Anyone here knows Chicago is full of things to discover; however, sometimes it can get a little pricey. Luckily, there are many fun and free things to do in Chicago throughout the year. If you’re in the city and on a bit of a budget, check out these awesome things to do and, better yet, free of charge!
While Chicago Farmer’s Markets are almost over, we still have one month (and depending on the farm’s market town) with these beloved neighborhood markets. They feature countless vendors selling meat, cheese, dairy, fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, coffee, juice, ready-to-eat meals, and more.
The Garfield Park Conservatory, on Chicago’s West Side, is an environmental marvel. As one of the world’s largest indoor gardens, you’ll find a constantly evolving experience free of charge.
Take a serene stroll through rainforests, desert landscapes, and rows and rows of magnificent flowers. While the Palm House and Desert House offer exceptional indoor sights, 10 acres of sprawling gardens await exploring outdoors.
The conservatory also hosts several events throughout the year, including yoga in picturesque environments, beekeeping classes, flower shows, composting demos, and more! Some events are free, and others require a ticket or suggested donation, but admission to the conservatory is always free year-round.
Visit Lincoln Park Zoo for free
Visiting Lincoln Park Zoo is a fun, free, year-round activity. As one of the only zoos in the country offering free admission, you can explore a “free world of wildlife” in the middle of the city and experience numerous exciting animal encounters.
In addition to over 230 animal species, the zoo often hosts fun seasonal events such as the annual Zoolights, Fall Fest, the Zoo Ball, and frequent Adults-Only nights.
Home to primates, elephants, giraffes, sea lions, penguins, reptiles, and much more, if you’re an animal lover, there’s no place better for free activities than Lincoln Park Zoo. Many animals will be lounging in the sun in summer, so there’s no better time to say hello!
Another of Chicago’s famed attractions, the Adler Planetarium, recently reopened after a two-year hiatus and now boasts a brand-new telescope in the Doane Observatory, the largest public telescope in the state.
As well as a new observation park, guests will notice the planetarium’s shiny new dome roof, restored with brand-new copper tiles, giving the 80-year-old dome an iconic new glow.
The best news, however, is that Illinois residents can enter for free every Wednesday evening from 4-10 p.m., as long as they bring proof of residency.
One of the planet’s oldest and largest art museums, the Art Institute of Chicago is undoubtedly one of the city’s most renowned museums. Since its founding in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago has flourished into one of the most recognized art museums in the world.
The museum is permanently home to over 300,000 works of art, including such masterpieces as American Gothic by Grant Wood, Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, The Bedroom, 1889 by Vincent van Gogh, and The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso.
Illinois residents can enter for free on Monday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from January 8–March 22, 2024.
As the only museum in the Midwest devoted to photography, Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Photography offers unparalleled work from national and international photographers.
After beginning its collection in the early 1980s, it has grown to include over 16,000 objects by over 1,500 artists.
Entry to the museum is free year-round, as are exhibitions and docent-led museum tours.
One of our favorite free things to do in Chicago is exploring nature. However, sometimes the most spectacular spots are a little further from Chicago, including Devil’s Lake State Park. It offers majestic views from 500-foot bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Visitors have nearly 30 miles of hiking trails along the Ice Age Natural Scenic Trail. After a workout, you can head to the lakeshore picnic areas and beaches for a laid-back evening.
The National Museum of Mexican Art is another first-class museum that is always free. Home to 3,000 years’ worth of creativity from Mexican and Mexican-American artists, it is the largest museum in the United States and a fantastic free activity in Chicago.
Located in Pilsen, the heart of Chicago’s Mexican community, NMMA is a rich, immersive art experience with several incredible exhibitions and collections of Mexican culture.
The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year, such as the “Día de Los Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball,” “Sor Juana Festival,” “Mercado Navideño- Christmas Market,” and more!
There is the BeltLine, the Highline, and our favorite, the 606. Head over to Wicker Park and enjoy a leisurely walk on Bloomingdale Trail. The 2.7-mile elevated rail trail linear park runs east to west on the northwest side of Chicago and features a chain of street-level parks, scenic look-out points, an observatory, and public art installations.
Chicago’s street art scene is as revered as its collection of museums, and urban masterpieces are found all over Chicago.
Unique murals and public art pieces are continuously embedding themselves in the city’s fabric, with prismatic new pieces appearing all the time. Some of these fight for racial equality, some celebrate different heritages, and some honor the essential workers of our societies, but all offer a feast for the eyes, and you don’t have to pay to experience them.
We’ve compiled a list of the best street art murals in Chicago, complete with information and addresses, so you can take a tour of the most inspiring urban art without spending a penny.
Visit the Chicago Cultural Center
This magnificent downtown building once served as the city’s first public library. The building alone is reason enough to visit. Home to the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany Dome, there’s a ton of history in the expertly crafted walls of the CCC.
The building was completed in 1897 as both a public library and a Civil War memorial. It was built with incredible materials, including rare imported marble, polished brass, mother-of-pearl, and colored stone.
The 38-foot-diameter Tiffany dome has over 30,000 pieces of glass and was restored in 2008. Today, it is open to the public seven days a week, and it is always free!
Frequent exhibitions and public events make it one of the best free things to do in Chicago. If you love culture, architecture, and history, this is a great free place to spend your day.
Walk on the Lakefront Trail
One thing people rave about in Chicago is how walkable and bikeable the city is—it’s why the Chicago Lakefront Trail remains a free thing to do in Chicago. The 18.5-mile-long partial shared-use path for walking, jogging, skateboarding, and cycling is located along the western shore of Lake Michigan—and gliding along the path is one of the best free things to do in Chicago
We have our famous riverwalk nearby. From bohemian hideouts by the river to beachy hangouts by the lake, these stunning Chicago riverwalk restaurants are open for outdoor dining and offer a beautiful spot for drinks or dinner. Best of all, it’s free to cruise down!
Last on our list is the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a greenhouse dome featuring hundreds of tropical palms, exotic plants, and ancient ferns stretched along the designated pathway.
Perfume scent whispers throughout the greenhouse. While gallivanting through the conservatory, you’ll come across the four main attractions: Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House, and Show House, home to the annual fresh flower shows. And no need to bring your wallet! The Lincoln Park Conservatory is one of the free things to do in Chicago!
If you have a Chicago Public Library card—there is an endless stream of free things to do in Chicago. Suppose you need a sewing machine, a knitting machine, a 3D printer, or an instrument… all the things that usually cost a lot of money. You’re lucky because your library card gives you free access to all those things at the Harold Washington Library Center.
