20 Awesome Free Things to Do in Chicago
From mole and blues fests to world-class city parks, this is the ultimate guide to free things to do in Chicago.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
With 570 individual parks totaling more than 7,600 acres of land throughout the city, there’s always something free to do in Chicago no matter the season.
We know living life to the fullest can be expensive, especially in the city. That’s why
Jerry
, the super app
and car insurance
specialist, has put together a list of Chicago’s
greatest free hits to save while having fun. Whether you are road-tripping through Illinois
or call the Windy City home, you’ll want to take advantage of these free activities. Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
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Free outdoor adventures in Chicago
#1. Lakefront Trail
Address: 5800 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660
You won’t have to leave the city to enjoy this outdoor activity! Nestled against the Lake Michigan shoreline, the
Lakefront Trail
passes through Chicago’s most popular lakefront parks and beaches. Whether you choose to walk, run, bike, rollerblade, or skate the 18-mile paved trail, you’ll enjoy Lake Michigan’s stunning waters to the east and lush urban green spaces to your west.
#2. South Shore Beach
Address: 7059 S. South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
Pack up your towel and dawn your best swimmies to escape the sweltering Chicago summer heat at
South Shore Beach
. Once an exclusive country club, the South Shore Cultural Center
and South Shore Beach are now free to visitors. Beachgoers can swim from 11 am to 7 pm when lifeguards are on duty or walk along the boardwalk to enjoy views of wetlands, prairie landscapes, woodlands, and sand dunes.
#3. Kayak the Chicago River
Address: 1700 S. Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Take your kayak and paddle down the Chicago River to enjoy beautiful city views while working on your upper body strength. You can launch at
Ping Tom Memorial Park
in Chinatown and paddle north through downtown. Bustling with commercial vessels, water taxis, and tour boats, exercise caution while you take in the skyscrapers towering on either side of the busy waterway.
#4. Busse Woods
Address: E. Higgins Rd and Arlington Heights Rd
Spanning 3,558 acres, Busse Woods is one of the largest and most diverse natural areas in Illinois.
Busse Woods
boasts ancient upland forests, a designated elk pasture, a reservoir lake, and 13 miles of paved trails. Whether you visit Busse Woods in the winter or summer, there’s always a free outdoor activity for you to enjoy. You can enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, and more during the warm months. And the fun doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. During the cold months, Busse Woods becomes a winter wonderland. From ice skating and fishing to cross country skiing and snowmobiling, the activities are endless.
#5. The 606
Address: 12 access points, from Western Trailhead to Walsh Park
This once-abandoned rail line turned urban green space offers 2.7 miles of multi-use trails for bikers, runners, and walkers.
You can take in above-the-street neighborhood views while strolling
The 606
, and if you get tired, there are several spots you can sit down to relax. Before you visit, explore the interactive map
to make the most of your stroll.#6. Maggie Daley Park
Address: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Maggie Daley Park
is fun for the entire family, no matter the season. Parents can pack a lunch and blanket to enjoy the designated picnic groves during the summer while their kids explore the Play Garden
. With custom-designed play structures and sculptures throughout interconnected spaces, the Play Garden offers endless entertainment and opportunities for adventure and learning for children 12 years and under. Rollerbladers, scooters, and skateboarders enjoy the Skating Ribbon during the summertime, but come winter—the ribbon is transformed into an outdoor ice skating rink.
MORE:
NYC to Chicago road trip
Chicago’s free events and festivals
#7. Mole de Mayo
Address: 18th St from Blue Island Ave and Ashland Ave
Mole De Mayo
is an annual three-day festival celebrating Latino culture and Mexican cuisine that culminates in an outdoor mole cook-off event you won’t want to miss! After a three-year hiatus, Mole de Mayo is back May 27-29. What started as a few food stands and local musicians, Mole de Mayo spans .3 miles long, where you’ll find an open-air Mercado filled with local artisans, three live music stages for music that will make you want to move your hips, and a Lucha Libre wrestling match.
#8. Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Address: 201 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Each summer, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Social Events (DCASE) presents the
Millennium Park Film Series
. Catch a flick every Tuesday,July 12-August 30,at Millenium Park. Set up your blanket at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or claim your spot on the Great Lawn to watch crowd-pleasing movies, which are streamed on a state-of-the-art 40-foot LED screen. #9. Chicago Blues Festival
Address: Citywide
The
Chicago Blues Festival
is a three-day-long celebration of the Chicago-born music genre. Spanning five stages throughout the city, the Chicago Blues Festival boasts a diverse lineup of blues, soul, R&B, gospel, rock, and hip hop musicians. You won’t want to miss this year’s Chicago Blues Fest, which takes place June 9-12.#10. Chicago SummerDance
Address: Parks throughout the city
The citywide
SummerDance
series offers one-hour dance lessons to dancers of all ages and skill levels taught by professional instructors. The lesson is followed by live music so you can practice your newfound dance moves.#11. Open House Chicago
Address: Several sites
If you are a historic architect enthusiast, this event is for you! Every October,the Chicago Architecture Center hosts
Open House Chicago
—a self-guided architecture tour of Chicago with talks, programming, and special access to culturally significant buildings across the city.Free museums, monuments, and more
#12. Adler Planetarium
Address: 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
With
exhibits
, events
, and shows
about the wonder of space science, children and adults will have fun while learning about the universe at the Adler Planetarium
. You can visit for free Wednesdays from 4 pm to 9 pm. #13. Field Museum
Address: 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Illinois residents can enjoy general admission exhibitions, including the Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt, for free on select days throughout the year. The Field Museum hosts
Free Admission Days
, but tickets are only available on-site and cannot be reserved in advance.#14. Cloud Gate aka “The Bean”
Address: 201 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
You can’t go to Chicago without visiting
The Bean
in Millenium Park. The iconic sculpture is a permanent outdoor art installation that reflects the skyline and surrounding green spaces. #15. City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower
Address: 806 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
The
City Gallery
features rotating exhibits that showcase the work of local artists and photographers. Located in the historic Water Tower along the Magnificent Mile, the free art gallery is also an opportunity to visit one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. MORE: 8 pro tips for long car rides with kids
Unique free activities in Chicago
#17. Chicago Greeter Neighborhood Tours
Address: Various neighborhoods; downtown tours begin at 77 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
If you are looking for an authentic tour of Chicago, register for a customized neighborhood tour led by a local.
Chicago Greeter
offers downtown tours and self-guided walks to explore the city’s diverse traditions, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. #20. Lincoln Park Zoo
Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
One of the very last free-admission zoos in America, the
Lincoln Park Zoo
features lions, primates, and even an interactive farm exhibit in a sprawling 35-acre landscape. While admission is free, donations are accepted. #18. Lincoln Park Conservatory
Address: 2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
After visiting the zoo, visit the
Lincoln Park Conservatory
to be transported to an exotic wonderland no matter the season. The conservatory showcases tropical plants and flowers in its four display houses: Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House, and Show House. #19. Navy Pier
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
It may be tempting to spend money at
Navy Pier
, but with a little restraint, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Chicago Skyline and Lake Michigan without spending a dime. How to get cheap, customized car insurance
We’ve got one last money-saving tip for you before you start planning all the free things to do in
Chicago
. Saving money on car insurance that is customized for you is simple!Just download the
Jerry
app or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies, and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request. No long forms. No calling around. No hard work. Just savings. The average Jerry user saves $800+ on car insurance!
“Jerrysaved me over $1000 a year by switching me from my previous insurer to Progressive. I’m thrilled!” —Joshua D.
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FAQs
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
April, May, September, and October are the best months to visit Chicago. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures and festivals without unruly crowds.
How close is Chicago to good skiing?
Good skiing and snowboarding are just two hours away from Chicago. Winter sports enthusiasts can hit the slopes at Alpine Valley Resort which features 21 runs, a vertical drop of 388 feet, and three terrain parks.
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