39 Phenomenal and Free Things To Do in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, is a big city with lots to do, and the good news is — its got lots of FREE things to do!

Often called, “The Second City,” Chicago is a cultural hub that is second to none. Home to world-class theater, dining, beaches, museums, parks, gardens, and more — a visit here doesn’t have to break the bank.

Looking for budget-friendly ideas for your next visit to The Windy City? Here are 39 free things to do in Chicago, Illinois, that guarantee you’ll have a great time.

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY IN CHICAGO

Best for Families. Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile is two blocks from Navy Pier and a 7 minute walk to the beach. And of course the Embassy Suites promise of free breakfast (and happy hour for tired parents) make this a great location for families.

Downtown Luxury. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is in the heart of Chicago and less than a mile from Navy Pier. Located atop the famous Water Tower Place in Chicago’s Gold Coast district, this hotel offers artfully decorated guest rooms that feature city of lake views from large picture windows.

Best Budget Option. River Hotel is a boutique accommodation on the river front and a 14 minute walk to the beach. The price is right on this property without sacrificing quality.

ART ON THE MART

Art on the Mart is the world’s largest permanent digital art exhibition in the world. This contemporary light show is projected onto a 2.5-acre building known as theMART.

The light show is an art project that has featured both local and international artists while welcoming over 30,000 visitors to Chicago’s iconic Riverwalk. Art on the Mart is performed every evening, with various showtimes depending on the season. 

BUCKINGHAM FOUNTAIN

Buckingham Fountain remains one of the world’s largest fountains since its dedication in 1927. The fountain operates between May and October and offers varying water shows throughout the season.

The fountain is located in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, considered the “front door” of the city. You can’t miss this iconic Chicago landmark when wandering through the city’s incredible downtown. 

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER

The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city’s most popular free attractions. It presents over 700 arts and culture programs per year, many of which are free of charge.

The building was first opened in 1897 as the first permanent home of the Chicago Public Library, and as the headquarters for the Grand Army of the Republic, the Civil War Union Army veterans association.

In addition to its programs, guests can enjoy free guided tours of the building’s stunning architecture or simply walk around and explore by themselves. 

CHICAGO GREETER TOURS

Chicago Greeter Tours is run by passionate and friendly locals who love their city. Visitors can register for a free tour that will be customized to meet their interests.

Whether you are interested in Chicago’s superb architecture or the unbeatable food scene, a greeter will personalize this experience to exceed all expectations. 

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD WALK

Chicago is made up of 77 different neighborhoods. Each of these incredible areas has a unique personality. Chicago Neighborhood Walking Tours will get you out of the touristy North Side, and introduce you to where the other 95% of Chicagoans live.

You can explore the unparalleled food scene in Chinatown and gape at the Pilsen public art in Chicago’s Mexican neighborhood. If you want a real taste of Chicago life, engaging with a walking tour like this is the way to do it.  

CHICAGO RIVERWALK

The new and improved Chicago Riverwalk opened in the fall of 2016, and is a 1.2-mile path that takes you along the Chicago River. The Riverwalk is made up of 6 coves, but the area that is most popular with tourists is the Marina. This area is home to numerous world-class restaurants and bars, as well as pickups for boat tours.

The walk offers incredible internal views of Chicago’s famous skyline. Taking a stroll through this one-of-a-kind river walk is an absolute must-do when visiting Chicago. 

CHINESE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF CHICAGO

The Chinese American Museum opened its doors in 2005. The museum presents free programs and events that are aimed toward promoting the education of Chinese American culture and preserving the memory of their past and future. 

CITY GALLERY AT THE HISTORIC WATER TOWER

Along the city’s famous Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue is the City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower. The Water Tower is a historic landmark of the city, being built between 1867 and 1869. It is one of the few surviving buildings of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Today, it houses a beautiful art gallery that features pieces by local Chicago photographers and artists. 

CLARKE HOUSE MUSEUM

Constructed in 1836, the Henry B. Clarke House is the oldest surviving home in Chicago. It was constructed in a classical Greek Revival design, and has survived numerous Chicago fires, moves, and conversions.

Today, it serves as a museum demonstrating typical life as a family in historic Chicago. 

Note: Clarke-Ford House tours are temporarily paused due to construction and a reimagining of their public programming. Check their website for updates.

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM

Another one of Chicago’s amazing free museums, the DePaul Public Art Museum (DPAM), built in 2011, is home to a collection of over 3,500 objects and art pieces. It presents three to five public art exhibits per year. 

ED PASCHKE ART CENTER

The Ed Paschke Art Center is dedicated to preserving and providing public access to its namesake’s artwork.

In addition to presenting Paschke’s work, it provides resources for up-and-coming artists and provides a gallery space for artists to present their own work. 

FREE TOURS BY FOOT

Free Tours by Foot offers free or “pay-as-you-like” tours for all interests and budgets.

Tours are offered multiple times a week, including themed city walking tours, boat tours, and architecture tours. Topics include ghosts and gangsters, the pedway, skyscrapers, and much more. 

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the United State’s most extensive botanical gardens. As it is a covered garden, guests can visit year-round.

Today, the garden is home to over 2,700 plants and provides numerous educational programs. Additionally, special events, like concerts and yoga classes, are hosted here throughout the year.  

GRANT PARK

Grant Park spans 319 acres in downtown Chicago. Located in the city’s central business district, it houses the world-famous Art Institute, Millennium Park, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain.

In addition, visitors can enjoy an extensive stroll through the park’s impressive North Rose Gardens, ice skate in the winter, play at the children’s playground, see the statue of Abraham Lincoln, view public art, and enjoy numerous free events like Music in the Park.

HANCOCK CENTER’S SIGNATURE LOUNGE

The Hancock Center’s Signature Lounge is a free alternative to the (paid) view from Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower).

The Hancock may be the second tallest building in Chicago, but it offers just as impressive views as the Willis Tower. You can ride the elevator to the 96th floor to the Signature Lounge. You can take a look at the view for free or sit down and enjoy a cocktail overlooking Chicagoland. 

HAROLD WASHINGTON LIBRARY CENTER

Harold Washington Library Center is not only a place to check out books, but a gathering space for the community. It was dedicated in 1991 in honor of Harold Washington, Chicago’s first African-American mayor.

Today, the library is a premier example of late 20th century American architecture in addition to its service as a cultural hub. 

HYDE PARK ART CENTER

The Hyde Park Art Center is a cultural hub in Chicago’s vibrant southside. For over 80 years, the center has provided classes for kids through adults, and featured a rotating array of art exhibitions. 

INTUIT: THE CENTER FOR INTUITIVE AND OUTSIDER ART

The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art is an incredibly unique establishment. Since 1991, the center has featured art created by people from marginalized communities who did not have access to traditional training.

Its mission is to build a bridge between self-taught artists and their audiences. They offer scholarships, events, and educational courses. 

JANE ADDAMS HULL HOUSE MUSEUM

The Hull House was created by Jane Adams (who later became a Nobel Peace Prize winner,) and other Chicago figures as a place for immigrants to gather. The home was a place of education and community to help recent immigrants adjust to American society.

The museum consists of two buildings: the Hull Home, which features exhibitions about the history of Hull House, and the Residents’ Dining Hall, which holds an event space.

Entrance to the museum is free, but a $5 donation is appreciated.

LAKEFRONT TRAIL

Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is an 18.5-mile stretch for walking, running, and biking. Along the way, visitors will see iconic views of Chicago’s beloved skyline and stunning views of Lake Michigan.

The famous trail passes landmarks such as the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Buckingham Fountain, and Navy Pier. 

LINCOLN PARK CONSERVATORY

Located next to Chicago’s famous Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is a surprisingly large indoor botanical garden. The conservatory was commissioned between 1890 and 1895, and today houses over 25,000 natural species.

Tickets are free, and reservations can be made online.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO

The Lincoln Park Zoo spans 35 acres and has housed over 1,000 animals since its opening in 1868.

The zoo is the fourth oldest zoo in North America and one of the very few zoos that remain free today.  The zoo is home to over 200 species of animals, and is the perfect, free place to visit in Chicago!

MAGGIE DALEY PARK PLAY GARDEN

Within the southeast corner of Maggie Daley Park is a unique 3-acre play garden. The play area draws inspiration from Alice and Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to inspire unconventional creativity in visiting children.

The site has various sections, including an enchanted garden, slide crater, watering hole, and more whimsical space.

MILLENNIUM PARK

Since 2004, Millennium Park has been one of the most iconic spots in Chi-town. It is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as The Bean.

There are numerous free events throughout the year like Music in the Park, Dancing in the Park, festivals, and much more during the summer months. Check out the Jay Pritzker Pavilion for a diverse array of free cultural performances throughout the year. Millennium Park is also home to a “secret garden” — Lurie Garden. Make sure you stop by.

If you’re visiting during colder months, try the ice rink in wintertime in the heart of Chicago’s Loop. 

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY

One of Chicago’s most popular educational institutions, Columbia College, founded the Museum of Contemporary Photography in 1976.

Today, it is considered the world’s premier college art museum. Since its opening, the museum’s collection has grown to over 16,500 objects from 1,500 artists. 

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART

The National Museum of Mexican Art aims to showcase 3,600 years of Mexican culture and artwork. The museum is home to one of the country’s most extensive collections of Mexican art, with over 18,000 pieces.

In addition to its art exhibitions, the museum presents programs based on Mexican culture, including dance, music, authors, and guest speakers. 

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PUERTO RICAN ARTS & CULTURE

Located in Humboldt Park, the heart of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community, the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is the only museum in the United States dedicated specifically to Puerto Rican culture.

The museum offers three galleries, a performance space, and educational classrooms. 

NATIONAL VETERANS ART MUSEUM

Veterans of the Vietnam War, and others, have found an artistic home on the famous six-corners spot in Chicago’s Wicker Park.

The National Veterans Art Museum is dedicated to displaying artwork created by veterans, and studying the artist in connection with their time serving in a war. 

NAVY PIER

Perhaps Chicago’s most-known tourist location, Navy Pier is also free to visit. The 3,300-foot long pier was formerly used as a military training center, but reopened to the public in 1995 as a center for entertainment.

Today, visitors can eat at world-class restaurants, ride the famous Ferris wheel, or see renowned theatre. 

NEWBERRY LIBRARY

The Newberry Library is an independent research library that opened its doors in 1887. It is one of few public libraries dedicated to research, that is free and open to the public.

All of its 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages are dedicated to the collective understanding of ourselves. 

ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM

The Oriental Institute was founded in 1919 as part of one of the prestigious University of Chicago’s research centers. Today, it houses over 350,000 artifacts from the Middle East.

Guests can visit galleries devoted to Egypt, Nubia, Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria, Anatolia, and the Levant.

PLAY IN THE WATER

Chicago may be in the landlocked Midwest – but the great Lake Michigan makes getting active on the water as easy as if you were visiting an ocean.

Ohio Street Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in the city, as the famous Hancock Building sits right behind it. Northerly Island is a 91-acre island and nature preserve that the Chicago Lakefront Trail passes through. Note that swimming is only permitted during the beach season when lifeguards are on duty from 11 am to 7 pm. Beach season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Another beloved north-side spot is the 12-acre North Pond Nature Sanctuary in Lincoln Park, which protects the Illinois wetlands and aquatic life. Nearby is the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, built initially as part of an 1889 Victorian garden.

If you’re looking to get away from Chicago’s north side, take a boat ride in the Humboldt Park Lagoon or from the Ping Tom Memorial Park boathouse. 

POETRY FOUNDATION

The Poetry Foundation is the first space in Chicago to be dedicated exclusively to the art of poetry. Additionally, it is the first home of the magazine Poetry in its 100-year history.

Visitors can view the 30,000-volume poetry library, an exhibition gallery, and performance space for public events.

PROMONTORY POINT

Promontory Point is a manufactured peninsula on Chicago’s south side that extends into Lake Michigan. It is a quiet area where locals turn to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. 

REVOLUTION BREWERY TOURS

Chicago is a beer city, and one of the best spots in town is Revolution Brewery.

Located on the city’s northwest side, guests can enjoy free 45-minute tours of the 60-barrel facility across 90,00 square feet. 

SMART MUSEUM OF ART

The Smart Museum of Art sits at the prestigious University of Chicago in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Its permanent collection boasts over 15,000 objects.

The museum first opened in 1974, with the intention of providing a space of rigorous inquiry that forces visitors to tackle challenging social questions. 

STONY ISLAND ARTS BANK

The original Stoney Bank Building opened in 1923. Today, the building has been transformed into a vibrant arts center in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.

It includes a hybrid gallery, media archive, community center, library, and art center. It is an artist-led institution with goals of cultural development and community transformation. 

THE 606

The 606 Trail, also called the Bloomingdale Trail, is a 2.7-mile elevated trail. The trail runs east to west along a former Chicago rail line.

It is a popular spot for local Chicagoans to enjoy runs, bike rides, or a stroll through Chicago’s scenic west side. 

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

The Art Institute of Chicago was founded in 1879 and remains one of the world’s oldest and most expansive art museums. They welcome 1.5 million visitors annually.

The Institute presents pieces from Ancient Egypt to Contemporary. The Art Institute generally requires paid entry, but they offer many free days throughout the year. Keep an eye on their calendar to snag a ticket for free admission.

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