Break the Champaign Bar Cycle: 5 Spring Activites You Must Do

 It’s already April. This means weather is starting to warm up from the negative numbers we’ve been tortured to live in during the past few months and people are finally starting to peek their heads out of their front doors to see what the outside world has to offer.
 
This also means you have been to every Funday Sunday at Firehaus since September, every Monday Night Joe’s, Riding the Rail at Legend’s, Cly’s wine night, or Country Night at Kam’s on Tuesdays, exchanges on Thursdays, and hopping to these same bars over the weekend to see the same people and do the same thing most every night. I’m not trying, by any means, to diss the Champaign bars, but the nightlife here after so many years can become somewhat repetitive. I often find myself sitting at home on a Friday night with nothing to do, yet still refusing to go out only relive the same night I had the past 5 nights out. Sometimes, I think we could do with some diversity and spunk in this continuous cycle Champaign nightlife.
 
For this reason, I’ve decided to come up with five exciting new places to go to in the Chicago land area that are sure to add some excitement to your college life. Now, I know these places aren’t as easily accessible as jumping on the 22, but it will be well worth it to get a group of friends together and spend a little extra time and effort for an exponentially more memorable experience! And if you couldn’t image skipping a Friday night filled with $3.99 Firehaus fries and $5 40’s, I added a few adventurous places to go during the day so you don’t skip a beat in your weekly cycle of socializing in Champaign.
 
Lincoln Karaoke
Good at singing? Or maybe just like the sound of your own voice? Well, then this is a place for you! Get a group together and head over to this karaoke bar in Chicago. It has a reasonable price range with a menu and full bar (if you’re 21+) — and a great place to get your groove on.
 
Lincoln Karaoke suggests making reservations for groups of five or more, so I’d be sure to call if you’re getting a bunch of friends together. The reviews were all positive and most said it made for a very unique and unforgettable night. And since it is open until 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 3 a.m. on Saturday, there is plenty of time to make sure you get the chance to belt out your favorite tune.
 
General Info:

(773) 895-2299
www.lincolnkaraoke.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, Sunday: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Saturday: 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
 
The Second City
Ed Wynn and Dick Van Dyke said it best in the classic “Mary Poppins” movie when they sang that famous line “I love to laugh. Ha ha ha ha.” Laughter really does seem to be the best medicine, and what better way to cure your senior-itis, (or junior, sophomore, or freshman-itis for that matter) than to head to Chicago or St. Louis to see the comedy act “The Second City”?
 
This historically funny show has been touring since 1959 and has housed some of the most famous comedians of our time, including John Belushi, John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Bonnie Hunt, Mike Myers and Jane Lynch — just to name a few. Group rates for 16 or more people range from only $16 to $27 per person, depending on the time or day of the week. If you’re of age, a full bar is available. Check out the website for the dates and times of the next show in Chicago or St. Louis!
 
General Info:

(312) 337-3992
www.secondcity.com
 
Whirly Ball
If you like action, are competitive and are willing to wake up with a few bruises the next morning, Whirly Ball is the game for you! A mix between basketball, lacrosse and bumper cars, this game will surely give you a rush unlike any other on campus. It’s also great to go with a group of friends so you can slam your roommate, who stole your new Chi straightener, into the wall. It even has a jukebox and is open until 3 a.m. on Saturdays. And with a slogan like “Drink. Bump. Score!,” you’re bound to come back with some funny stories.
 
General Info:

(773) 486-7777
www.whirlyball.com
Hours: Monday through Friday: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
 Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
 Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 
 
Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym
Now this one definitely takes an adventurous individual — but if you’ve got the guts and need to move on from the ARC’s rock climbing wall, then head on over to Bloomington or St. Louis to check out this outrageous rock climbing gym.

 
Wednesday nights from 4 to 10 p.m. are college nights and Thursday nights from 4 to 10 p.m. are ladies’ nights. If you’re not as experienced, there are Rock Gym 101 classes on Saturdays and Sundays for those beginners who are ready to take on the challenge. College nights and Ladies’ nights are only $10 per person with a one-time $3 rock climbing test to make sure you are prepared and safe to climb. If you go, I’ll most likely be seeing you there!
 
General Info:

(314) 241-7625
http://www.upperlimits.com/
 
Wrigley Field Tours
Are you a Cubs fan? Or even just a sports fan? Then I highly recommended that you attend this event! You’re able to take a step into history and see all the ins and outs of this classic baseball stadium.
 
With tours happening almost everyday that the Cubs aren’t playing at home, for only $25 (all of it goes to charity), you and your friends can get a guided tour and learn all about the Cub’s clubhouse, see the box seats, view the press box and even step into the dugouts and on the field! This behind-the-scenes tour is raved about online by both Cubs fans and enemies alike.

 
General Info:

(773) 404-2827
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/ballpark/tours/index.jsp