When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
American Girl Place - Chicago
Why American Girl Place - Chicago is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
American Girl Place Chicago, located on the iconic Magnificent Mile at 835 N. Michigan Ave., is a uniquely enchanting destination designed especially for young girls and their families. This specialty store offers more than just dolls and accessories; it provides an immersive experience where imagination and creativity come to life. Visitors can explore an extensive range of historical dolls, WellieWishers™, Truly Me® dolls where girls can express themselves, and the innovative Create Your Own™ feature that allows children to design custom dolls and fashions. Beyond shopping, the venue offers a delightful Café where guests and their dolls can enjoy brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner in a beautifully decorated setting that feels both elegant and welcoming. The Doll Hair Salon, a standout highlight, allows expert stylists to create new hairstyles for dolls, adding an interactive and memorable experience for children. American Girl Place Chicago also hosts a variety of in-store events, hands-on crafts, seasonal celebrations, and all-inclusive birthday party packages, making it a perfect spot for creating treasured family memories. This place truly celebrates childhood and individuality, making it a fantastic meeting place for friends and family to come together and enjoy a special day.
Here's what people think of American Girl Place - Chicago
As of recent, American Girl Place - Chicago holds a 4.5-star rating based on 2759 reviews.
Reviews for American Girl Place Chicago overwhelmingly praise the store for its magical and family-friendly atmosphere. Many users highlight the exceptional service and the well-maintained, interactive experiences that delight children and adults alike. Positive feedback frequently mentions the Café, where the food quality and beautifully themed doll seating receive high marks, describing the dining experience as both fun and exquisite. Visitors appreciate the friendly and attentive staff, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the variety of activities designed to engage children, including the Doll Hair Salon and personalized shopping. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional wait times and the cost of products and dining, which some consider pricey. A few visitors experienced reservation challenges for special events or dining times. Despite these concerns, the majority of reviews reflect a strong enthusiasm for the overall experience. In conclusion, American Girl Place Chicago is warmly regarded as a charming and memorable destination that offers a blend of retail, entertainment, and dining designed to create lasting joys for girls and their families, making it well worth the visit despite minor drawbacks.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Cassandra Linklater
This is a really cool store any little girl would enjoy. They have lots of dolls and accessories to purchase. It is very clean and beautiful on the inside. There is an escalator for an upstairs section that connects to what appears to be a small mall. Yes the prices are high but that was expected. There are a few spots they can play with the dolls so that is really nice, and my daughter enjoyed being able to touch something. Staff were helpful.
Abbie P
Had a magical experience with my daughter and nephew. They accommodated his dinosaur during tea time. However, I’m not sure I would recommend tea time based on the menu. It is a fixed menu and they only bring out this little tiered tray with finger foods that aren’t really the most kid friendly foods, though it was delicious from the adult perspective. The kids didn’t eat much and it was $45 a person. However, the experience was great and we got to take the toy tea cups and saucers home. I would 100% still visit the cafe but probably for brunch or something where you can order off a different menu. The salon stylists were so great with my daughter. She had an awesome time!!! Worth every Penny!
Tahlia Tsama
What a phenomenal and magical experience I had visiting the Chicago store! I am only in Chicago for a day and I made sure to check out the store! I have been collecting for 11 years and this experience of visiting the store was surreal! From the unique displays , to awesome photography opportunities, this store had it all! What a totally magical experience for myself to walk through and immerse myself is what I love most 🫶🏼🩷🥰✨ I was so excited to pick up my Chicago patch to add to my collection and spend my rewards ! I had a handful of items and with all my rewards only had to pay $1.74 which was amazing! I had so much fun here and I would recommend it to anyone visiting to come visit the AG place here in downtown ✨🫶🏼 you made my trip thank you !
Katie Brzozowski
We took my niece for her 10th birthday and we were blown away! We had a reservation for lunch and it was well worth the $30 per person for the amount of food you get (1st course, main dish, dessert, and drink), plus a plate and cup for your doll to keep, a chair to borrow so your doll can eat at the table as well, and the napkin ring doubles as a hair bow for you or your doll. If you don't have a doll, you can borrow one in the cafe to eat with. She also got her doll's hair done at the salon for $22. The service overall was amazing and we had such a great time!
Bonne Landuyt
I took my daughter and niece for an event that included painting and lunch. The meal felt really special with the tea set for the dolls and the booster seats that kept the dolls at the table. The food was good and included a mini cinnamon rolls before your meal and we got a pudding cup to end our meal. The painting part was very fun. We were taken upstairs to the very top of the watertower to the painted penguin, I think it was called. They had easels and canvases set out in your party groups, they gave you disposable aprons to protect your clothes. And the instructors were very friendly and helpful.
How to reach American Girl Place - Chicago
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Why American Girl Place - Chicago may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at American Girl Place Chicago with your friends? This destination offers a uniquely joyful and immersive experience that goes beyond simple shopping or dining. It’s a vibrant hub where lifelong memories are created, and where friends and family can bond over shared interests in dolls, storytelling, and creative activities. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just spending quality time together, American Girl Place provides a welcoming atmosphere tailored for groups. The space is thoughtfully designed to invite conversation and play, where girls can fully embrace their imaginations while adults can engage in meaningful moments alongside them. The combination of interactive displays, a café that warmly welcomes dolls, and diverse in-store activities make this more than just a store — it’s a perfect meetup spot that encourages connection, creativity, and celebration. A 4.5-star rating from nearly 3,000 reviews shows widespread appreciation for its atmosphere and offerings, assuring any group that their visit will be both fun and memorable.
What activities are available at American Girl Place Chicago? This destination is packed with fun and interactive options designed to captivate groups of all ages. Visitors can explore two floors of retail space stocked with dolls, apparel, and accessories, including classic characters, the ever-changing Girl of the Year collection, and specialty themed dolls like Disney or Harry Potter. One highlight is the Doll Hair Salon, where expert stylists create custom hairstyles, giving both the girls and their dolls a makeover in a lively, social setting. Guests can also enjoy the American Girl Café which features creative seating with spots for dolls and menu items that appeal to both children and adults. Beyond shopping and styling, families and friends can engage in seasonal crafts, hands-on activities, and themed events that celebrate various occasions all year long. For celebrations, the store offers inclusive party packages that take stress off the host, creating seamless and joyful birthday experiences. Additionally, personal shoppers are available by appointment, ensuring a tailored visit that helps any group easily find perfect gifts or new favorite items.
Why is American Girl Place Chicago an ideal location for group meetups? The venue is specifically designed to accommodate families, friends, and groups, making it more than just a retail store. The spacious layout across two levels allows visitors to spread out comfortably while still feeling connected through common interests. The café is a communal space where groups can relax and enjoy food and drinks while their dolls have special seating of their own, enhancing the social experience and making each meal feel like a celebration. The availability of party packages means groups can host unforgettable gatherings with minimal planning effort, perfect for birthdays or just special days out. The range of interactive activities, from doll hair styling to crafts and seasonal events, offers multiple ways for groups to bond, learn, and have fun together. Located in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile inside Water Tower Place, it's easily accessible by public transportation with nearby parking, making it convenient for groups to meet without hassle. This combination of accessibility, tailored experiences, and a welcoming social environment makes American Girl Place Chicago an excellent choice to rally your friends or family for a memorable outing.
What makes the dining experience at American Girl Place Chicago stand out? The American Girl Café is a standout feature that adds significant value to group meetups. Unlike typical eateries, this café offers special doll seating alongside guests, creating an immersive atmosphere where girls feel that their dolls are invited to join every aspect of the meal. The menu is thoughtfully curated to appeal to both children and adults, offering a variety of tasty options for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. This variety means groups can enjoy meals together without worrying about picky eaters or dietary restrictions. The café space is bright, welcoming, and designed to encourage celebration, making it the perfect spot for birthday parties or casual meetups alike. All-inclusive birthday packages allow hosts to book themed parties with decorations, food, and entertainment included, dramatically simplifying planning and increasing enjoyment for everyone. The café thus transforms mealtime into an engaging social event, securing its place as an essential part of the American Girl Place experience for groups.
How can American Girl Place Chicago inspire creativity and connection during your visit? Beyond shopping and dining, American Girl Place encourages imaginative play and creative expression with a variety of enriching activities. The interactive doll vignettes and themed displays provide immersive storytelling experiences that inspire young visitors to explore history, culture, and personal expression through their dolls. Crafting and spa activities, such as manicures and ear piercing for dolls, offer hands-on fun that also sparks conversation and shared creativity among friends. Special events timed with seasons or holidays provide extra reasons to return and connect over new themes and crafts. Personal shoppers enhance this by providing expert guidance to help groups customize their visits and discover unique treasures. The salon and hair styling not only revive the dolls’ looks but also offer a playful bonding opportunity as girls and their friends watch transformations take shape. Altogether, these offerings make the visit an engaging adventure where creativity fuels connection, ensuring every group leaves with lasting memories.
What should visitors know about accessibility and convenience at American Girl Place Chicago? Situated in the iconic Water Tower Place on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the location is ideal for families and groups traveling from various parts of the city or beyond. The mall offers multiple nearby parking options and is well served by public transit, making arrival and departure hassle-free. Inside, the store provides escalators and elevators, accommodating strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone needing assistance. Hours are consistent throughout the week, with longer Saturday hours to accommodate weekend group outings. The space is child-friendly yet sophisticated, balancing fun with safety and comfort. This accessibility combined with thoughtful service—such as personal shopper appointments and party planning assistance—ensures that all guests feel welcome and supported, allowing groups to focus fully on having a great time together.
American Girl Place Chicago is a vibrant, multi-dimensional destination where friends and family can come together to celebrate childhood creativity and friendship. Its rich array of activities, welcoming atmosphere, and focus on group enjoyment position it as the perfect location for meetups, parties, and quality time. With dining options that include doll-friendly seating, hands-on salons and crafts, and engaging themed events, it offers every element needed for a memorable outing. Located in a prime shopping district with easy access, high ratings, and a reputation for excellent customer experience, this spot invites groups to make new, cherished memories year after year.