinary event, you’ll learn new kitchen skills and sit down to a meal that you cooked yourselves; this is a great alternative to an ordinary dinner at a restaurant. 

You could also choose an activity based on a shared interest in your group, like photography, baking, or skincare. Group classes are terrific opportunities for team building because they cultivate “soft skills” like communication, creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

Who are group activities best for?

Group activities are a great solution for work teams, friends, and families who want to build stronger connections and enjoy a fun experience together. Some people love the hands-on experience of cooking and exploring new cuisines, while others crave the mental escape of immersing themselves in an art or craft project. Active groups who love the thrill of competition will thrive in a sports class, while escape rooms, trivia contests, and game show events offer a thrill for puzzle-solvers and trivia nerds. 

Many group events are inclusive for members who need accessibility or have special diet needs. Look for classes that can adapt the menu to include vegetarian or gluten-free options or offer alcohol-free mocktails. Also, consider the access and transportation available for a host’s venue, or schedule a class at your own office or venue of choice. This way, you can plan an activity where everyone can participate and feel included.

Group activities are great team building activities for work teams. They promote collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, they bring your team together around a shared project, and they provide an outlet for creativity in the workplace. Group activities are also a great way to get your family together. No one will have to host or clean up, and you can make fun memories by cooking a delicious dinner together, making a beautiful craft, or battling it out in action-packed games. Friends can plan group activities as an alternative to bars, movies, or restaurants. It doesn’t matter whether you have any prior experience with the class skills since activities are designed for any skill level. Many events even allow BYOB so you can share a drink while you relax and learn something new. Regardless of your interests, you’re sure to find a fun activity that is the right fit for your group. 

Compare class options for large and small groups

Choosing the perfect class for your group can be tough, with so many fun options available. Compare these class options to find something everyone will love. 

Art and crafts classes let you dive into activities like painting, pottery, candle making, or soap crafting. You’ll have hands-on help from the pros to create unique and beautiful works you’ll be proud of. If you want to get a little wild, try an experiential painting class where you can break all the rules as you splash, throw, and splatter paint onto the canvas. If you prefer practical crafts, you can learn to make beautiful candles, skincare products, ceramics, or wood crafts in a fun, social setting. A paint and sip class is all about relaxing and having fun. It’s more about the experience than mastering techniques so you can sip on your favorite drink while you paint and chat. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, try an art tour or meditation art experience. You can appreciate creativity and gain the relaxing benefits of art. 

If you’d like an alternative to ordinary dining or cocktail meetups, a food and drink class is just the ticket. You can explore new cuisines and learn new kitchen skills in cooking classes, learn to bake favorites like apple pie and cinnamon rolls or discover international treats like Pate a Choux or focaccia. You can embrace the season when you savor summer pies or holiday cookies you made yourself. If you’d rather not cook, join a food tour to sample dishes and learn about different cultures. Food and drink tastings explore cheese, chocolate, or wine or teach you how to pair foods with drinks in a way that enhances them both. You can learn to craft amazing cocktails in mixology classes or dive into wine or whiskey tastings to learn about different flavors, production methods, and how to appreciate and talk about your favorite drinks.