14 Things To Do For Free in Chicago

I love Chicago. The weather. The mass transportation and walk-ability of the city. The food. And a small business every where you turn! Ya, it might be a bit expensive to live there but it more then makes up for it in the amount of free things to do every day!! Here are my top recommendations!

Beach

I know, not the first thing you think of when you think Midwest BUT during the summer time Chicago has some of the best lakeside beaches in the United States!! Pack up your towel, suit, and a good book and you can have yourself a full day of free fun in the sun!!

Here is a list of all the beaches available in the Chicago area! Some are fur baby friendly!!

Lincoln Park Conservatory

I have soooo many gorgeous pictures just like this!! It’s free to the public but you do need to make a reservation (I don’t know how strict they actually are with that though). You can simply take a book or a cup of coffee and enjoy the beautiful plants! They have both multiple rooms inside the conservatory and, in the summertime, a gorgeous outside garden walk.

Find out about events and make reservations here!

Lincoln Park Zoo

This is the PERFECT sized zoo, not so large that it you walk miles and miles just to see an empty cage or so small your done within the hour. It’s super well maintained, has a mix of inside and outside enclosures for those super hot days, and IT’S FREE!!!! They have a great mix of beautiful animals and a great ice cream shop. :)

Check out their hours and special events here!!

Millennium Park aka The Bean

A little touristy but a must if you are new to the Chicago area! It really is beautiful to see the skyline reflected in the glass of the sculpture. Unfortunately the Bean is now closed for maintenance now until Spring of 2024. Check out any updates here!

Window Shop on the Magnificent Mile

Notice I said window shop…obviously it costs loads of money to buy something at the beautiful designer shops that grace the Magnificent Mile but boy it is fun to look isn’t it?! La Perla, Burberry, Gucci, oh my!!

Navy Pier

Now everything on Navy Pier isn’t free but you can spend time walking the boardwalk and window shopping or enjoying the lake views for zero dollars! This is probably more of a summer activity. It can get really chilly with the wind coming off of the lake in the winter time.

Check out all the free programming and events they have this season here!

Lakefront Trail Walk

Another beautiful outdoor recreation space! Perfect for an afternoon stroll or run if your really feeling it. Plus the breeze off the lake helps to keep you cool!

Riverwalk

Yet another great space to go for a walk. This time you get a gorgeous view of the iconic mix of historical and modern buildings that grace downtown Chicago! If you are new to the city I highly recommend a guided walking tour (though not free). There is so much interesting history amongst these buildings.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures

I personally am somewhat obsessed over ancient Egypt. I just find it to be so fascinating! So this is a must see for me! Located at the University of Chicago a perfect rainy day, indoor activity. So many different exhibits to see you could spend hours in here! Check out their website for more details!

Harold Washington Library Center

I could have browsed in here for hours! It’s the former central library for the city of Chicago. The architecture and design of the building itself is stunning, not to mention all the marvelous books!!

Maggie Daley Park

Obviously this park is beautiful in warmer months with a large offering of things to do, climbing wall, picnic grove, mini golf but the best Midwest Winter activity is hands down ice skating!! Bundle up this winter and hit the skating rink! Check out hours and details of all this beautiful park has to offer here!

Graceland Cemetery

A little morbid I know but it’s so historical and peaceful!! Many of the grave markers are themselves great architectural and artistic wonders to view! Plus many famous Chicagoans from the 1800s and early 1900s are buried here. Take a nice afternoon stroll and enjoy the outdoors!

Farmer’s Markets

So many local neighborhoods have amazing local farmer’s market. Stop by to browse and enjoy the free smells and live music!! I personally can’t help myself from buying a pastry, apple turnovers or chocolate croissants are my favorite!

Here is the full schedule for the 2023 season!!