25 Free Things To Do In Chicago

Witness the lavish Millennium Park, a peaceful destination amidst the busy city streets. The park features green spaces and regularly hosts art exhibitions. But the highlight remains the famous Cloud Gate sculpture - affectionately known as "The Bean” - which reflects the city's skyline for fantastic photo opportunities.

Millennium Park offers more than eye-catching scenery - visitors can also enjoy free concerts and winter ice skating and admire its impressive architecture. While the public space is not open for pets, guests can leave their companions in the dog-friendly area as they take a tour of the park.

• Address: 201 E Randolph St

Chicago's iconic waterfront destination, Navy Pier, stretches into the heart of Lake Michigan. This 3,300-foot-long pier offers great panoramic views and activities for all ages. 

The recreational park is free to enter and explore for visitors of all ages; discover the beautiful fireworks shows and art installations as you stroll around the facility. Although the different rides and games are not free, they are relatively budget-friendly and worth your money.

• Address: 600 E Grand Ave, North Side

The Magnificent Mile is a commercial neighborhood in Chicago, extending 13 blocks from the Chicago River to Oak Street. The area is home to luxurious storefronts of iconic brands like Gucci and Prada, and also hosts charming boutiques and buzzing art galleries.

Take a free walking tour of the Michigan Avenue neighborhood or visit a public art display. As you walk across the towering skyscrapers, including the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building, you'll feel the city's vibrant spirit come alive.

• Address: Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Why indulge in the tiring city hustle when you can simply get entertained by the company of exotic animals and birds? The Lincoln Park Zoo covers over 35 acres in the heart of Chicago. Established in 1868, this establishment houses over 1,100 animals from more than 200 species, including lions, penguins, monkeys, and giraffes.

Featuring interactive exhibits and picturesque natural landscapes, Lincoln Park Zoo is an ideal destination for visitors on a budget. Nonetheless, be prepared for a premium experience amid at the nature-filled escape in the lively city of Chicago.

• Address: 2001 N Clark St, North Side

Explore the rich architectural history of Chicago with a leisurely tour of the vivid Chicago Riverwalk. Stretching along a 1.25-mile path, the promenade offers you views of the city’s lavish buildings, bridges, and waterfront.

Visitors to this city-trail also cherish a peaceful spot on a bench to soak up the sunshine and treat themselves with a delightful meal at one of the numerous restaurants offering outdoor seating.

• Address: 22 E Wacker Dr, Downtown

With four display houses as the main attractions, Lincoln Park successfully attracts over 140 thousand visitors every year. The four houses include the Palm House, the Fern Room, the Orchid House, and the Show House; all of these houses host some of the most exotic floras known to humans.

Free to visit, guests must however take timed entry tickets for the smooth flow of traffic. But, as the conservatory is a non-profit and publicly-funded, donations from willing visitors are always encouraged.

• Address: 2430 N Cannon Dr, North Side

The Lakefront Trail is the perfect route to go for a run or a casual walk. The 18-mile path is also a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. Near Grant Park and Museum Campus, you can get the best views of Chicago’s iconic skyline.

Apart from the mesmerizing sceneries, the Lakefront Trail is also near to multiple tourist attractions; it connects to popular attractions including Lincoln Park and Oak Street Beach, among others. The trail usually witnesses a spike in tourists during the warmer months, although guests are also known to enjoy jogging and walking during winter.

• Address: 540 N Lake Shore Dr, North Side

Free for Chicago residents on selected days, the Art Institute of Chicago is a hub for young visitors. The facility provides free entry to Chicago teens under the age of 18 and children under 14 throughout the year. But, guess what, this free entry system also extends to other contributing members of the society, including active-duty military personnel and WIC cardholders.

The museum is truly a temple for art lovers, housing a wide collection of over 300,000 artworks spanning centuries and continents. After exploring the museum, consider having lunch at one of the many Japanese restaurants in Chicago.

• Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Grant Park

The Garfield Park Conservatory, opened in 1908, is an embodiment of a healthy ecosystem. One of its major highlights is the rare and creepy-looking corpse flower that resembles rotting flesh. Meanwhile, the Double Coconut Palm is another fascinating exhibit, unique for producing the largest seed in the world.

Although free to enter and explore, the park can get too crowded during the peak seasons of spring and summer. Don’t forget to make advance reservations during these months to avoid heavy foot traffic.

• Address: 300 N Central Park Ave, East Garfield Park

Located downtown, the Chicago Cultural Center has been an invaluable part of the city’s cultural history for nearly 130 years. The Preston Bradley Hall featuring the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome is the most iconic exhibit at the center.

Besides photography, tourists are also intrigued by the artworks from artists all over the world. If you are passionate about literature, make sure to attend free lectures, poetry readings, and panel discussions hosted by the museum administration.

• Address: 78 E Washington St, Downtown / The Loop

Unofficially titled Chicago’s Front Yard, the Grant Park is one of the city’s largest public spaces covering an area of 319 acres. The Buckingham Fountain, the park’s primary highlight, alone attracts millions of guests to this exquisite location. The fountain, which can shoot water up to 150 feet in the air, is particularly inspiring at night when the park conducts dazzling light and water displays. 

While the fountain is usually switched off during winter, you can still visit other exhibits and designated areas inside Grant Park, including the Millenium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. The reopening of the fountain after the end of winter is often unofficially considered as the start of summer by locals.

• Address: 337 E Randolph St, Millennium Park

Step back in time and experience Chicago's past at the Clarke House Museum, the oldest surviving house in the city! Built in 1836, this Greek Revival home is named after Caroline Palmer Clarke, the widow of original owner Henry Brown Clarke, for her efforts to renovate and preserve the house in its original form.

Today, the property serves as a house museum that gives insights on the lifestyle of early Chicago. The house retains most of its original furniture and decor, giving guests the opportunity to look back in time.

• Address: 1827 S Indiana Ave, South Loop

If you are a fan of the contemporary artworks and creations of American painter Ed Paschke, the  Ed Paschke Art Center in Chicago is a must-visit location for you. The center features some of the best works of the Chicago-born artist, mainly consisting of graphic imagery and pop culture references.

The art museum offers the highest honor to Ed Pads through the glorification and display of his notable works, including The Wait, Chicago, Self Portrait, and more. The center is open six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday; the visiting hours are from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Address: 5415 W Higgins Ave, North Side

The Play Garden, located within the lively Maggie Daley Park, is a retreat for children of all ages. Whether your child enjoys climbing, sliding, swinging, or simply exploring, this 3,590-square-foot space includes a network of paths and play spaces that'll keep the kids busy and entertained for hours.

The Imagination Playground, a space filled with foam blocks, is possibly the favorite among young guests. Take your kids for a playful session, and the only thing you'll regret is not taking them sooner.

• Address: 337 E Randolph St, Downtown

Looking for free things to do in Chicago today? Step inside the National Museum of Mexican Art for a journey back through 3,600 years of Mexican creativity, from ancient Mesoamerican artifacts to contemporary works by acclaimed artists.

At the moment, the museum exhibits over 10 thousand art pieces that belong to the pre-Columbian and colonial era. Mexican art masters like Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Siqueiros are some of the few to be featured in this art library.

• Address: 1852 W 19th St, Lower West Side

Previously a busy industrial rail line, the 606 now serves as a 2.7-mile elevated park and trail transformed into a lively green space. Besides providing adequate space to indulge in walking, running, and biking, you can take pleasure in the view of the public art in the form of murals and interactive works.

Additionally, the park regularly hosts events like fitness sessions, outdoor concerts, and cultural events that are free for visitors to attend. These activities will not only help you build a positive image of Chicago but also explore spirituality in one of the greatest cities in the world.

• Address: 1805 N Ridgeway Ave, West Town

Right at the heart of the Near North Side neighborhood lies the Museum of Contemporary Art; it can be reached with a short walk from Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. The museum proudly displays creative works that explore political, cultural, and social themes.

In addition to showing rotating exhibitions featuring established and emerging artists, the museum showcases the latest trends and movements in the contemporary art scene. Whether you're an experienced art fan or just curious about the latest contemporary art, the MCA has something to offer everyone.

• Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, North Side

The Newberry Library is a haven for history buffs and bookworms alike. Founded in 1887, this independent research institution boasts a treasure trove of rare books, maps, and manuscripts spanning centuries and continents.

Be sure to stroll through the stunning building with grand staircases and ornate reading rooms. You will surely be captivated by the library's atmosphere of scholarly pursuits and intellectual exploration.

• Address: 60 W Walton St, North Side

The Poetry Foundation stands as a haven for the spoken and written word. Founded in 1912 by Harriet Monroe, this iconic institution has nurtured and promoted the art of poetry for over a century.

The Foundation's stunning home, designed by John Ronan Architects, is a masterpiece. Inside, visitors can explore the extensive archives of Poetry magazine, attend readings and workshops by renowned poets, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

• Address: 61 W Superior St, North Side

Take a break from the city hustle and discover the peaceful Ohio Street Beach, a hidden gem tucked away in Chicago's lively Streeterville neighborhood. This urban oasis offers stunning views of the cityscape and sparkling Lake Michigan. 

Sink your toes into the soft sand, feel the cool breeze on your skin, and let the rhythm of the waves wash away your worries. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply floating away your cares.

• Address: 400 N Lake Shore Dr, North Side

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Chicago at the Hyde Park Art Center. This non-profit haven for contemporary art has fostered creativity and cultural exchange since 1939. 

Explore cutting-edge exhibitions, engage in artist talks and workshops, or wander the spacious galleries and studios to discover your next artistic inspiration. 

• Address: 5020 S Cornell Ave, Kenwood

Located in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Puerto Rican community, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of this vibrant island nation. 

Housed in the beautifully restored Humboldt Park Receptory and Stables, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the history, art, and traditions of Puerto Rico through its diverse collection of exhibits and programs.

• Address: 3015 W Division St, West Town

Immerse yourself in art after dark at Art on theMart, a free spectacle that lights up Chicago's Riverwalk. This captivating program showcases mesmerizing video projections on the facade of theMART, the largest commercial building in the US.

Step outside and witness contemporary masterpieces come to life in a vibrant display of color, light, and sound. For those seeking free events in Chicago today, Art on theMart offers a unique and engaging experience.

• Address: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 470, Downtown

Enjoy a celestial adventure at the Adler Planetarium, a sanctuary for stargazers and space enthusiasts of all ages. This iconic Chicago landmark features captivating exhibits, breathtaking sky shows, and the largest public telescope in the city.

Gaze upon the moon's craters, shimmering constellations, and distant planets, experiencing the magic of the cosmos firsthand.

• Address: 1300 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Burnham Park

Step into a winter wonderland at the Christkindlmarket in Chicago, a charming open-air market offering a delightful taste of German Christmas traditions.

Stroll through rows of twinkling lights and wooden stalls overflowing with handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers, and unique gifts. With live music, carolers, and festive decorations, the Christkindlmarket is the perfect place to create lasting holiday memories.

• Address: 50 W Washington St, Daley Plaza