Chicago is the urban heart of the Midwest, unpretentious yet vibrant, multicultural yet all-American. There’s never a shortage of things to do and see here – especially things that are free.
If you’re traveling to Chicago and need some ideas on how to see the city’s best free attractions, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite ways to spend time and save money in the Windy City. We invite you to share your ideas, as well! Visit our message boards to post your own favorite free things to do in Chicago. We’ll keep adding to this page, so keep checking back as the list grows with your suggestions.
1. Navy Pier: Built in the early 1900s, this 1.5-mile-long pier is packed full of activities (like the Chicago Children’s Museum, see below) and tourists heading to the Crystal Gardens, IMAX Theater and carnival rides. If you make it past all the distractions to the end of the pier, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views back to the city.
2. Lincoln Park Zoo: This is one of the few remaining free public zoos in the country, and also one of the oldest: Lincoln Park Zoo is celebrating its 140th year in 2008. Some of the can’t-miss highlights include the new children’s zoo and the 29,000-square-foot exhibit for gorillas and chimps.
3. Garfield Park Conservatory: It’s been 100 years since the city of Chicago first started cultivating plants under the glass of the conservatory, and the site has grown to include 4.5 acres of green and flowering plants. Seasonal displays follow the calendar year, and a children’s garden is a popular spot for families. (http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/)
4. Tour greater Chicago: Have you ever traveled somewhere and wished you had a local to show you around? If you’re in Chicago, you’re in luck: Book an official "Greeter" for two- to four-hour tours on foot or public transit, and see the metro area from a savvy insider’s perspective. http://www.chicagogreeter.com/
5. Chicago Cultural Center: This is billed as one of the most comprehensive free arts showcases in the country, and visitors can experience daily programs in performing, visual and literary arts. The building itself is a work of art, too, thanks to its multiple stained-glass domes - including an immense dome made of Tiffany glass.
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1. Navy Pier: Built in the early 1900s, this 1.5-mile-long pier is packed full of activities (like the Chicago Children’s Museum, see below) and tourists heading to the Crystal Gardens, IMAX Theater and carnival rides. If you make it past all the distractions to the end of the pier, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views back to the city.
2. Lincoln Park Zoo: This is one of the few remaining free public zoos in the country, and also one of the oldest: Lincoln Park Zoo is celebrating its 140th year in 2008. Some of the can’t-miss highlights include the new children’s zoo and the 29,000-square-foot exhibit for gorillas and chimps.
3. Garfield Park Conservatory: It’s been 100 years since the city of Chicago first started cultivating plants under the glass of the conservatory, and the site has grown to include 4.5 acres of green and flowering plants. Seasonal displays follow the calendar year, and a children’s garden is a popular spot for families. (http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/)
4. Tour greater Chicago: Have you ever traveled somewhere and wished you had a local to show you around? If you’re in Chicago, you’re in luck: Book an official "Greeter" for two- to four-hour tours on foot or public transit, and see the metro area from a savvy insider’s perspective. http://www.chicagogreeter.com/
5. Chicago Cultural Center: This is billed as one of the most comprehensive free arts showcases in the country, and visitors can experience daily programs in performing, visual and literary arts. The building itself is a work of art, too, thanks to its multiple stained-glass domes - including an immense dome made of Tiffany glass.
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6. The Shakespeare Project of Chicago: Since 1995, professional actors have performed the Bard’s most-loved works at school auditoriums and public libraries around town – all shows are free, no reservations required. The season typically starts in September; check the Web site to see what’s playing when. http://www.shakespeare projectchicago.org/
7. Chicago Children’s Museum: The first Monday of every month is free for kids ages 15 and under, and Thursday nights are free for families at this popular hands-on museum. Exhibits include Dinosaur Expedition, Treehouse Trails, Inventing Lab, WaterWays and more.
8. John G. Shedd Aquarium: There are 52 "Discount Days" every year when admission to the aquarium is free, so it’s easy to get your fill of the more than two dozen sharks, beluga whales, dolphins, penguins, sea otters and 32,000 other aquatic animals on display.
7. Chicago Children’s Museum: The first Monday of every month is free for kids ages 15 and under, and Thursday nights are free for families at this popular hands-on museum. Exhibits include Dinosaur Expedition, Treehouse Trails, Inventing Lab, WaterWays and more.
8. John G. Shedd Aquarium: There are 52 "Discount Days" every year when admission to the aquarium is free, so it’s easy to get your fill of the more than two dozen sharks, beluga whales, dolphins, penguins, sea otters and 32,000 other aquatic animals on display.
9. Movies in the Park: When it’s too nice outside to go to a Cineplex, go see a movie in a park. The series, organized by the Chicago Park District, runs from June to September in various parks around the city. (http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com)
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