Chicago’s Best Birthday Ideas to Elevate Your 25th

Mid twenties, 5×5, quarter century—however you call your 25th birthday, this milestone deserves a celebration!

Whether you’re a local or visiting Chicago for this special occasion, the city is brimming with unique and memorable 25th birthday ideas to mark your special day. From solo adventures to exhilarating experiences, our daily itineraries are your ticket to an unforgettable birthday in Chicago!

So, get ready to explore the top 25th birthday ideas in Chicago and have a blast on your special day!

Solo 25th Birthday Ideas in Chicago

A solo 25th birthday can be a fulfilling and introspective experience. You can focus on yourself and do all the things you love without looking back! Chicago is a city full of activities you can enjoy all on your own, so plan the day as you like and enjoy the solo 25th celebrations. Take a look at a few of our suggestions!

1. Delicious Brunch

Start your day right by not waking up too early (ok, this is a personal preference, but just don’t put the alarm on, if you can). Indulge yourself with a hearty breakfast or brunch at one of Chicago’s famous restaurants. Is there a place making the rounds on TikTok? Or has an influencer recommended a spot? Well, your 25th birthday is the right time to go and check it out!

Our brunch recommendations include Wake ‘n Bacon in Lake View East, Le Sud in Roscoe Village, or Batter & Berries in Lincoln Park. You can go and eat out, or order delivery to enjoy a quiet brunch at home.

2. Self-Guided Tour of the City

Rediscover the city with a self-guided tour! Walk around at your own pace, and explore Chicago’s lesser-known jewels or revisit classic landmarks, public art, or vibrant city murals. The city also boasts some interesting architectural gems, so it’s worth checking them as well!  

Rediscovering your city can give you new gratitude for the place you call home but also turns you into a fun fact fountain for your next outing with friends or family!

3. Evening at a Spa

To wrap up your solo 25th birthday celebrations, head to a spa to unwind and pamper yourself. Indulge in a rejuvenating massage and a revitalizing facial, and take this opportunity for self-care and relaxation. The atmosphere of the spa will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the next chapter of your life.

For a budget-friendly alternative, organize a spa evening at home. Set up the space with some calm music and candles (we recommend natural wax ones!), take a long bath, put on a face mask and enjoy a calm solo evening.

Fancy 25th Birthday Ideas in Chicago

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your 25th birthday, plan a day that’s filled with refined activities! Take a look below at how you can make the day both classy and memorable. And yes, this is your cue to take out the “special occasions” outfit!

4. Rooftop Lunch

Nothing will elevate your 25th birthday celebration more than organizing it, literally, above the ground! Sweeping views, delicious food, and great company will give you a great start to the birthday celebrations. 

Visit Joy District, located at River North, to dine in between the city scrapers, or head to Navy Pier’s Offshore Rooftop to indulge in the best views of Lake Michigan and the city’s skyline.

5. Museum Visit

Immerse yourself in culture and history with a visit to one of Chicago’s world-renowned museums. Whether it’s art, science, or history that intrigues you, a museum visit adds an intellectual flair to your celebration, making it both enriching and memorable. You can explore museums on your own or use services such as Museum Hack for a guided tour! 

If you’re coming from outside Chicago, the must-visit museums in the city are The Art Institute of Chicago, The Museum of Science and Industry, and The Field Museum of Natural History.   

Pst! The Museum of Ice Cream is still a museum, so if you’re not that much into fancy and sophisticated, head over there for the sweet and creamy. We won’t tell a soul 😉

6. Jazz Concert

Cap off your fancy birthday by attending a live jazz concert. Choose a venue like Andy’s Jazz Club for a delightful combination of live music and a gourmet dinner, or opt for the Jazz Showcase, a historic spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and top-tier jazz musicians. This chic and cultured end to your special day will make your birthday celebrations truly memorable.

Exciting 25th Birthday Ideas in Chicago

Inject fun and energy into your special day with some exciting ideas. Turn your lunch into a fun affair by going to a themed cafe, do something crazy for your activity, and end the day at a fun venue—we guarantee a 25th birthday to remember!

7. Lunch at a Themed Cafe

Kickstart your exciting birthday by filling up your stomachs! 

Sit down to lunch, but make it special with a visit to a quirky and fun lunch cafe. Try places such as 2D Restaurant, where you can find yourself in the world of a comic book, or head to Nutella Cafe Chicago if you have a sweet tooth. Heritage Bicycles is the place to go if you’re a devoted cyclist. 

These unique spots offer a package deal of good food and a fun experience, making them perfect places for birthday celebrations! 

8. Extreme Car Ride

For an electrifying 25th birthday experience, consider the Xtreme Xperience at the Autobahn Country Club. Sit behind the wheel of some of the world’s most exhilarating supercars, such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis, and race around a professional track with a powerful engine roaring beneath you. No previous racing experience is required, as professional instructors guide you in mastering the racing line!

9. Evening at a Fun Venue

If you still have the energy for some more fun and excitement, head out for the evening to a fun venue such as WhirlyBall or Punch Bowl Social. Those venues provide not only delicious food and drinks but also an array of games, making sure you and your guests won’t get bored until late at night.

Try your hand at whirlyball, an exciting combination of lacrosse, bumper cars, and basketball, or stick to the more known games of darts, bowling, or laser tag, and greet your 25th with laughter, a bit of friendly competition, and unforgettable moments!

Low-Key 25th Birthday Ideas in Chicago

If you would rather go for a simple celebration on your 25th, take a look at the ideas below. And remember, low-key doesn’t mean boring, so even with these ideas, you’re in for an enjoyable birthday celebration!

10. Lunch & Games

Launch your birthday festivities at lunch with friends and family. Go to your favorite spot in the city, or try something new. Look at our selection of the best birthday dinner spots in the city, as many of them also serve lunches, and find something new and exciting. 

You can also opt to visit a venue that offers something more than just delicious lunches, such as Cleos, where you can play a round of Bocce as you wait for your dishes to arrive. At the Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, you can play shuffleboard, foosball, billiards, checkers, chess, and more, all while enjoying delicious bites.

11. River Cruise

Once you have your bellies full, continue your birthday celebration with an architecture river cruise. Sit back and enjoy the sights of Chicago from a different perspective. Some cruises come with a cocktail bar as well, so you can cheer to the occasion while gliding along the iconic Chicago River.

Would you like to amp up your 25th birthday party a bit more? Chart a boat for a private celebration! You can even organize lunch or dinner on the water, making your special day even more remarkable!

12. Arcade Games Evening

To wrap up your day, toast to finishing one more lap around the sun with the nostalgia of arcade games. Head to venues such as Replay Lincoln Park, Emporium Arcade Bar or Logan Arcade, for a laid-back yet amusing evening where you laugh, play, and celebrate with your crew!

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👉 An arcade game bar is a perfect option for celebrating birthday in winter! If you need more inspo, head over to our Winter Birthday Ideas in Chicago article.

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Unique 25th Birthday Ideas in Chicago

Celebrate your 25th birthday in Chicago with off-the-beaten-path adventures and experiences. Dive into an extraordinary celebration with the ideas below!

13. International Flavors

For a unique lunch, steer away from your usual eating spots, and instead, visit a restaurant with cuisine you’ve never tried before! 

Our sure-fire recommendations include Staropolska Restaurant with the best Polish pierogies, Good To Go Jamaican Restaurant with the top jerk chicken, or Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub, which offers a traditional Irish experience. 

To discover a world of culinary diversity, explore neighborhoods like Pilsen, Chinatown, Little Italy, or Greek Town, where every corner reveals a new and exciting dining experience.

14. Go on a Crime Tour

For those interested in a mix of history, mystery, and a touch of thrill on their special day, consider going on a Chicago Crime Tour. During the tour, you’ll visit iconic locations tied to infamous events, such as the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. You’ll learn the city’s notorious criminal past, exploring the haunts and hideouts of famous gangsters like Al Capone and John Dillinger.

Intriguing true crime stories, historic video footage, and many photo ops all come together to create a unique 25th birthday idea in Chicago.

15. Evening at Esport Gaming Venue

If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience for your 25th birthday, head to the Gaming Lounge and Bar at Midlane Esports. If you’re a fan, you don’t need any introduction, but if you’re new to the eSports world, just know that you might soon follow the expected 318 million eSports enthusiasts worldwide. And Midlane Esports is where you can join in on the fun. 

Whether you already play or want to see what the hype is all about, Midlane is where eSports enthusiasts play, develop, and socialize! With a service bar available, your 25th birthday is about to be unconventional but definitely memorable!

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👉 For more birthday party inspiration, check out Fun Birthday Ideas You Must Try in Chicago 

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To Wrap Up

As you get ready to celebrate your 25th birthday in Chicago, prepare for the endless options the city offers to make your day truly memorable! 

Whether you choose the thrill of a gangster tour, the elegance of a jazz concert, or the tranquility of a river cruise, we hope our list of 25th birthday ideas in Chicago will come in handy when crafting the perfect plan for the day.

Cheers to a fantastic 25th birthday in Chicago!

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👉 Get inspired with more Party Ideas to Discover in Chicago

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