Free and Fun Things to do in Chicago
79Chicago nicknames
Chicago is also known as:
- The Windy City
- Chi-Town
- Second City
Get to know Chicago
Having lived in the Chicago suburbs for well more than a decade, what first attracted me to this part of the United States the most was the city of Chicago itself. Situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan, the only great lake fully within U.S. borders, Chicago's downtown has awesome views of the lake. You can stand on one of Chicago's many public lakefront beaches enraptured by the beauty and vastness of Lake Michigan, yet turn around and see Chicago's magnificent skyline.
Chicago has almost three million residents, and in terms of population is considered the 3rd largest city in the U.S., behind New York and Los Angeles. It is a city of skyscrapers, partly as a result of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. After the fire destroyed nearly 4 square miles the cost of land skyrocketed and architects built upward, a trend that continues today. The newest skyscraper to dot Chicago's skyline is Trump International Tower, the second tallest building in the city, second only to the Willis Tower, better known for decades as the Sears Tower.
With its lakefront recreation and city amenities, it's no wonder that Chicago attracts nearly 45 million visitors annually. And for families or those on a budget, there are many fun and free things to do in Chicago. With a little planning ahead it's not hard to have a fun day for free in The Windy City.
Free Chicago Attractions
Lincoln Park Zoo - Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago's free attractions.
Millenium Park - Millenium Park
Oak Street Beach - Oak Street Beach
Lincoln Park Zoo
Admission to the Lincoln Park Zoo is free for everyone. Situated minutes from Chicago's Magnificent Mile, monkeys, tigers, elephants, giraffes, lions, camels and many more exotic animals make Lincoln Park Zoo their home. Beautifully maintained by Chicago Parks, the zoo, with over 1200 animals and 230 species, is not too overwhelming in size, making it perfect for part of a fun day in Chicago.
At the southern end of the zoo's parking lot is a walking bridge over Chicago's famed Lakeshore Drive, connecting the Lincoln Park neighborhood to one of the free public beaches along Lake Michigan.
Zoolights, an annual display of over one million holiday lights at the zoo, is also free to the public, and is open from late November until the beginning of January.
>>> More information about Lincoln Park Zoo
The Magnificient Mile (North Michigan Avenue)
For window shoppers and people watchers, The Magnificent Mile, is one of Chicago's hot spots. This avenue of shops, dining, hotels, and culture, is known for its spectacular holiday displays. Each year more than 200 trees are illuminated during the Magnificent Mile's Light Festival, followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the Chicago River.
>>> More information about The Magnificent Mile
Cloud Gate or "The Bean" at Millennium Park
Millennium Park
Millennium Park, considered to be one of Chicago's top tourist attractions, is absolutely free. Additionally, free concerts, family activities, and exhibitions often take place at this park in the heart of the city. Perhaps renowned for being home to Cloud Gate, affectionately called The Bean, Millennium Park also has sculptures, gardens, an outdoor concert pavilion and an ice skating rink.
>>> More information about Millennium Park
Beaches along Lake Michigan
The twenty-six miles of Chicago lakefront is what makes Chicago truly a unique city. Hugging the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago's lakefront includes about two-dozen beaches and miles of paved path for biking, walking, jogging, or rollerblading. One of the most popular beaches is Oak Street Beach located at the northern end of the Magnificent mile -- well within walking distance of shopping and dining.
Chicago Museums
Adler Planetarium - Adler Planetarium
The Art Institute of Chicago - The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago Children's Museum - Chicago Children's Museum
Field Museum - Field Museum
Museum of Science and Industry - Museum of Science and Industry
Shedd Aquarium - Chicago museums sometimes offer free or discount days
Chicago is home to many museums, and while all of the museums have an admission fee, most have a couple days a month where admission is absolutely free to certain people. Additionally, corporations may sponsor free-admission events, so it is always worth checking in advance to see if free admission may be available.
Here are examples of some of the free admission days offered during 2011:*
Adler Planetarium offers free admission to:
- Illinois residents on Adler Planetarium discount days
- members of Adler Planetarium
>>> More information about Adler Planetarium
The Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission to:
- residents of Illinois on the first and second Wednesdays of every month
- all children under age 14
- members of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Illinois educators who sign up for Educator Network
>>> More information about The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier offers free admission to:
- children under age 15 on the first Sunday of every month (Target Free First Sundays)
- everyone on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m (Kraft Free Family Night)
- civil servants (police. firefighters, veterans, and teachers) one time per year
- members of the U.S. military on active duty four times per year
>>> More information about The Chicago Children's Museum
Field Museum offers free basic admission to:
- Illinois residents on Field Museum discount days
- members of the Field Museum
>>> More information about Field Museum
Museum of Science and Industry offers free basic admission to:
- Illinois residents on the Museum of Science and Industry discount days
- members of the Museum of Science and Industry
>>> More information about Museum of Science and Industry
Shedd Aquarium offers free general admission to:
- Illinois residents on Shedd Aquarium community days
- visitors who present a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch ATM, credit or debit card, along with photo identification on each month's first full weekend for a one free mini-pass (Bank of America's Museum on Us)
- educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin after registering for a free pass
- members of Shedd Aquarium
- some corporate connection members
>>> More information about Shedd Aquarium
*Discounts and free days may change. Please check with each museum for their most current discounts and promotions. Special exhibits may have additional fees even on free days.
Views of Chicago
Chicago festivals and events
Throughout the year there are many free festivals and events held in Chicago:
Grant Park Music Festival
- Free admission
- Classical music at Millennium Park
- Held throughout the summer
Chicago Blues Festival
- Free admission
- Largest free blues festival in the world
- Held for 3 days usually in June
Chicago Jazz Festival
- Free admission to performances held at Millennium Park and Grant Park
- Usually held in September around Labor Day
Taste of Chicago
- While the food from the Chicago restaurants is not free, the entertainment, including some well-known musical performers, is free.
- Usually held for one week, concluding July 3
Chicago Air and Water Show
- Free admission
- Largest show of its kind in the U.S.
- Held at North Avenue Beach
- Usually held in August
Fireworks
- 4th of July (Navy Pier)
- After holiday lights are illuminated on Michigan Ave. in November (Chicago River)
- New Year's Eve
Check out these other great articles about Chicago:
- Chicago Style Hot Dog - The Best Dressed Dog in America
Chicago hot dogs have more toppings than any other hot dog in America. Discover what makes a hot dog a Chicago style hot dog and how the Chicago hot dog came to be.
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (16)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (8)
- Beautiful (3)
- Interesting (10)
CommentsLoading...
Hi ktrapp...I grew up in Chicago in the 1970s and you have reminded me about so many great things in that town.
Mom would drag us to the Art Institute...and the majesty of the artwork is still imprinted in my mind 30 years later. I also recall many a free weekend on Navy Pier.
Thanks for this great Hub...oh...and it will always be the Sears Tower as far as I'm concerned. I voted Up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
Thomas
Arlene - Would you like a baked potato with your steak? Have you been to Chicago before? It's a great city, and I bet you will love it if you get to visit -- a little different than your neck of the woods though!
I would love to visit. We missed it on our road trip last year. You worked hard on this. Great information and layout. When you get the reader to want to visit, you've nailed it!
ThoughtSandwiches - I'm not sure if anyone calls it the Willis Tower; it's utterly ridiculous if you ask me. Willis is a London insurance broker and renamed it in 2009. The naming rights for Sears expired in 2003 but the name stayed the same for 6 more years. Although the glass boxes on the skydeck on the 103rd floor are really cool that Willis installed. Basically, you can stand in the glass box and look 103 stories down to the ground.
A lot has probably changed since you've been here, for one not much is free about Navy Pier anymore and now The Art Institute walks out to Millennium Park. It's a great city.
Thanks again Arlene. That's quite a compliment and that's a pretty far driving trip!
He drives. I sleep.
Well you are very trusting Arlene. I can't sleep at all when someone else is driving!
Hi ktrapp, I think I would enjoy walking along those two-dozen beaches! Sounds great :-)
Cloverleaf - Have you ever seen the movie "The Break-Up" with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn? There is a scene in that movie where she is jogging along Lake Michigan's shore in Chicago.
It's not about trust, k. If I drove, I would be stopping all the time. We would never get anywhere! I love to travel and don't want to miss a thing. Besides driving like an old lady, I go after anything interesting. People to meet. Sights to see. Aaahh, yes!
Well you would hate to travel with me Arlene. I'm all about getting to the destination in the best time possible, without driving dangerously of course. But, I am getting better - sort of.
I grew up in the Chicago area and have done many of these things myself. You've done a wonderful job outlining a lot of the free opportunities available in Chicago. This is useful for both residents and tourists.
Thank you randomcreative. I often find that a lot of residents aren't aware of all you can do for free in Chicago. For those in the 'burbs (like me) there's even a a really cheap train ticket for weekends making it easy and cheap for residents to get there.
Great article. I grew up in Chicago and it has a special place in my heart. I'm a big sports fan, as well. Chicago has so much to offer! One of the FREE things you didn't mention is the FREE FRIENDLINESS :) I have always experienced a friendly, helpful people in the midst of big city life.
Have you read The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson? A great history of the Chicago's World Fair, especially for those who love the best city in the world.
You're so right - Chicago is a very friendly city and it's a sports mecca, that's for sure.
I have not read that book, but I may have to with your recommendation. Thanks.
I didn't know some museums had free days. I will definitely have to check that out. Thanks for the info!
I grew up in MI and have lived in Illinois for about 20 years and have been to Chicago only twice once with my kids, once with a friend. I enjoyed the city both times and, of course, saw different things on those 2 visits. Lots to do and see there and I'd love to go back.
Chicago really is a great city, Danette. Hopefully, you can come back sometime and enjoy it again.
Wow, I need to get my tush over to Chicago! All of these things sound like great fun... that they're free is just icing on the cake!!
Well, Simone, I think you should catch the next flight from SFO to ORD and check Chicago out. It's a fun city, especially in the summer and around the holidays.
Ah yes I have seen "The Break Up" (great movie by the way!). Now that you mention it, I do remember the scene where she is jogging. I wouldn't mind running along Lake Michigan's shore myself every morning!
"The Break Up" is a good movie, but I just hate the ending.
All these places and festivals sound wonderful (especially the Jazz Festival and Taste of Chicago). Well-done! Voted up and awesome. :)
The Taste of Chicago is a fun event, with tons of Chicago restaurants there, and lots of music and entertainment.
Knew it was only a matter of time before one of your hubs was selected as Hub of the Day! Well-deserved!
I LOVE checking out at the stuff there is to do in Chicago... especially museum free days. I've spent a lot of time in Millennium Park - we take the South Shore in and it lets off pretty much AT the bean. We'd stop off at Marshall Fields (now Macy's) and get some chocolates from Godiva. They have a Lush Soaps in there now. A couple of years ago I went out to Macy's and developed a sudden fear of their escalators. They are some hella scary escalators because it goes way high and you can see down for god like what... 8 floors?
Great hub!
ktrapp, this is awesome. i have been to Chicago for a short time only. and looking at the list of attractions here, i have missed a lot. i have walked Lakeshore Drive, been to Fields Museum (went their to see Sue, the T-rex) and Shedd Aquirium. twas a short trip but i so much love Chicago. have experience it also being a little bit "windy". i just wish i could go back there and see mroe of it.... (,")
Hey all, just a hello and a show of gratitude from you folks who think we're so great :) I am a citizen of the City of Chicago. I have lived here most of my adult life. So I have put probably a good 20 years in the city. My childhood was in the suburb of Burbank, Il. I don't know if your familiar with that town.
But today, I live in the city and have lived in all points of the city, South, Southwest, North, and now Northwest.
I am glad you all like it so much and hope your next visits are as nice as they always have been.
ThoughtSandwiches...it has changed a lot. Next time you come, make sure your credit cards are free of debts, lol so you have room for more debt, LOL! just kidding
Fun hub about the Windy City ktrapp! When I think of Chicago I think of Oprah, Obama, deep dish pizza and bad hair days (due to wind)! hahaha! Congrats on Hub Of The Day!
Melbel - Thank you. Millenium Park really was a nice addition to the city. I think I know which escalator you're talking about. I actually have always had a problem with escalators, often taking the stairs instead, but the one I can't stand is at O'Hare near the United terminal.
Anjperez - Sue was a very big attraction at the Field Museum. It's great you got to see it. Hopefully one day you can make it back to Chicago and take in more of the city.
Hi Gina. Thanks for you comments. I would definitely think it would be expensive living within the city. But, how nice you get to be in the midst of all the action.
Hi Sunshine. Deep dish pizza seems to be what a lot of people think of when they think of Chicago! It's good, but so different from other kinds of pizza.
This is a fantastic guide. I was just in Chicago over the weekend but only for business. I'm planning another trip for sightseeing and I'm bookmarking this post for future use. Thanks so much for sharing. Congratulations on being the hub of the day!
Thanks applecsmith. I'm glad you're planning on coming back. I wrote another article describing Chicago style hot dogs; you should check it out so you get the full Chicago experience if you make it back :)
Great Hub about the Windy City - I used to live there years ago when I was little ;0)
Voted up & awesome
Hi Manthy. I see from your profile that you like music and art. You would really enjoy Chicago in the summer with all of the free outdoor concerts. Thanks for commenting.
Congratulations on your very well deserved Hub of the Day! I am not from the Chicago area, but my mother was born there, and most of my extended family on her side are still there, and so growing up I spent part of most summers there. I haven't been in many years now, and have just in the last few days been thinking about making the trip with my children next year, so I am bookmarking your hub as it will come in very handy! I think you've covered every detail, and absolutely love your format! Voted up, and across the board! Thanks for sharing, and congratulations again!
It would be a wonderful trip K. if you could make it. I'm sure your extended family may even have some "insider" tips, as well. And if you like baseball, you could even try to catch a Cubs or White Sox game too (although those are not close to being free).
Thank you for all your positive comments about this hub. By the way, I was in Orange County a couple of years ago. The flight into the airport was beautiful. It seemed to go from desert to mountains. The man next to me on the flight lived in Orange County so he was sort of my tour guide. I would love to go back when I can enjoy it more (the trip was business).
Congrats on getting hub of the day! This is really a wonderful hub. I am bookmarking it because I haven't been to Chicago but I really want to go. Thank you for the insider tips.
That is the best thing about living in Orange County, in two hours time (each) you can go from the beach to the desert to the mountains. Baseball is huge in my family, and my grandmother would come back and haunt me if I went "home" during baseball season and didn't stop in to see her "Cubbies" play, or if I set foot in Comiskey Park, (now US Cellular).
Steph - I hope you'll find the bookmark helpful if you are ever able to make a trip to Chicago.
K. Then Wrigley it is. And that's what the man on the plane told me about OC - he said one day he did all three and was up in the mountains with snow and then went scuba diving in the Pacific. He said taking a ski lift ride in the summer is really nice too. Sounds like a hub you could write.
I was just thinking about that. Thanks for the suggestion. The aerial tram ride over Palm Springs is beautiful too.
Well done! A fellow Chicago suburbanite, I appreciate your list of things to do. Downtown can get really expensive! :-) Congrats on the Hub of the Day. It's well deserved!
This is fantastic! I've been to Chicago many times, mostly when I lived in the Midwest, but haven't been there in about 15 years. We're going there in about a month so this is really useful. Can't wait to see the Bean!
Congratulations on hub of the day. I never get to Chicago but my daughter does and she loves Chicago. I'll have to tell her about this hub.
Such great information. Thanks. I bookmarked it for future reference. Congrats on hub of the day!
Great hub. Written very well and love he pics. I enjoy going into the city. In the spring we do the 5K Breast Cancer Walk/Run as a family, we've been to Blues Fest and all the Museums. Around Christmas we did a pub crawl and looked at all the beautifully decorated windows. It is a great city! Thanks for a wonderful hub.
K. I hope you get the chance to write that. It's such interesting geography and it would certainly be helpful for people planning a trip there. Oh, and the guy on the plane told me that the people in OC weren't like the housewives on that show :)
Thank you SJ. You are right; it can get really expensive and that can be really bad for families -- everything times 4 or 5 takes the fun out of the day real quickly. With a little digging or planning though, there are good deals around. Thanks for your comments and nice words.
livelonger - I'm so excited that you'll be able to use this information soon. I am working on a couple of others about Chicago that may be helpful, as well. So, be watching... Thanks for stopping by.
Moonlake - Thanks for letting your daughter know about this. Word-of-mouth is often the best way to find things to do and save a few bucks.
Chasing Riley - I appreciate the kind words.
Pedrn44 - A few years ago I went with a friend to the warm-up before the start of the Avon Breast Cancer walk held between Soldier Field and the lake. She did some sort of yoga warm-up and I took pictures. It was a lot of fun and I was amazed at the numbers of women there. That's such a worthy thing you are doing.
We stayed in Chicago one Christmas eve when we weren't able to travel and see family and it was beautiful with all the lights. While a lot of places closed early, we were able to have a nice dinner, catch a movie, spend time as a family at the hotel, and wake-up to a snowy, empty Chicago. We had a terrific breakfast at the hotel and it was the most peaceful Christmas morning ever. My kids were in their teens so they weren't worried about Santa and gifts upon waking. I would love to do that again sometime.
Fantastic hub, I love Chicago, but get lost. I plan on going back to Chicago this coming summer. Thanks for sharing the wonderful results.
Love Chicago, it's one of my favorite cities. Great Hub keep up the good work voted Up, Useful, and Interesting
Awesome hub,voted up!
I was just in Chi-Town taking pics @ Shecky's Girl's Night Out in Union Station Oct 4-5.
Funny thing my hotel was Hyatt Regengcy McCormick Place and the event Union Station. The stroll from my hotel to Union Station is one I'll always remember and look forward to doing again real soon.
I'll be returning to take my son to all the museums and Navy Pier. Also all the wonderful things to see and a do culturally there is amazing.
Your hub is point on and it highlights some of the spots my son and I'll be checking out soon.
Awesome stuff,congrats on your award and welcome to hubpages!
Lavender3957 - I hope you enjoy your trip to Chicago next summer and don't get lost:)
Carl - It is a great city and certainly one of my favorites too.
Rastermaid - If you go to the Museum of Science and Industry be sure to walk over to Lake Michigan from there. It is just a small beach with nice views that you can enjoy even it's just for a few minutes. There is a sidewalk that connects the museum to the beach by going under Lake Shore Drive. I hope you enjoy your trip with your son.
I want to visit Chicago, and you gave me most of the information I need!! Thanks!!
Hi ktrapp...
Congrats on the Hub of the Day! You should spend the prize money in Chicago! Yeah...I know...no money...but I hear that there is some free stuff to do in Chicago...now which hub was that....?
Eparis1679 - I hope you can make the trip here sometime. There is so much to do, free and otherwise.
ThoughtSandwiches - That made me laugh - very funny!
Congratulations, k, on your Hub of the Day. Gee, that rhymes . . . So well done with steak and potatoes . . .
I was there in July this year & it was my first trip to Chicago & USA, was surprised at how clean and safe it was. Was there when the 26foot tall sculpture of Marilyn Monroe was unveiled.It was that famous pose and everyone was posing looking up her skirt!!! Looove Chicago.
Arlene - You made me smile again as usual. It's a good thing I'm not a vegetarian, otherwise I wouldn't be able to accept your compliment :)
Greatstuff - From Malaysia to Chicago, what a difference. I have not seen the Marilyn Monroe statue in person. I think it will be there until spring 2012. She looks a little under dressed for the upcoming winter, though.
The city itself is very clean. And the flowers and trees up and down Michigan Ave. are beautiful in the spring and summer.
Great job. Good information.
Great hub; wonderfully written & great look. I've always wanted to visit Chicago, and this is very interesting reading--makes me want to visit it even more!
Hi Dawn. Thank you for your comments. I hope you get to visit Chicago sometime!
I can't wait to visit Chicago. Thanks for your wonderful hub about Chicago. I'll bookmark this one. Thanks for share with us. Take care!
I love Chicago, and this hub made me lonesome for it.
B. Leekley - Chicago is a great city; sorry to make you miss it!
Arlene V. Poma 7 months ago
Well done as usual, k!. That sounds like I'm talking about steak. Anywhoooo, you get the picture. Voted up, useful, interesting and AWESOME. Bookmarked, too. I may have a chance to visit Chicago next year, so this is an excellent travel piece. Thanks!