Things to Do in Barrington

Although custom pottery painting has long been the pastime of rich, retired circus elephants, the Weirdgirl provides stamps, sponges, and supportive ideas to any artist. Customers who want more inspiration can also draw inspiration from books and example pieces to help foster a creative mood. Project possibilities are nearly limitless, from a custom coffee mug for the office to a hand-painted vase, perfect for holding a collection of miniature hand-painted-vase replicas.

The Spot Underground, The Spot's live-music venue, hosts an eclectic mix of bands from a variety of styles, such as funk, jam, reggae, blues, and dance. Savor the upcoming ear candy produced by local, regional, and touring acts including dance-rockers The Indobox on June 17, experimentalists Dopapod on July 16, and Latin-roots prodigies Santa Mamba on July 9. Housed in a former jewelry-making building, The Spot Underground features local artwork and sculptures to punctuate the brick walls, exposed wooden support beams, and grade-school grammar lessons. A full bar and deli dishes up a menu showcasing pizza, flavorful nightly specials, and drinks with hand-painted ice cubes (this Groupon is not valid for food or drinks).

European friends Pernilla Frazier and Line Daems founded Kreatelier in 2007. Since then, solid local press has helped bring crafters from around the area into the shop. Its quaint quarters feature a diverse collection of product designs including bags, quilts, reusable gift wraps, and various accessories, all enhanced by crafty workshops that educate interested art architects. Rampant pencil collections can be put to rest with large cotton pencil cases ($18), which are washable, rollable, and feature 11 pockets, while manicure and pedicure cases ($15) help keep tools and other grooming paraphernalia from escaping. Keep rebellious flocks of hair at bay with a brightly colored headband ($8), elegantly wrap bottles of precious fermented fruits inside wine bags ($10), or organize a messy back seat with the car-seat organizer ($40), which withstands abuse and the effects of time travel.

As neon obstacles glow under a series of black lights, teams move through two levels of mazes and catwalks as they avoid the photon blasts of opposing players' and the pitfalls of the 7,500 sq. ft. arena. While sprinting up ramps and seeking cover, players must avoid strategically placed laser mines that flash and beep before tagging anyone within reach, which effectively deactivates their equipment and James Bond trivia knowledge for 12 seconds. Players can earn points by blasting the mines first, while bases and targets offer chances to earn even more tally marks.

After futuristic battles conclude, guests can putt through an 18-hole mini golf course surrounded by alien planets and dinosaurs. Off the course, visitors can also sling skee balls and pop tokens into games in the arcade to win tickets redeemable for prizes. With a laser maze where players navigate beams of light and four party rooms added to the mix, Lazer Gate becomes the ideal spot for birthday parties or training camps for lethargic clones.