Chicago isn’t exactly known for being cheap, but if you know where to look, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending a fortune. From free museum days to hidden gems that won’t break the bank, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly fun. So no matter if you’re a local watching your paycheck disappear on rent or a visitor looking to explore during spring break without overspending, there are many ways to find cheap things to do in Chicago for a whole lot less.
Cheap Things to Do in Chicago Under $5
1-5. Go to a museum on free admission days & grab coffee
Chicago has so many incredible museums and going to all of them can really add up. So we recommend making a plan to go during the museum’s free admission days or take advantage of when they have the pay-what-you-can opportunities. To help you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up our favorite museums (and coffee spots nearby) to visit over the next couple of months to see the latest exhibitions.
Our top 5 picks:
The Art Institute of Chicago
☕ Nearby Coffee Spot: Hero Coffee Bar (439 S. Dearborn St.), about a 10-minute walk from the museum.
💵 Cost: Small drip coffee starting around $2.15
📅 Free Museum Admission: Thursdays, 5–8 p.m. for Illinois residents, starting June 1–September 25, 2025. Chicago Public Library cardholders over 18 can reserve free general admission passes, and Chicago teens under 18 can visit for free.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
☕ Nearby Coffee Spot: Ralph’s Coffee (Green Level, 750 N. Michigan Ave.), about a 10-minute walk to the museum.
💵 Cost: Drip coffee under $5
📅 Admission: Tuesdays are free for Illinois residents after 5 p.m. Members enjoy free admission year-round. Teens under 18, individuals attending select local universities, caregivers, and service members can also pay what they can.
The Field Museum
☕ Nearby Coffee Spots: Tongue-in-Cheek Coffee (2121 S. State St.) – A quick 10-minute drive from the museum or grab coffee onsite at the Field Museum at the Explorer Café.
💵 Cost: Regular coffee under $5
📅 Free Museum Admission: Select Illinois resident free days (check online for dates)
Chicago History Museum
☕ Nearby Coffee Spot: La Colombe (858 W. Armitage Ave.), about a 10-15 minute walk from the museum.
💵 Cost: Draft lattes and drip coffee under $5
📅 Free Admission Days: March 4, 12, 27; April 16, 30; May 8, 26
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
☕ Nearby Coffee Spot: Robust Coffee Lounge (6300 S. Woodlawn Ave.)
💵Cost: Small coffee starts at $2.75
📅 Free Admission: Free admission on Wednesdays. Other options include University of Chicago students, Illinois Public School students, and several other groups (check the website for details).
6-7. Go to the Lincoln Park Zoo for free and take a spin on this iconic carousel for $4
The AT&T Endangered Species Carousel has been delighting visitors at the Lincoln Park Zoo since 2001. While you can enjoy free admission at the legendary zoo, one of the best in the country and one that has remained free, you can take a spin on the beloved hand-carved and hand-painted carousel that features 48 animals from a snow leopard to a giraffe for about the cost of a coffee. The attraction operates daily from 10:00 a.m to 4 p.m. and such a fun activity for the whole family.
💵 Cost: Just $4 for a single ride, and if you’d like to buy multi-ride packages for added value, that’s an option as well.
8. Ride the “L” and enjoy city views for just $2.50
Hop on the “L” for a scenic ride through the heart of Chicago for just $2.50! Take in skyline views and see the historic architecture of some of the city’s most iconic buildings from your seat. It’s one of our favorite cheap things to do in Chicago to catch those skyline views and explore the city like a local.
Take any of these lines to explore the Loop: Brown, Green, Pink, or Purple.
Best CTA stops for Loop attractions:
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- Merchandise Mart to the Loop: Enjoy skyline views, towering buildings, and the Chicago River from the L.
- Adams/Wabash: Central location near Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
- Washington/Wells: Financial district, Lyric Opera, access to the West Loop, Willis Tower, and the Rookery.
- State/Lake: Chicago Theatre, Lake Street, the Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, the Theater District.
Cheap Things to Do in Chicago Under $10
9. Visit the lush Garfield Park Conservatory
Explore one of the largest indoor botanical gardens in the country at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Wander through eight stunning displays featuring thousands of lush flowers and plants from around the world while you await the highly anticipated $10 million children’s garden opening this fall.
💵 Cost: Chicago residents get in free, with a suggested donation of $5 for kids and $10 for adults. Non-residents pay $5 for ages 7–17 and seniors 65+, $10 for adults and kids under 6 get in for free!
10-11. Stroll along the Chicago River + secure a snack and enjoy the views
Take a relaxing stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, enjoy the stunning architecture and grab a quick snack from one of the many spots along the way. It’s one of our favorite ways to spend a beautiful day in the city with the river and skyline as a perfect backdrop—plus, it’s easy on the wallet!
Our picks:
🍺 Tiny Tapp & Café – Food & Beer
📍 2 N. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606
💵 Cost: Under $10
🥨 Garrett Popcorn – Classic Chicago Popcorn
📍 625 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
💵 Cost: $5.99 (small bag)
Cheap Things to Do in Chicago Under $15
12. Try the world-famous brownie, made from the Palmer House Hilton’s 130-year-old recipe
In 1893, socialite Bertha Palmer, wife of the Palmer House Hilton owner, created the delicious brownie that is still sold today at the iconic hotel. Originally made for the World’s Columbian Exposition, Bertha’s Brownie is available at several spots at the hotel including the Lockwood Bar, Lockwood Express, and Lockwood Restaurant. If you’re visiting Chicago, it’s a must try.
💵 Cost: At just $13, get ready to try a piece of history!
13. Feeling crafty? Grab some materials and art supplies at The WasteShed
If you’re looking for a hands-on project at a thrift-store price, you have to check out The WasteShed. This nonprofit creative reuse center is stocked with heavily discounted reusable art supplies, craft materials, school supplies—and even some pretty cool student artwork that you could frame to dress up your walls.
They have two locations, one in Humboldt Park and the other in Evanston, just outside the city. The center is all about sustainability, breathing new life into materials that would otherwise be discarded while supporting artists, educators, and the community in getting a little more creative!
♻️ The WasteShed – Creative Reuse Center
📍 1754 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
📍 1245 Hartrey Ave., Evanston, IL 60202
💵Cost: Budget-friendly! Prices vary, but we took home a nice haul for under $15. Teachers with an ID can enjoy 25% off everything, plus there’s a section with free items just for educators.
14-16. Have a picnic at Oz Park
A list about cheap things to do in Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a picnic! Visit this Wizard of Oz-themed park and enjoy a relaxing picnic among the sculptures of Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion.
📍 Oz Park: In Lincoln Park at 2021 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
A few of our favorite spots to grab items for your picnic:
Sweet Mandy B’s – Grab some sandwiches and sweet treats
📍1208 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
Blue Door Farm Stand – A casual spot to pick up fresh salads and sandwiches
📍2010 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614
Cheap Things to Do in Chicago Under $20
17-21. Enjoy some of our favorite cheap eats around the city
It’s no secret that our city is packed with incredible restaurants—from the most stunning dining rooms to the hardest-to-book spots, and even hidden gems frequented by stars like The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White. But if you’re after a truly great, filling meal that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 5 of our favorite spots (in no particular order) where you can eat for under $20 for two people.
🥐 Chiu Quon Bakery – Traditional Chinese Baked Goods
📍 1127 W. Argyle St., Chicago, IL 60640
💵 Cost: Under $5 for several items
🍣 Lawrence Fish Market – A Must-Visit for Sushi Lovers
📍 3920 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
💵 Cost: Varies
🌺 Aloha Eats – Hawaiian Plate Lunches
📍 2534 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614
💵 Cost: Under $15
🥖 Nhu Lan Bakery – Made-to-Order Bánh Mì
📍 2612 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
💵 Cost: Many items under $5
🥙 Taste of Lebanon – Delicious Mediterranean Eats
📍 1509 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60640
💵 Cost: Most items under $10
Want more affordable options? Check out all of our TikTok’s for the best places around the city to get affordable meals for less!
22. Indulge in happy hour at Chicago’s hottest restaurants
One of the best (and most affordable) ways to check out some of the city’s top restaurants is to go during happy hour. You’ll get to sample delicious dishes and score great deals on cocktails too!
From trying decadent caviar bites at Nisos Prime and $9 cocktails to scooping up major discounts like the $20 Sangria pitchers and $3.50 tapas at Cafe Ba-Ba Reeba, don’t miss Chicago’s sweetest time to indulge—right around the time you get off work!
💵 Cost: Meal and cocktail specials can range from $5 to $20 at times that range from 2 to 6 p.m., so be sure to check out your favorite restaurants’ websites. Finding an affordable cocktail is one of our favorite ways to enjoy cheap things to do in Chicago! Want to know our favorite happy hour spots, click here!
23. Unleash your inner bookworm at the American Writers Museum in Downtown Chicago
Book lovers can’t miss this hidden gem of a museum. The American Writers Museum on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago celebrates the rich history of American literature. You’ll find interesting exhibits delving into the lives and works of writers across all kinds of genres, from classic novelists to contemporary poets. Go deeper inside the minds of your favorite writers and even test your own creative writing skills at this hands-on museum.
📖 The American Writers Museum
📍180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601
💵 Cost: Only $15.95, and you get to skip the line! Grab tickets here.
24-25. Ride the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel or check out the new FlyOver attraction—at a discount!
A trip to Chicago isn’t complete without stopping by Navy Pier and riding the iconic Centennial Wheel. From soaking in the views during the day to catching a sunset ride, you’ll get some of the best panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan.
🎡💵 Cost: Just $21 for adults, ($17.94 for kids, and little ones under 3 ride for free). Tickets here!
Plus, while you’re there, don’t miss the FlyOver attraction! This thrilling ride lets you soar over iconic landmarks like Chicago’s skyline or the stunning landscapes of Iceland—all from the comfort of your seat.
💵Cost: These current FlyOver deals make it one of the best cheap things to do in Chicago right now! Tickets are just $20 every Tuesday for a limited time with the code 20TUESDAYS, where you can choose between the Believe Chicago or Legendary Iceland ride. Also, if your kids go to Chicago Public Schools, tickets are just $10 with proof of enrollment! Valid until the last day of school on June 12, 2025.
26. Score the best deal at one of the many thrift stores around the city
Thrift stores in Chicago are a must-visit for anyone hunting for unique items on a budget. Whether it’s vintage clothing or quirky home décor, there’s always something interesting to discover. The best part? For us, besides sustainability, we love the thrill of the hunt and finding items we can’t find anywhere else for our closet and homes.
Whether you’re hunting for a statement jacket, affordable books or some retro furniture, Chicago’s thrift stores have something for every bargain hunter. Plus, many of them support local nonprofits, which always makes us feel even better.
🛍️ Check out our list of our favorite thrift stores across the city!
📍 Locations all over Chicago
💵 Cost: Varies, but we’ve done many hauls for under $25.
Cheap Things to Do in Chicago Under $35
27. Have the time of your life at Bingo Loco
If you’re looking for an epic party where you could win some pretty outlandish prizes from a giant inflatable flamingo to a trip or a cruise, then don’t miss Bingo Loco, returning to Chicago this spring. The party includes bingo, of course, and so much more. Think lip-sync battles, dance-offs, and CO2 cannons, all with hilarious comedian MCs leading the way.
💵 Cost: Dates are limited and tickets are just $35 per person.
📅 Upcoming Dates: March 28, April 11, April 25, grab tickets now!
28-32. Do a self-guided Chinatown food crawl
Instead of indulging in one big hearty meal, head to Chinatown for an epic self-guided food crawl. Pick up Bubble Tea, matcha-flavored cheesecake, delicious dumplings, unique candy, and BBQ pork buns, for a fraction of the cost of a sit-down dinner.
Check out 6 of our favorite spots!
🍰 UFOUU – Fluffy & Light Japanese Cheesecake
📍 2124 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
🥟 Lao Sze Chuan – Spicy & Flavorful Szechuan Cuisine
📍 2172 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
🍜 Joy Yee – Bubble Tea & Chinese Comfort Foods
📍 2139 S. China Pl., Chicago, IL 60616
🥠 Ren Ren’s – Dumplings & Bao
📍 2213 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
🍬 Candy House – Authentic Chinese Sweets & Snacks
📍 2251 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
🧋 Kung Fu Tea – Delicious Bubble Tea
📍 2301 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
💵 Cost: $20-$30 if you just pick up a few things!
🌳Afterwards, venture to the tranquil Ping Tom Memorial Park in the heart of Chinatown for a relaxing walk—which is one of our favorite free things to do in Chicago!
33-35. Venture to Oak Brook’s Wonderverse for a fun-filled day of brunch, VR and escape rooms
Just 20 minutes west of Chicago, Wonderverse is a 45,000-square-foot entertainment destination by Sony Pictures. This one-of-a-kind venue has everything from brunch to VR experiences, an arcade, and a Ghostbusters-inspired speakeasy. Fight off massive spiders and evil villains in the Jumanji VR experience, or try to break out of one of three escape rooms based on the Uncharted movie and game.
On Sundays, the family brunch switches up themes each week, keeping things fresh. Plus, to make the deal even sweeter, each adult brunch purchase comes with a free $30 playcard to use in the Zombieland-inspired arcade. Grab some friends and get ready for an adventure!
📍 Wonderverse Oak Brook, 2310 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523
🎉 Sunday Funday Family Brunch – A rotating themed brunch experience
💵 Cost: $30
🕹️ Jumanji VR Experience – Fight off massive spiders, evil villains, and more!
💵 Cost: $29
🔑 Uncharted Escape Room – Break out of an escape room inspired by Uncharted
💵 Cost: $29
36. Science lover? Check out this awesome oddities shop
American Science and Surplus is a fun spot to check out if you’re looking for quirky and affordable things to do! On our last visit, we found everything from vintage science gadgets to strange toys that made us smile. It’s a great place to browse and pick up unique items without spending much. In fact, you could spend hours browsing the aisles just like we did!
📍 American Science and Surplus
💵 Cost:Prices vary, but one of our top spots for cheap things to do in Chicago with families is grabbing affordable science items for under $35!