Chicago Is a Hobby City
Chicago punches above its weight for hobbies. It invented improv comedy, has an 18-mile lakefront trail, sits on a major bird migration flyway, and has a neighborhood studio scene that rivals any city in the country.
Here's what we'd recommend trying if you live in or are visiting Chicago.
Improv: Chicago Invented It
Improv Theater — Chicago is the birthplace of modern improv. Second City and iO Theater both run beginner drop-in classes, and neighborhood theaters like The Annoyance keep the scene rolling. It's social, playful, and surprisingly addictive.
Stand-Up Comedy — The city's open-mic scene is one of the most welcoming in the country. Write a few minutes, find a room, and give it a shot.
Creative Hobbies
Pottery — Lillstreet Art Center on the North Side is one of the city's most beloved studios, with beginner wheel-throwing and hand-building classes running year-round.
Screen Printing — Chicago's printmaking scene is strong, with studios and makerspaces across Wicker Park and Pilsen offering beginner workshops.
Urban Sketching — Chicago's architecture, river, and lakefront make it a sketcher's dream. Grab a notebook and start along the Riverwalk.
The Lakefront: Chicago's Outdoor Engine
Cycling — The Chicago Lakefront Trail runs 18+ miles along Lake Michigan. Divvy bike share makes it instantly accessible, even if you don't own a bike.
Sailing — Chicago Sailing offers beginner lessons on Lake Michigan. One of the most underrated urban hobbies in the city, and the skyline from the water is unforgettable.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding — Rentals are available on the Chicago River and at the lakefront. No experience needed, and the river view of the skyline is iconic.
Bird Watching — Chicago sits on a major migration flyway. Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary on the lakefront is one of the best urban birding spots in the country, especially in spring and fall.
Indoor Picks for Chicago Winters
Chicago winters are long, and the city has the indoor-hobby infrastructure to match.
Indoor Bouldering — First Ascent has multiple locations with beginner-friendly routes and a strong community vibe.
Knitting — A beloved Chicago winter hobby, with yarn shops and stitch-and-sip events across the city.
Home Brewing — Illinois' craft beer boom has a homebrew counterpart. Brew & Grow on the North Side is a classic local supply shop.
Food & Drink Hobbies
Pasta Making — The Chopping Block and Sur La Table run hands-on classes. A great social hobby with a delicious payoff.
Cocktail Mixology — Chicago's bar scene is world-class, and amateur mixology at home is a natural extension. Stock a basic home bar and start with classics.
Where to Find Classes and Community
- Chicago Park District runs affordable fitness, arts, and hobby classes across the city
- Lillstreet Art Center and The Chopping Block are go-tos for creative and culinary classes
- Meetup.com has active Chicago groups for almost every hobby
- Pumping Station One and South Side Hackerspace offer maker-community access