- 44 Free Things to Do in Chicago
- Must-See Attractions in Chicago
- For Art and History Lovers
- Enjoy Chicago’s Outdoor Spaces
- Free Festivals and Annual Events
Spending time in Chicago can be expensive, depending on your plans.
If you plan to rock out at Lollapalooza, catch the Cubs at Wrigley Field or take a dinner cruise on the Chicago River, be prepared to spend hundreds of dollars over a few days. With costs on the rise everywhere, stretching your budget has become tougher than ever.
Still, if money’s tight, there are plenty of ways to have a great time in the Windy City without breaking the bank.
We’ve compiled 44 complimentary activities in Chicago so you can have fun while keeping your spending low.
44 Free Things to Do in Chicago
Although vaccination rates have eased COVID rules at many venues, it’s wise to verify current guidelines with each location. Also bring masks along just in case they’re needed.
Must-See Attractions in Chicago
These iconic attractions won’t cost you a dime.
1. Millennium Park
Millennium Park spans 24.5 acres in the Loop. It’s home to Cloud Gate, the famous mirrored sculpture people often call “The Bean.”
If this is your first visit, you’ll likely want a photo for social media. Other highlights in Millennium Park include the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
2. Jay Pritzker Pavilion
The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a major entertainment venue within Millennium Park. The outdoor stage offers free concerts and complimentary film screenings during the summer months.
3. Grant Park
Grant Park, nicknamed “Chicago’s Front Yard,” covers nearly 313 acres and includes Millennium Park at its northwest corner. Nearby are the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, Buckingham Fountain, Maggie Daley Park, the Petrillo Music Shell and Congress Plaza.
Grant Park hosts many festivals and events, including the free Grant Park Music Festival, featuring performances by the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Grant Park Chorus throughout the summer. You’ll also find a skate park, public art and abundant green space.
4. The Magnificent Mile
Stroll along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, a 13-block stretch along North Michigan Avenue filled with flagship stores, upscale brands, restaurants and hotels.
It’s a great spot for window shopping and people watching, and you may spot interesting street art along the way.
5. Navy Pier
Often called the People’s Pier, Navy Pier sits on Lake Michigan at Grand Avenue. Check out the iconic Ferris wheel and the skyline views.
During summer, Navy Pier offers free fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights and hosts roughly 250 free public programs each year.
6. Chicago Riverwalk
Take in riverfront views on the 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk. Admire murals, sculptures and public banners along the route.
At night the Riverwalk provides excellent vantage points for Art on theMART, one of the world’s largest permanent digital art projections.
For Art and History Lovers
Delve into culture and history with complimentary admission to numerous museums and galleries across the city.
7. Chicago Cultural Center
Housed in a landmark building, the Chicago Cultural Center offers free tours, rotating art exhibits and spectacular stained-glass domes. The center also presents free films, lectures, concerts and dance performances.
8. Smart Museum
The Smart Museum, founded by Esquire magazine’s David and Alfred Smart, focuses on provocative ideas and diverse perspectives. Located at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park, admission is always free. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday. The museum is currently closed until Sept. 21, 2022 for renovations.
9. National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art celebrates Mexican culture and artistry, ranging from folk traditions to contemporary works. Located in Pilsen — the heart of Chicago’s Mexican community — it is open Tuesday through Sunday and offers free admission to all.
10. DePaul Art Museum
The DePaul Art Museum in Lincoln Park on DePaul University’s campus houses a permanent collection of more than 3,500 works and presents four to nine temporary exhibitions annually.
11. Oriental Institute Museum
The Oriental Institute Museum at the University of Chicago contains an extensive collection of ancient Near Eastern artifacts. Admission is free, though donations are suggested. Reservations are strongly recommended for entry; the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.
12. Wabash Arts Corridor
The Wabash Arts Corridor displays more than 40 murals and features galleries and sculptural works. Don’t miss Jacob Watt’s “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” mural while you’re in the area.
13. 16th Street Murals
Discover dozens of murals along the 16th Street railroad embankment — a vibrant place to admire street art and take photos.
14. Hyde Park Art Center
The Hyde Park Art Center is a South Side hub for contemporary art and hosts around 200 free public events annually.
15. The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture highlights Puerto Rican heritage and history. The museum, located in Humboldt Park, is open Tuesday through Saturday and offers free exhibits, events and workshops year-round.
16. Design Museum of Chicago
The Design Museum of Chicago explores design in many forms — from architecture to typography — with rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
17. City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower
City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower is a Chicago landmark showcasing local photography and artwork on the Magnificent Mile. Though admission is normally free daily, this venue is currently closed to the public due to the pandemic.
18. First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple
The First United Methodist Church is Chicago’s oldest congregation, founded in 1831. Housed in a 23-story neo-Gothic skyscraper downtown, it’s one of the tallest churches worldwide. Tours of the Sky Chapel and church services are free.
19. Harold Washington Library
The Harold Washington Library is the central branch of the Chicago Public Library. This 10-story building contains a maker lab, a winter garden and dedicated spaces for children and teens. Holders of a Chicago Public Library card can obtain a Kids Museum Passport granting free passes to at least 15 museums and attractions. The library also runs free events and workshops year-round.
20. Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum tells the city’s stories. While general admission isn’t free for everyone, Illinois residents ages 18 and under and non-residents 12 and under receive free entry. Museum members, active-duty military and veterans, Chicago police, Chicago firefighters and Illinois teachers also get complimentary admission.
21. Chicago Architecture Foundation
The Chicago Architecture Center, formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation, offers insight into the city’s skyline, historic landmarks, housing styles and neighborhoods. It features the largest scale model of Chicago and information on future development. While not universally free, children 5 and under, active-duty military and Chicago Architecture Foundation members are admitted at no cost.
22. Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art displays work by living artists, including emerging names. Admission isn’t free for everyone, but visitors 18 and under, members, active-duty military and veterans, Chicago police, Chicago firefighters, Illinois teachers and visitors with disabilities (and their caregivers) receive free entry. Illinois residents can visit for free on Tuesdays.
23. Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago houses a global collection of artworks spanning many periods. Though regular tickets are required for most visitors, Chicago residents under 18, all children under 14, students at partner colleges, active-duty military, Illinois teachers, WIC or LINK cardholders and employees of corporate partners may enter for free.
24. Money Museum
Explore historic currency and a million-dollar exhibit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Money Museum. The museum is temporarily closed due to the pandemic.
25. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum honors the life and work of social reformer Jane Addams. The museum suggests a $5 donation from visitors.
Enjoy Chicago’s Outdoor Spaces
Discover Chicago’s parks, gardens, trails and more—all free to explore.
26. Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is among the nation’s oldest free zoos and is home to around 200 species. The zoo also offers free family-friendly events throughout the year.
27. Lincoln Park Conservatory and Gardens
The Lincoln Park Conservatory and Gardens features four indoor display rooms plus outdoor gardens showcasing plants from across the globe. Admission is free (donations encouraged). Reservations are required; advanced bookings are recommended, though walk-up slots may be available if space permits.
28. Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory offers eight indoor display gardens — including desert and tropical rooms — and over 10 acres of outdoor gardens.
Reservations are required; advance reservations are advised, with walk-up reservations accepted when capacity allows. Walk-up priority is given to local residents. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.
29. Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is an elaborate centerpiece and among the world’s largest fountains. It operates May through October with a 20-minute water display at the top of each hour. Evening shows feature music and lights.
30. Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park is ideal for families with young children. Located in the northeast corner of Grant Park, it offers several playgrounds for kids up to 12 and areas for rollerblading or scootering. Some attractions such as the climbing wall and mini-golf charge fees, but the park also hosts free activities throughout the year.
31. Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park on the West Side features sports fields, tennis courts and playgrounds. It’s also the site of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.
32. Jackson Park
Jackson Park spans over 550 acres in Woodlawn on the South Side. The park contains a Japanese garden that blooms with cherry blossoms in spring and is home to Yoko Ono’s public art piece “Sky Landing.”
33. Lake Michigan Beaches
Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline includes about two dozen free public beaches. Popular spots along Lake Shore Drive are North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach and Ohio Street Beach. Fullerton Beach is especially family-friendly because of its proximity to Lincoln Park Zoo.
34. Chicago’s Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail stretches 18 miles along Lake Michigan from Ardmore Street to 71st Street — a scenic path for walking, running or biking.
35. The 606
The 606 is a 2.7-mile elevated trail on the northwest side that was transformed from an old rail line. Walk, jog or bike the path and enjoy public art installations along the way.
36. Walking Tours with the Chicago Greeters
Explore Chicago neighborhoods on a free guided tour with Chicago Greeters, volunteers who show visitors their favorite local spots. If you reserve at least 10 business days ahead, you can book a two- to four-hour tour. Without advance notice, Greeters may still offer free one-hour downtown tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
37. Maxwell Street Market
The historic Maxwell Street Market runs currently on the first and third Sunday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dating back to 1912, the market features live music and art — a great place to soak up atmosphere without spending much.
Free Festivals and Annual Events
Whether you live here or are visiting, be sure to add one (or more) of these complimentary events to your calendar.
38. Chicago Blues Festival
This yearly festival highlights blues legends and rising performers. The Chicago Blues Festival generally takes place in early June at Millennium Park and other venues across the city.
39. Chicago Gospel Music Festival
The Chicago Gospel Music Festival features gospel artists from around the U.S., spanning traditional choirs to gospel-influenced hip-hop. The festival is held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion during summer.
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40. Chicago Jazz Festival
The Chicago Jazz Festival is held over Labor Day Weekend in Millennium Park, preceded by neighborhood concerts at sites important to Chicago’s jazz legacy.
41. Grant Park Music Festival
The Grant Park Music Festival presents classical concerts throughout summer at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion with free seating available to attendees.
42. SummerDance in Grant Park
SummerDance is an annual summer series of free music and dance events in Grant Park and parks across the city. In 2021 the events were scheduled for August and September in various neighborhood parks.
43. Open House Chicago
Open House Chicago is an October festival offering self-guided tours and architecture trails that highlight the city’s historic and culturally significant sites. The event is produced by the Chicago Architecture Center.
44. Christkindl Holiday Market
Christkindl Holiday Market is a German-style holiday market held from November through December at Daley Plaza. Enjoy the lights, carols and festive atmosphere.
Emily Hart is a former senior writer at Savinly. Matt Matasci contributed to this piece.
