When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Jack's Big City Ranch
Why Jack's Big City Ranch is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Jack's Big City Ranch is a lively and immersive Montana-style ranch pop-up located across two acres on Goose Island in downtown Chicago. It offers a unique opportunity to step into a western-themed environment, featuring a variety of fun and engaging activities such as mechanical bull riding, over-the-top mini golf, axe throwing, go-kart racing, and more. Perfectly blending an authentic cowboy vibe with city excitement, this pop-up is ideal for groups of friends looking to enjoy a memorable day together. Visitors can come dressed in their best cowboy boots and hats to complement the atmosphere and enjoy food and drink in a fully outdoor setting, enhanced with neon lights and colorful photo opportunities as the sun sets. With an all-ages friendly environment during the day and a lively adult atmosphere at night including a full cowboy bar, Jack's Big City Ranch offers a dynamic and fun venue for diverse social occasions ranging from casual hangouts to special celebrations. The venue operates on a cashless system and welcomes walk-ups based on availability, making it easy and flexible for guests.
Here's what people think of Jack's Big City Ranch
As of recent, Jack's Big City Ranch holds a 4-star rating based on 74 reviews.
Customer reviews for Jack's Big City Ranch generally reflect a positive experience, averaging a solid 4.0 out of 5 stars from over 70 reviews. Many visitors highlight the variety and quality of activities that cater to all ages and skill levels, praising it as an exceptional summer destination in Chicago. The mechanical bull, mini-golf, and axe throwing receive particular acclaim for their fun and engaging nature. People appreciate the venue’s lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and the authentic cowboy theme that makes for great photo opportunities and social entertainment. On the positive side, reviews also commend the event’s catering to groups, mentioning it as an excellent spot for birthdays, bachelorette parties, corporate outings, and casual nights out. However, some negative feedback mentions the pricing structure, noting that ticket prices can be higher for walk-up purchases compared to online reservations. A few visitors have commented on wait times for certain activities or the crowds during peak hours, which can affect the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the general consensus remains favorable, emphasizing the unique, fun-filled experience and the convenience of its downtown location. Overall, Jack's Big City Ranch is celebrated as a vibrant and well-executed pop-up that brings a slice of the Wild West to the heart of Chicago, making it a recommended spot for social gatherings and memorable outings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
latrice rowe
It wasn’t what we expected when we walked in but we made the best of it. When we first go there they said the bull wasn’t working but then it was. The mechanical bull kept going in and out I think because that’s all everyone wanted to do was ride the bull. I love how mostly everyone came in their western/country clothes and their cow boy hats on
Anett
Love this place I go there every year for Christmas. Its fun.
Jaclyn Jennetten (Jackie)
We came for the jack frost pop up. It was amazing. The lights. The displays. The drinks. The bumper cars. Ice skating rink. Unfortunately the tubing was closed the day we visited, which was a big upset. But the pop up was still so beautiful. We went during the week, right when it opened, so it was less busy. The staff were all so kind and helpful. This may be a be tradition, if it comes back!
Jerry
A little overpriced. Just lotsa pumpkin/fall photo spots to use. It was neat
Belle Perez
Great place to take family or go on a date. They have a bunch of activities. The mini golf courses were fun because they had plenty of obstacles. It was first time axe throwing and I got 4/4. The Go Cart rides was also a blast!! I enjoyed everything. I even rode the mechanical bull. Ha! Don't expect your adult beverage to taste like it has any alcohol in it, though :)
How to reach Jack's Big City Ranch
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Why Jack's Big City Ranch may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Jack's Big City Ranch with your friends? Because it offers an unparalleled outdoor experience that blends excitement, socializing, and memorable fun all in one vibrant setting. Situated in downtown Chicago, Jack's Big City Ranch is a sprawling summer pop-up bursting with activities designed for groups looking to share laughs, friendly competition, and one-of-a-kind moments. Whether you want to show off your aiming skills at axe throwing, take on the thrilling mechanical bull, or simply hang out at the full-service bars with cocktails in hand, this place is built to bring people together. The ranch theme sets a lively, festive tone while visually captivating with the unique contrast of a Montana-style ranch atmosphere against Chicago’s iconic skyline. This juxtaposition offers plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops that keep the energy high and the memories lasting beyond your visit. Perfect for family gatherings, friend reunions, or casual meetups, Jack’s Big City Ranch creates a social environment where every age and interest finds something to enjoy. It’s a fresh take on group entertainment, encouraging an active, fun-filled day outdoors in a setting designed for creating stories to tell for years to come.
What activities can you do at Jack’s Big City Ranch, and why are they perfect for a group meetup? The lineup at Jack’s is diverse, ensuring everyone in your group has something to dive into together. The mechanical bull ride is a classic crowd-pleaser, delivering laughter and a bit of competitive spirit as each person tries to outlast the twists and jolts. It’s a shared challenge that gets everyone cheering and staying engaged. Then there’s the race on Chicago’s largest outdoor go-kart track, where you can challenge your friends to a high-octane competition with the stunning city skyline as your backdrop. Racing side by side creates a thrilling atmosphere perfect for bonding and friendly rivalry. Mini golf fans will appreciate the creatively designed course featuring trick shots, LED lighting, and fun obstacles—playing with a drink in hand and a view of the skyline makes it a relaxed yet delightful social game. Axe throwing is another highlight that invites groups to channel their inner cowboys and cowgirls while enjoying a safe and guided experience—this activity is both exciting and accessible, making it ideal for mixed skill levels. Beyond the interactive activities, the multiple full-service bars at Jack’s supply a vibrant social hub where people can clink glasses, unwind, and recharge between adventures. The whole setup, combining the thrill of action-packed fun with laid-back moments at the bar, makes Jack’s Big City Ranch a well-rounded option for groups looking to spend quality time and celebrate together.
Why is Jack’s Big City Ranch an ideal place for group photo opportunities? This immersive summer pop-up is designed with Instagram-ready moments all around, making it an extraordinary spot to capture your meetup with friends or family. The Montana ranch motif is striking, but what makes it truly unique is the location’s unexpected and stunning view of the Chicago skyline, replacing traditional mountain backdrops with a metropolitan one. Whether you’re posing beside rustic wooden structures or atop the go-kart track, each snap offers a striking contrast and vibrant colors that pop on any social feed. The creative lighting on the mini golf course and the dynamic action shots from mechanical bull rides and axe throwing rounds add variety and excitement to your photos. This not only enhances the experience but also means you leave with plenty of memorable snapshots that tell your meetup’s story visually. For groups, these photo ops help deepen connections by creating shared memories, and the ability to show off your day with well-composed, fun pictures is always a bonus when organizing group events.
How accessible and suitable is Jack’s Big City Ranch for diverse groups? One of the standout features of Jack’s is its accessibility and inclusivity across all ages and interests. While it’s a markedly fun place for adults, especially those looking to enjoy the 21+ bars and cocktails, the venue also caters to younger family members with age-appropriate activities and all-ages welcome during daylight hours. Its central location near public transit, including proximity to a nearby CTA Red Line station and bus routes, makes it easy for groups from across Chicago to convene without transportation hassles. The layout of the space supports group mingling with ample open-air zones, seating areas, and clearly defined activity hubs, which means your group can split for different interests without losing the sense of togetherness. The outdoor format not only ensures a safer, open environment especially valued in current times but also provides plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and natural light that maintain high energy throughout your visit. This multi-faceted accessibility makes Jack’s Big City Ranch especially attractive for hosting reunion events, office outings, or casual friend group hangouts where everyone’s comfort and engagement matter.
What makes Jack’s Big City Ranch stand out compared to other group hangout spots in Chicago? Unlike traditional indoor venues or static bars, Jack’s Big City Ranch presents a unique seasonal outdoor experience that blends so many fun elements into a single destination. This integrative approach means you don’t have to book multiple locations or juggle different agendas; all your group’s entertainment needs—from competitive races to chilled drinks and dynamic photo spots—are available on site. The thematic styling as a “big city ranch” offers a novel, trendy vibe that appeals to Chicagoans wanting escape without leaving the city. It capitalizes on nostalgia and fresh excitement simultaneously, making it a destination that appeals both to those who love the outdoors and those who want a stylish, ready-made party environment. The variety of activities ensures nobody feels left out, and the fully stocked bars ensure the social aspect remains lively and inviting. The 4.0 rating based on 74 reviews reflects a generally positive experience, with plenty of patrons praising the diverse activities and photogenic setups. Even if the pricing can be on the premium side, many find it worth the cost for a day filled with unique adventures, good food, and the buzz of a bustling, well-designed social setting.
How can hosting your meetup at Jack’s Big City Ranch create unforgettable memories? The combination of interactive activities, scenic views, and social spaces turns your event into a multi-dimensional experience that resonates long after the day ends. Every group member has opportunities to participate in different challenges, whether throwing axes, navigating mini golf traps, or holding on during a mechanical bull ride, which naturally sparks laughter, cheering, and high spirits. The shared thrills create immediate bonds and stories to recount, while the relaxed moments at the bars provide time for catching up and deepening friendships. The photo opportunities complement these moments, giving each group member vivid reminders of the fun. Because Jack’s is designed as a premium outdoor gathering spot with everything catered to create ease and excitement, event organizers benefit from a self-contained venue that requires minimal external planning yet delivers maximum engagement. For families, friends, or coworkers looking to mark special occasions, the setting elevates their celebrations above the ordinary, making each meetup not just another gathering but a memorable adventure.
In summary, Jack’s Big City Ranch is a standout destination for groups wanting an energetic, fun, and visually stunning place to rally together. Its vast array of activities suits every interest and skill level, while the full-service bars and lively environment keep spirits high. The unique ranch theme paired with downtown Chicago views offers a fresh twist on group entertainment, making it a perfect spot for celebrating friendships, family times, and special events in style. If you seek to create lasting memories with your group amid action-packed fun and great social vibes, Jack’s Big City Ranch is undoubtedly worthy of your visit.