You know what they say — there are two season in Chicago, winter and construction.
As pretty as winter can be when a new snow has just fallen, there are other aspects that aren’t so great, like not being able to go outside for months on end.
This section, Fitness and Fun — Indoor Recreation, offers options all over the Chicago suburbs and northwest Indiana at places equipped to show you a good time whatever the weather is like.
If you are trying to stay in shape, you can play badminton at Shannon Pohl Badminton Academy in Vernon Hills, fence at The Libertyville Club or train like the athletes of “American Ninja Warriors” at Ultimate Ninjas in Naperville.
Dyer Indoor Soccer Arena is a great place to get your kicks. If you’re ready for some football, check out Crown Point Sportsplex. Or if you want to challenge yourself on a bike, seek out Just Pedal Indoor Cycling in Highland, IN. Tease Dance and Fitness in Aurora teaches pole dancing.
Looking for some family fun to cure cabin fever, or a unique birthday party idea? Westmont Yard is a place for all ages to blow off steam, as is Sky Zone trampoline park in Joliet and iFly, which simulates skydiving without having to jump from a plane.
Or hit the bounce houses at Pump it Up in Lisle. Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center will keep the littles occupied for hours on a dreary day. Race go-karts at Accelerate Indoor Speedwayin Mokena. Play laser tag or go zip-lining at Gizmo’s Fun Factory, Orland Park. Go bowling at Stardust Bowl, Merrillville, IN. Spend a day at the pool, no sunscreen required, at Water Works, Schaumburg.
If February’s Winter Olympics piqued your interest in curling, well, you can give it a try at Chicago Curling Club in Northbrook. Or if watching those talented figure skaters inspired you, Skate Room in Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills has an indoor synthetic rink.
Work on your short game at McQ’s Indoor Golf in Bolingbrook or play the putt-putt version at Space Zone in Orland Park. Other options include archery at Glisson Archery in Plainfield, an old-school video and pinball arcade at Twincade in Griffith, IN, or skateboarding at Asylum Skatepark, Lake Bluff. Solve a mystery at Escape Room NWI, Schererville, IN.
Then there are the ones you may have never even heard of, like pickleball, which you can play at Challenge Fitness in Lockport; Whirlyball in Lombard, or WallyBall in Highland Park. WickedBall Chicago Bubble Soccer will bring the party to you.
With all those ideas, you may never have to go outside again.
