Picture this: you've just received your admissions letter from Hogwarts (via owl), and you're gearing up to leave St. Charles to head to this magical wizardly world. The top thing on your mind is, "I wonder what House the Sorting Hat will place me in, and what are some activities that can I do back in St. Charles when I come home from Hogwarts?" Lucky for you, us Muggles at the St. Charles Business Alliance have put together a list of activities in St. Charles perfect for you based off of what Harry Potter House you're in!
Before we get started, it's important to first figure out what Hogwarts House is your favorite. Please choose below what House you'd wish for when it comes time for the Sorting Hat!
What's Your Favorite Hogwarts House?
Gryffindor
Ravenclaw
Hufflepuff
Slytherin
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography, Fox Valley Marathon, and Lux Dance Studio
Take a Dance Lesson
"Training for the ballet, Potter?", asked Draco Malfoy to Harry in the Chamber of Secrets. Well, the answer for Malfoy is quite possibly, yes! While maybe not ballet specifically, Gryffindors are known to be courageous and chivalrous, making a dance lesson in St. Charles a very fitting activity for a student in this House. While the dance studios in town, like Lux Dance Studio, The Dance Lab, or Fred Astaire Dance Studio, do an exceptional job at making you feel comfortable and not overwhelmed, getting up to dance (especially in front of others) does take a certain level courage, and being able to lead your partner in a dance is definitely a chivalrous action.
Go Kayaking
First year students at Hogwarts would traditionally take boats across the Black Lake from Hogsmeade station at the beginning of the school year - however, enjoying a kayak ride can be more than just a mode of transportation to get to school, it can even be a fun, adventurous activity for Gryffindors visiting St. Charles! Gryffindors love a sense of adventure, and navigating the breathtaking Fox River allows for exploration that would excite even Harry, Ron, and Hermione. If you need to rent a kayak, you can visit the Riverview Miniature Golf Course from May through August to get yours by the hour.
Compete in a Local Race
It's no secret that Gryffindors love to compete - whether it's winning the House Cup, excelling at Quidditch, or even coming in first during the Goblet of Fire. Knowing this, it only makes sense that they would love to try their luck at a local race, and St. Charles has plenty to choose from. There are an array of races that take place throughout St. Charles, including biking and paddling as well as running. To find many them, you can read our blog highlighting local races here. That way, you can keep an eye out for when they post their date for 2025!
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography and Pinot's Palette
Learn at the St. Charles History Museum
"A little extra wisdom never goes amiss, Potter..." says professor and Ravenclaw, Filius Filtwick to Harry Potter in the Deathly Hallows. This is the exact attitude of Ravenclaws, always seeking to gain more knowledge. Because of this, it would be likely to find a member of this House at a place in town jam-packed full of knowledge: The St. Charles History Museum. Here, you can learn all about St. Charles' beginnings and how this town came to be, making this a must-stop for any Ravenclaw visiting The Pride of the Fox.
Take a Painting Lesson at Pinot's Palette
Along with being known as the studious Hogwarts House, Ravenclaws can also be quite creative, just like Luna Lovegood and her vegetable jewelry! If you find that this is your House, go embrace that creative side and take a painting class at Pinot's Palette. If you're just a beginning artist, there is no reason to worry, as they have an instructor walk you step by step on how to create your masterpiece, and you'll have a blast creating alongside other individuals looking to refine their artistic ability!
Shop at Townhouse Book
Everybody knows that one of the very best ways to gain knowledge is through reading books, so if you're a Ravenclaw, chances are you may find yourself wandering in to Townhouse Books and Cafe! Along with their tasty cafe that you can enjoy after you've done a bit of shopping, this independent bookstore carries books for all ages, and their knowledgeable staff that can help you find that next novel you just can't put down. Plus, learning from books that you purchase from Townhouse Books is a lot safer than trying to get your hands on Hagrid's Monster Book of Monsters!
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography, Fox Den Cooking, and the St. Charles Park District
Volunteer in the Community
When it comes to Hufflepuffs, the Sorting Hat explains them like this in the Sorcerer's Stone: "You might belong in Hufflepuff, where they are just and loyal. Those patient Hufflepuffs are true and unafraid of toil." It's clear from this, and from the actions of Hufflepuffs throughout this series, that they are indeed very trustworthy. When it comes to this admirable trait, especially to your community, volunteering is an excellent way to give back. Here at the St. Charles Business Alliance, we have plenty of ways interested individuals can get involved, whether it be helping out at one of our community events, or being a part of one of our committees. To find more information on volunteer opportunities, please click here.
Learn a New Skill at Fox Den Cooking
With a Common Room located right by the kitchen, it only makes sense that Hufflepuffs would develop a love for food. Channel this love for culinary creations, and refine your own cooking skills at Fox Den Cooking! At Fox Den Cooking, you'll have a instructor walk you step-by-step on how to make a certain mouthwatering dish. The best part is, you'll get to eat what you make! Not only does this activity help you improve your skillset, but one of the best ways to show someone you care is through preparing a meal with them, and kindness is certainly something that this House doesn't lack.
Spend Time with Animals at Primrose Farm
Another characteristic that we see from Hufflepuff's is their love for magical creatures and nature. This probably has something to do with their kind nature, patience, and fairness. We especially see this from Professor Sprout who teaches Herbology, who herself is a very notable Hufflepuff! If you also have this passion for nature and wildlife, make a trip to Primrose Farm. At Primrose Farm, you can learn what it's like to work on a real life farm. And, if you want get hands on knowledge on some interesting animals, they have plenty of them that live on the farm that you can view and learn about, and even interact with during certain events!
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography and iPanic Escape Room
Complete a Challenge
When it comes to being hardworking and doing everything possible to reach your goal, it's tough to beat Slytherin. They are always looking to be better than the rest, and the Sorting Hat explained this to the first year students in the Sorcerer's Stone saying, "Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that." If you find yourself placed in the Slytherin House, the first thing you have to do is download the FREE Travel St. Charles App and complete Challenges like our Brew Tour and Tortilla Tour. Completing each of these challenges is not only a wonderful time, but you'll receive an exclusive prize once finished, and get to discover a deeper dive into St. Charles. We can guarantee that if you're a true Slytherin, you won't stop until each Challenge is finished. (It's important to note that you can complete these challenges over any duration of time. They do not need to be completed in one day).
Complete an iPanic Escape Room
Along with their strong ambition, Slytherins often are clever, strategic, and possess strong leadership skills. These are all traits that would make one perfect for an evening at iPanic Escape Room! Here, individuals will need to work together to solve puzzles, look for clues, and more in order to escape. Each room contains a different theme, like Monster Mayhem or Dragon Slayer, making this an immersive challenge that even Draco Malfoy himself would enjoy.
Set a High Score with Arcade Games
If you're a Slytherin, you won't stand for anyone beating you in Exploding Snaps at Hogwarts, and they'd probably continue that competitive mentality in St. Charles by trying to achieve a high score on Pinball Machines and Arcade Games! At many local businesses throughout this town, whether it be restaurants, breweries, or at retail shops, you'll come across video games that you can play while you shop, drink, or dine. Some establishments that have these include, but are not limited to, Bogart's, D&G Brewing, Global Brew Tap House, Ghoulish Mortals, Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, and Rock 'N Za. If this is your House, you simply want to be the best, and achieving these high scores is one way you can begin to get there!
The magic in St. Charles will continue on November 29th and November 30th with the St. Charles Holiday Homecoming! Featuring a Lighting of the Lights Ceremony, a FREE Holiday Movie, visits with Santa, and of course, the highly-anticipated Electric Christmas Parade! To learn more, please click the button above.