Best Friend-Date Locations In Chicago

When was the last time you hung out with your friends? Whether it's been a while or you just want some new ideas for ways to spend time together, then keep reading. With National Best Friend Day around the corner on June 8, consider spending some time with your crew and taking part in a new activity with a friend date. With paintball, comedy shows and so many other activities in the Chicago area, you won't lack for options. Take a look below for ideas on where to spend your next friends-only get-together.

Chicago Beer Experience
www.chicagobeerexperience.com

Sample an assortment of beer in Chicago and learn more about the city's history when you and your friends book a tour through Chicago Beer Experience. The three tours, which take place in the city's Lakeview and Lincoln Park, Loop and South Loop, and Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods, offer both longtime residents of Chicago and tourists a chance to sample beer and get a taste of history. Tours last about three hours, and the calendar of upcoming tours can be found online. A ticket option is also available for anyone who does not want to drink beer, but still take part in the tour.

Paintball Explosion
601 Dundee Ave.
East Dundee, IL 60118
(847) 426-2662
www.pbbomb.com

Get ready to get dirty when you rally your friends for an afternoon at Paintball Explosion. The venue has indoor and outdoor amenities and unique sets for your next paintball showdown. Don't have the right gear? That's not a problem, as Paintball Explosion offers rental packages at an assortment of price points. Laser tag and video gaming are also available, and you can relax after a day of paintballing at the venue's bar and grill. Paintball Explosion also has a number of events planned throughout the year, which can be found online.

The Second City
Chicago Mainstage
1616 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 337-3992
www.secondcity.com

What can be better than enjoying a live comedy performance with friends? By attending a show at The Second City, you and your friends can relax and have a great time. Upcoming performances include "The Second City's 104th Revue: Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu," which will be held on select dates in May. The Second City has additional locations — and shows — throughout Chicago; for a complete list, check out the organization's website. The Second City's Main stage is located in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood and is right near plenty of restaurants and pubs, so you can keep the good times going after the performance.

Related: Ask A Chicago Expert: Tips For Brewing Your Own Beer

Sister Arts Studio
721 W. Wrightwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 929-7274
www.sisterartsstudio.com

Learn a new skill and spend time with your friends when you sign up for a knitting class through Sister Arts Studio. The organization offers an assortment of classes for knitters of all stripes, including how to knit hats, socks, sweaters and other delightful pieces. Crochet classes are also available, and it is advised to register in advance. If you have never picked up knitting needles, then don't worry; the studio also offers classes just for beginners. Located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, the studio offers an assortment of yarns, as well as books, knitting accessories and other products.

Waveland Bowl
3700 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 472-5900
www.wavelandbowl.com

For friend groups that like a bit of friendly competition, spending the afternoon at the bowling lanes can be a great way to have fun. At Waveland Bowl, located in Chicago's Northcenter neighborhood, you and your friends can bowl starting as early as 9 a.m. If you'd describe your group as night owls, then get ready for a late night, as Waveland Bowl closes at 1 a.m. throughout the week, and at 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Waveland Bowl also offers billiards and has a food menu that includes pizza, hot dogs, burgers and fries. As noted on the venue's website, it is advised that you call in advance for lane availability.

Related: Best Up-And-Coming Chicago Bands To Check Out In 2016

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.