Free Things to Do in Chicago
Chicago holds a lot of entertainment, excitement, and enchantment. With plenty of activities available that could wear out your credit cards, consider these 10 free events and destinations that will give your card a break.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Guests can explore over 200 species of animals, all at no charge. Plenty of flora and fauna are spaced throughout the property as well. Hours vary from season to season, but it remains open 365 days. Plan on spending two or three hours browsing the 49-acre property.Hyde Park Art Center
For nearly a century, the Contemporary Art Center has served as a contemporary exhibition space, community resource location, learning lab, and social location for artists and art appreciators. The center is open seven days a week
There are other free museums in Chicago, whether you want to peruse science exhibits, Mexican art displays, or contemporary photography. Consider visiting the National Veterans Art Museum, the National Museum of Mexican Art, or the 21C Museum Hotel.
Chicago Riverwalk
This 1.25-mile amenity consists of four districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and The Esplanade. It provides an uninterrupted path from Lake Street to the lake front. A starting point at Upper Wacker Drive also leads to the water’s edge. Visitors can take in free museums and art displays along the river walk or upgrade the free outing to a paid kayak trip or Chicago River boat tour.
Chicago Greeter Neighborhood Tours
Gain insider information for free through the various tours offered by this group of locals. Groups of up to six can participate in these guided walks, lasting up to four hours. Options range from specific neighborhoods to popular spots such as The Loop and Chicago Riverwalk.
Osaka Garden
Open from sunrise to sunset daily, the Japanese Garden and Wooded Island within Hyde Park are free to the public. It is beautiful any time of the year; the prime visiting period is in the spring. Each year, the Cherry Blossom Trees are in full bloom for a range of six to ten days. Keep an eye on the garden's website for upcoming events that are also free to everyone.
Maggie Daley Park
For active families, this free park is open seven days a week and provides a play garden, tennis courts, picnic groves, and a paved path for rollerblades, skates, and scooters. Seasonal activities such as a climbing wall, skating ribbon, bungee, snack kiosk, and mini golf are available with purchased tickets. Skating rentals are available in thirty-minute intervals for those who don't have their own equipment.
The 606
Located within Humboldt Park, this two-mile trek offers 12 access points that connect four different neighborhoods. Visitors can enter and depart from the walking/biking trail every quarter-mile, and there are 17 access ramps for ADA guests. More than just a paved walking space, the outdoor space connects nature, culture, and science, including the Exelon Observatory, displays of public art, and seasonal flowering trees.
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures
A free destination perfect for a family outing, a rainy day, or history buffs, this museum houses more than 350,000 artifacts from West Asia and North Africa. Closed on Mondays, visitors can explore the exhibits six days a week. The collections available range from photographs, artifacts, excavation records, and more.
Navy Pier
A popular tourist destination, Navy Pier offers a variety of activities that range in cost from free to pay-to-play. Fireworks light up the Chicago sky nightly after kids and kids-at-heart enjoy the carnival-style rides. Live music, the USA's largest rooftop bar, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre are also located within this well-known attraction.
Buckingham Fountain
Grant Park houses one of the largest fountains in the world and serves as the park's centerpiece. Situated with the lake as a background, visitors enjoy a 20-minute water show each hour during the day. Those arriving after sunset are treated to a music and light show every hour on the hour. As a seasonal operating attraction, the fountain is only active from May until mid-October.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Free zoo open year-round with over 200 animal species and scenic landscapes across 49 acres.
- Contemporary art gallery and community space offering free exhibits and workshops, open daily.
- Explore unique collections at museums like the National Veterans Art Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, and 21C Museum Hotel, all at no cost.
- Scenic 1.25-mile path along the river with art installations, public seating, and views of downtown, plus options for paid activities like kayaking.
- Free guided tours led by locals, exploring Chicago neighborhoods and landmarks, with a focus on history and culture.
- Tranquil Japanese garden in Hyde Park, known for cherry blossoms in spring and open daily from sunrise to sunset.
- Family-friendly park featuring play areas, picnic spots, and seasonal attractions like a climbing wall and skating ribbon, with free access to the grounds.
- Elevated trail connecting Humboldt Park neighborhoods, ideal for walking and biking, featuring art displays and seasonal plants.
- Free museum with extensive collections from West Asia and North Africa, open six days a week.
- Iconic attraction offering free events, including fireworks, live music, and views of Lake Michigan.
- Grand fountain in Grant Park with hourly water shows and evening light displays, active seasonally from May to October.
