5 Fresh and Fun Outings for the Entire Family

Galloping Ghost Arcade is
Fun-O-Rama for the whole family.

Parents and kids are busy. Finding quality time with your family can be tricky between chauffeuring kids to activities and chaperoning playdates and parties. Never fear! Here are some new and fun activities and outings adults and kids of all ages can enjoy – together.

Set a new family record at a vintage arcade, accept a clandestine spy mission, enjoy an ice cream, or discover a new comic book hero. You can even give a family workout session a try. So go ahead, plan some family time - and have fun!

Prepare to qualify… for Pole Position, that is 

Introduce your kids to the totally tubular world of 1980s arcade gaming at Galloping Ghost. With more than 550 games to play, you and your kids will spaz out. And unlike in the ‘80s, you will never run out of tokens. Pay $20 per person at the door, and you and your gamers can play all day. Play your old favorites, like Pac-Man, Galaga and Centipede, or set a family record playing something new.

9415 Ogden Ave., Brookfield

Solve a mystery

Gather your “007s” (aka your family) and sharpen your sleuthing skills on a Family Mission at EscapeHouse Chicago. Like James Bond, you and your junior spies uncover clues, decipher riddles, and crack codes to solve a mystery. But keep an eye on the clock because you only have 60 minutes to complete the task. Most missions are suited for operatives 14 years and older. EscapeHouse accepts younger agents (8 years and older) during special Family Missions. After the mission, debrief with fellow spies at SafeHouse. This clandestine café has a hidden location and requires a secret password for entry.

54 E. Ontario, Chicago 

Play superhero 

POW! ZAPP! KABOOM! Assemble your avengers for a marvelous afternoon at Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics. This incredible comic book shop is bursting with vintage and new comics, graphic novels, and other superhero collectibles. Snag a seat at one of the gaming tables and challenge your little heroes to a fantasy or role-playing game. Celebrate your favorite hero—or villain—at monthly Free Comic Book Days, including Halloween Comic Fest on Oct. 28. Costumes are welcome! And be sure to refuel your superpowers at Butter Up! Popcorn, where you can munch on popcorn of all flavors from butter to chocolate mint to Taco Taco. We’re pretty sure it will become your kryptonite.

20505 S. La Grange Road, Frankfort; 20499 S. La Grange Road, Frankfort

Pump some iron

The kids were all smiles after our family workout with
LifeTime Fitness Trainer, Jill Lynch 

Instead of dropping the kids at the childcare center, why not let them tag along to your next workout? LifeTime Fitness offers private training sessions for the whole family. Certified personal trainers build a workout based on your goals and incorporate kid-friendly exercises and activities. Kids may even use the treadmill or elliptical machines—supervised, of course. For yogis, LifeTime has group parent/child yoga classes too. Not a LifeTime member? Check with your gym or park district. Chances are they offer family exercise classes.

Create a masterpiece

Kids love to paint anything they can get their hands on. Indulge their painting passion at Arts & Crafts Studio by Mucci World. Create a family portrait on canvas, design matching T-shirts, or paint ceramic figurines or wood items. The studio provides all the supplies and takes care of the clean-up. (Score!) You proudly walk out the door with a masterpiece you and your young Van Gogh can cherish forever. After your painting session, admire your artwork over a scoop—or two—of delicious homemade ice cream at Plush Horse Ice Cream Shoppe. It’s right around the corner.

7913 171st St., Tinley Park; 903 W. 171st St., Tinley Park

Maribeth Pjosek-Durkin contributed this article to Chicago Parent. Please check the websites for the latest information.