37 AMAZING Free Things To Do in Chicago

The Loop, 201 E Randolph St

"Park" seems like a bit of a misnomer when referencing this free Chicago attraction. Millennium Park is more than green space: it's a concert venue, an art museum, and a regional garden. During the winter there's ice skating, and during the summer you can start your day with yoga and end it with opera.

The Loop, 78 E Washington St

The Chicago Cultural Center was the nation’s first free municipal cultural venue, and today its free programming in the arts makes it one of the most popular attractions in the city. Be sure to check out the largest Tiffany dome in the world. It’s breathtaking!

Lincoln Park, 2001 N Clark St

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, and one of the last remaining free zoos. It’s open to all 365 days a year and features animals from every climate. It’s also dedicated to conservation and science, with one of the largest programs in the country.

Lincoln Park, 2391 N Stockton Dr

Lincoln Park Conservatory has been a beautiful getaway since the 1890s. Inside, you’ll find tropical palms, ancient ferns, and plenty of other exotic plants.

The Loop, Columbus Drive

Grant Park is home to many free events. Chicago has several free summer festivals like Taste of Chicago, Chicago SummerDance, and more, and they take place in Chicago’s “Front Yard.”

Be sure to check out all of the year-round public art and the summer lights show at Buckingham Fountain.

Streeterville, 600 E Grand Ave

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and one of the most popular destinations in the Midwest. While there are fees at many of the attractions at Navy Pier, there are some that are free.

One of the best reasons to visit is the view, which is (of course!) free! The Pier extends half a mile into Lake Michigan, giving you some of the best views in the city.

Lincoln Park, 125 W Fullerton Pkwy

The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a hidden oasis just west of Lake Shore Drive and north of the Lincoln Park Conservatory – and unless you know about it, you’ll never find it.

Landscape architect Alfred Caldwell was hired by the Works Progress Administration to fix the Victorian-era lily pond after years of neglect. Enter the wooden gate from Fullerton Avenue, and you’ll see he did an excellent job.

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

This peaceful respite north of Chicago is free, although you will have to pay for parking. If you ride your bike there, however, you’ll get some exercise and won’t have to pay anything to wander this 385-acre attraction.

The Loop, 337 E Randolph St

The northeast corner of Grant Park has been turned into a GIANT playground. (Seriously – it’s giant!)  The lakefront recreation center also features a climbing wall and a skating ribbon. 

Austin, 300 N Central Park Ave

Visit one of the largest conservatories in the world. Open since 1908 and featuring “landscape art under glass,” Garfield Park Conservatory, like Lincoln Park Zoo, is open 365 days a year. 

The Loop, 400 S State St

The Harold Washington Library Center is one of Chicago’s treasures. Inside its nine stories are books, of course, as well as music practice rooms, meeting rooms, extensive genealogy databases, and a Maker Lab.

Be sure to head to the top floor and soak in the sun in the Winter Garden (pictured).

University Village, 800 S Halsted

Social reformer Jane Addams was one of the most influential people of her time. Her work helped immigrants and to shape national and international policy.

The museum preserves the Nobel laureate’s legacy and helps further her vision through research, education, and social engagement.

Museum Campus, 1300 S Lake Shore Dr

Reach for the sky at the oldest planetarium in the U.S. From ancient navigational tools to one of the most technologically advanced domed theaters in the world, Adler Planetarium brings the stars to you. General admission starts at $18, but there are several free days a year for Illinois residents.

The Loop, 111 S Michigan Ave

The Art Institute’s permanent collections are some of the most impressive of any art museum in the world. More than 5,000 years are represented in over a quarter of a million works of art.

The Loop, 230 S LaSalle St

Temporarily closed

Ever wanted to see what a million dollars looks like? Or see inside a cash processing center? You can, and it’s free! The Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum even offers a free guided tour every weekday at 1pm.

Magnificent Mile, 806 N Michigan Ave

This free gallery is located within the historic Water Tower and features a rotating gallery of works by Chicago photographers and artists.

South Loop, 1827 S Indiana Ave

Built in 1836, the year before Chicago was incorporated, the Clarke House Museum is inside the city’s oldest house.

Get the scoop on what it was like for the earliest settlers of Chicago and learn the story behind this building that moved not once, but twice.

Lincoln Square, 4740 N Western Ave

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm, and the cultural center offers several events. There are cooking classes, film screenings, and a monthly “Stammtisch.” This is a communal event featuring games, live music, dancing, dining, and drinking.

Lincoln Park, 935 W. Fullerton Ave

Modern and contemporary art fans will love the free DePaul Art Museum. They’ve got more than 3,500 objects in their permanent collection housed in a LEED-certified building.

Museum Campus, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of Chicago’s most iconic attractions. With millions of specimens in its collections, from gems to mummies to dinosaurs, the museum is a destination for people from all over the world. While admission can be pricey, you can visit for free during their Illinois Resident Discount Days.

Hyde Park, 5020 S Cornell Ave

Hyde Park Art Center is more than a gallery; it’s also a community center that offers a production space as well as studio art classes, exhibitions, artist talks, and residency programs.

South Loop, 600 S Michigan Ave

Founded by Columbia College Chicago in 1976, the Museum of Contemporary Photography presents works that reflect a wide range of aesthetics and technologies. It’s the leading photography museum in the Midwest, and is continually searching for new talent to exhibit.

The museum is particularly interested in how photography impacts society, culture, and politics.

Hyde Park, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr

With over 35,000 artifacts over 14 acres, the museum is a destination worth visiting again and again, and their multiple free days make it easy for Illinois residents to do just that.

2831 W Lawrence Ave

This museum and memorial tells the story of Khmer Rouge and the Killing Field through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Guided tours are available so you can learn more about what happened during the Cambodian Civil War. Hours are subject to change, so they advise that you call prior to visiting (773-878-7090).

Pilsen, 1852 W 19th St

Located in Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art is the only museum dedicated to Latino culture that’s a member of the American Alliance of Museums. The museum has over 9,000 examples of Mexican art from ancient Mexico to the present as well as special exhibitions. While technically free, they do ask for a donation if you can spare it. 

Humboldt Park, 3015 W Division St.

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is the only national museum that’s focused on Puerto Rican arts. It’s located in historic Humboldt Park stables and receptory.

In addition to arts exhibits, the center also hosts festivals and community education events.

Hyde Park, 1155 E 58th St

The Oriental Institute is not just a museum, but is a working research laboratory at the University of Chicago with some of the premiere archaeologists of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.

The objects on display were primarily uncovered during expeditions in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. While admission is technically free, they do hope you'll pay $10.

Jefferson Park, 5415 W Higgins Ave

This center dedicated to the famous artist is located in Jefferson Park, and with its bright mural you can’t miss it. 

You can check out an iPod at the front desk for a self-guided tour, or visit the first Thursday of the month at 2pm for a thirty-minute guided tour.

Museum Campus, 1200 S Lake Shore Dr

Dive into this museum dedicated to aquatic life. Built in 1930, more than 80 different habitats are represented. There are also live shows featuring dolphins, penguins, and even Beluga whales. Shedd Aquarium offers free days for Illinois residents as well as participating in Museums for All.

Hyde Park, 5550 S Greenwood Ave

Founded in 1974, the Smart Museum of Art is part of the University of Chicago and is home to acclaimed special exhibitions and a permanent collection that spans five thousand years of artistic creation. 

Lurie Garden showcases a wide variety of plants, animals, and insects. This urban oasis exemplifies the city's motto, Urbs in Horto, or "City in a Garden." Free tours are offered year round on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Learn about the history of "The People's Palace," the first free municipal cultural venue in the country.

This program provides a 2 - 4 hour tour of the city led by a local. The caveat? You can't be a local yourself. You'll need to register at least ten days in advance to take advantage of this free program.

Part of the Chicago Greeter program, this lets you drop in anytime the tours are offered. The Loop tour is available year-round, and one hour walks are offered Friday through Monday beginning at 10:30am and continuing hourly with the last walk at 2:30pm.