Governor Pritzker just extended Chicago’s stay-at-home order until May 30th and some of us are feeling a little stir-crazy. Here are 30 things to do at home to help you get through this next stretch of quarantine.
Check in with your favorite bartenders
If you’re looking for new things to do inside, we recommend visiting a virtual happy hour at one of your favorite bars online.
Find a rad, new band
These Chicago artists are on the rise with new releases this year!
Order a quarantine cake
For the friends you miss most or just for you. We won’t judge.
Seek out a food truck
Peep these Chicago food trucks’ Facebook pages to find out where they’re going next.
Or go Michelin
Another fun thing to do at home is order takeout from Chicago’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Most of these establishments also offer delivery during the quarantine.
Give your hair the quarantine treatment
These Chicago beauty shops have everything you need to maintain hair, skin, and body care.
Stay in touch with friends
We know you’re already using Zoom, Houseparty, and FaceTime to chat with friends, but are you taking it to the next level? Here are a few ways to have the best virtual party ever:
- Best Ways to Host Unforgettable Virtual Events With Friends
- 6 Drinking Games to Play With Your Friends On Zoom
- 7 Best Games to Play With Your Friends Over a Zoom Call
Pick up a job or side gig
If you’re searching for productive things to do at home, we recommend applying for a job in the Chicago area. There are plenty of available positions that aren’t being filled due to the quarantine.
Grab drive-thru burgers from a drag queen
The drag queens at Hamburger Mary’s in Andersonville are serving up delicious curbside takeout.
Revisit historic Chicago games
These moments in sports history were absolutely unforgettable.
Embrace your love for true crime
Read about the most famous murders that happened right here in Chicago.
Seek out the Chicago tamale guy
Follow @TamaleTracker on Twitter to find him!
Stream the best of Chicago theater
Current, local shows that have gone virtual!
Refocus your intention
And check out these digital yoga and meditation classes.
Learn a new language
- Duolingo = convenient
- Rosetta Stone = classic
- Babbel = modern
Try out a new board game
These Chicago toy stores have killer online shops.
Dive into a new world
Whether you’re looking to find meaning in a time like this with relatable content or just looking for a great new read, Chicago bookstores have moved online to ensure you have things to do at home during the COVID-19 health crisis. Plus, the Chicago Public Library has a vast collection of ebooks available right now!
Chill out
Now is a better time than ever to get yourself some CBD.
Get a little tipsy
Probably don’t need to tell some of you. Here are a few ways to support Chicago bars while you drink:
- Enjoy These Make-At-Home Cocktail Kits
- These Chicago Bars Are Offering Discount Wine To-Go
- 15 Breweries in Chicago Offering Beer Delivery and Curbside Pick-up
Get a little high
If that’s more your flavor, Chicago dispensaries are still open for online orders.
Can’t watch live sports? Reawaken the gamer in you
Whether you own a PS4, love the Nintendo Switch, or you’re more of an Xbox gamer, sports games reign supreme on all platforms.
More into RPG? Try these new games released this year.
Have a romantic limo date downtown
You can take a contactless limo ride wherever you want when you book a ride with M&M limo. Did we mention the free champagne?
Join this LGBTQ+ Film Club
Don’t mind if we do. Club meetings occur on Peccadillo Pictures’ YouTube Live!
Finish binging a new show
New content on Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Amazon Prime. Or reality TV, if you’re into that.
Keep up with the latest releases
New movies on Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Amazon Prime.
Have a movie marathon while you’re at it
Revisit the nostalgic magic of your favorite franchises.
Keep the kids busy
Have them help out in the kitchen and do some DIY crafts! Oh, and here are a few amazing brownie recipes.
Visit world-famous museums from home
These virtual tours are absolutely breathtaking.
Pro tip: hook up your computer or phone to your TV or a projector for a totally immersive experience.
Catch the Northern Lights on a livestream
The Polar Bear International and Explore’s livestream has been active nightly since 2012.
Master a TikTok dance challenge
If you can’t beat ’em, you might as well join ’em.
At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.
Tell us what you think matters and what we should write about next in the comments below!
Featured Image Credit: Home Alone IMDb