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The Best Self-Care Options in Chicago

Posted on February 20, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Natalia Aldana

Natalia Aldana

From kayaking to face masks, we’ve got great self-care options for any Chicago budget. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

From kayaking to face masks, we’ve got great self-care options for any Chicago budget. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

After Chi icon Common released his book on self-care, we got to thinking about self-care habits for noncelebrities. The City Cast Chicago team came up with some great self-care options for any Chicago budget. Here are some of their recs:

Take Advantage of Nature

Host Jacoby Cochran loves participating in the Shedd Aquarium Action Days. You can participate in coastal habitat restoration, litter cleanups, river planting, and (later in the summer) getting on a kayak for a river tour to see all the great species that live among us.

💸 Cost: Free!

Let’s Get Physical!

Remember how you loved running as a kid? Producer Michelle Navarro misses that feeling, so she’s joining Chingonas Run Chicago to meet other people who love running, and want to see the city and improve their health.

💲 Cost: Just $10 to join.

Creative Outlets for the Soul

Marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas recognizes that sometimes you gotta spend a little to get a lot. That’s why he loves investing in the local art scene and buying beautiful art from Alma Art and Interiors to decorate his home.

🤑 Cost: Pay as you go; Jermaine recommends looking for sales!

Because Our Community is Life

Jacoby’s hitting up Scratch Goods in West Loop where you can make face masks, try skin products, get some skincare education, and more with your friends. Also, it’s BYOB 😋

💰 Cost: The mask bar is $50+; their monthly membership is $75.

📣 Now we want to hear from you! What are your go-to self-care rituals, spots, items, and practices?

Email us!

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