Places to Try Extreme Sports in Chicago

1. Go-Karts – Addison and Buffalo Grove

Go-karts are a ton of fun for the entire family. If you have a speed-loving kid in the house, go-kart racing is an awesome outing. At K1, their two Chicagoland locations in Addison and Buffalo Grove offer great indoor tracks for groups of 12-150. Whether you want an afternoon idea for your kids and their friends or you’re looking to host a private birthday party, they have a ton of options for go-kart experiences.

2. Axe Throwing – Chicago

Kids can finally throw stuff at the walls and it’s all in good fun. At Bad Axe Throwing, kids of all ages are able to participate. You can walk in, reserve a spot online, and host private birthday parties as well.

3. Indoor Skydiving – Multiple Chicago Locations

Indoor skydiving gives you a guaranteed skydiving experience, no matter what the weather is like in Chicago. You also will rest easier knowing your kids aren’t jumping out of an airplane. iFly has multiple Chicagoland locations and they give you the thrill and rush of skydiving all from the safety of their indoor facility.

 
Jet Ski Chicago. Photo by Amanda W. courtesy of Yelp

4. WaveRunners and Jet Skis – Chicago

If your extreme sport seeker enjoys the water, try cruising down Lake Michigan in a WaveRunner. Jump the waves of Lake Michigan with the beautiful Chicago skyline as your backdrop. You can rent jet skis and wave runners from North Avenue Beach from Jet Ski Chicago. Drivers must be 18 years old or older to drive, but kids as tall as 42 inches are allowed as passengers.

5. Kayak the Chicago River – Chicago

For another fun outdoor water adventure, Kayak Chicago offers kayaks and paddle boards for rent on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Kids can cruise the Chicago River passing through the bustling River Walk or try their balance on a paddle board at North Avenue Beach. Give it a go by yourselves as a family or try a lesson.

6. ZipLining – Lemont

The Forge at Lemont Quarries offers endless opportunities for adventure. Your kids can zip from 1,000 feet across The Quarry. Children must weigh 70 pounds to zip line. There are a variety of heights and zip line courses to choose from.

7. Whirly Ball – Multiple Chicago Locations

Whirly Ball combines hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and bumper cars. This extreme sport combination is great for a group of people to play together. At WhirlyBall in Chicago, you must be 54 inches tall to play. There is also laser tag and bowling available for more action sports.

8. Knockerball Bubble Soccer – Chicago

Knockerball, also known as bubble soccer, is played like traditional soccer but players are wrapped in a giant plastic bubble from the waist up. This high-energy game gives kids a ton of laughs and a serious workout. You can bounce, flip, and jump around to give players the opportunity to score a goal. With Knockerball, they bring the fun to you. This is a great party rental idea for birthdays, school parties, scouts, or school events.

9. Indoor Rock Climbing – Multiple Chicago Locations

Rock climbing is one of the ultimate extreme sports. Climb to new heights while using strength and balance on one of the many fun climbing courses in the Chicago area. Check out our list of the best climbing gyms and ninja warrior courses in Chicago for kids here. 

10. Paintball - East Dundee

Paintball is an awesome game for adventure seekers. Not only do you get to run around shooting messy paint balls at your friends but you also get to act out a real-life video game in a fun and safe environment. Get messy, run around, and have a blast at this thrilling extreme sports game. Paintball Extreme is located in Santa's Village Amuesment Park in East Dundee. 

11. Nerf Wars at Wicked Ball - Lombard

For Nerf enthusiasts, there's a place like no other in Lombard. Kids can engage in the ultimate Nerf wars with friends and family at their in-store experience center. Bring a private group or host a Nerf birthday party. In addition to Nerf battles, you can also play laser tag, archery tag, dodgeball, and more at this extreme sport playground in Lombard. 

All photos are courtesy of the venues unless otherwise indicated.