Because the best things in life are free.
There’s no doubt Chicago is full of fun things to discover, but sometimes it can get a little pricey. Luckily, there are tons of fun and free things to do throughout the year. So if you’re in the Windy City and you’re on a bit of a budget, make sure to check out these awesome things to do and see, completely free of charge!
From free entry to world-class museums to markets and special events, here is an itinerary of 15 free things to do in Chicago this spring without having to splash the cash.
1. Check out Garfield Park Conservatory’s spring flower show for free
The Garfield Park Conservatory located on the west side of Chicago is an environmental marvel. As one of the world’s largest indoor gardens, you’ll find a constantly evolving experience, completely 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 sights indoors, 10 acres of sprawling gardens are waiting to be explored outdoors.
It’s in spring, however, when Chicago’s conservatories peak offering sweet spring air and rows and rows of blossoming flowers for their annual spring flower shows. This year the Garfield Park Conservatory is inviting guests to walk through giant doorways for their “Knock Knock” 2022 spring flower show and it is completely free of charge. In addition to a plethora of beautiful blooming flowers, including tulips, hydrangeas, daffodils, and hyacinth there are a series of giant vintage hanging doors courtesy of Rebuilding Exchange and many plant-themed knock-knock jokes throughout the Show House as part of the playful reprieve from the long Chicago winter.
The conservatory also puts on a number of events throughout the year including yoga in picturesque environments, beekeeping classes, further flower shows, composting demons, and more! Some of these events are free, others require a ticket or suggested donation, but admission to the conservatory is always free.
2. Gaze at the Art On TheMART spectacles from the Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago’s award-winning Riverwalk has so much to offer. Stretching 1.25 miles through the heart of the city, the waterfront is always alive with restaurants, bars, and character. It’s the perfect place for people-watching and taking in the city’s sensational architecture. While the food along the riverwalk can be pretty pricey, you can always bring your own for a lakeside picnic.
Another sign that spring has arrived each year comes in the form of artistic projections that beam from the Merchandise Mart. Art on theMART attracts thousands to the Riverwalk every week by firing up 34 digital projectors and transforming the 2.5-acre river-façade of the Merchandise Mart into stunning visual spectacles.
Spectators can watch two free 30-minute programs of projections nightly throughout most of the year from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street. On April 9 at 8:30 pm, Art On The MART will begin its Spring 2022 Program. This time the new program features the premiere of two climate change-themed projections presented in partnership with Shedd Aquarium.
More information can be found here.
3. Catch the cherry blossoms bloom
Of course, with spring comes the blossoming of flowers outside as well as inside. Another impressive floral spectacle is provided charm of cherry blossom trees in full bloom in places like Jackson Park and Chicago Botanic Garden. Typically, the sakura blooms start within the first two weeks of April in Chicago. Though it can be a guessing game and they could flourish at their peak towards the end of April.
The soft, delicate blossoms only bloom for a week or two, making it a rare sight. Especially as options for where to see them in Chicago are somewhat limited. If you want to behold the blooming season this year, head to our article on where to view the cherry blossoms in Chicago this spring and take a look at our map with all the hot cherry blossom viewing spots.
More information can be found here.
4. Get free admission to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry
In fact, while Jackson Park’s trees provide an ethereal experience another free activity can be found at the park’s Museum of Science and Industry. Chicago has one of the best collections of museums and attractions on the planet but visiting all of them can get a little costly, especially if you’re taking the family. So it’s understandable why free admission days generate quite a lot of hype.
Luckily for us, the wonderful variety of museums and attractions in the Windy City love to announce free days throughout the year offering locals the chance to see some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wonders regularly, for absolutely zero cost. The Museum of Science and Industry is one such museum that offers free days throughout the year. This spring the museum is offering free admission on April 21st and 25th, and on May 2nd, 4th, 9th, 17th, and 18th.
You can find a full list of free days at the Museum of Science and Industry here.
5. See the revamped Adler Planetarium for free on a Wednesday
Another of Chicago’s famed attractions, The Adler Planetarium, reopened earlier this year after a two-year hiatus boasting a brand new telescope in the Doane Observatory which holds the title of the largest public telescope in the Chicago area.
As well as a new observation park, guests will notice the planetarium’s shiny new dome roof which has been restored with brand-new copper tiles giving the 80-year-old dome an iconic new glow. The best news, however, is that Illinois residents will be able to enter for free every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm provided they bring proof of residency.
More information and tickets can be found at adlerplanetarium.org.
6. Hit up Maxwell Street Market
The Maxwell Street Market has been a fixture in Chicago for over 100 years. Brimming with an eclectic array of handmade crafts, arbitrary items, and undetected treasures, the free market offers a wholesome Sunday Funday browsing the bric-à-brac with friends or family. Having opened for the season on April 3rd, the market is now open every Sunday at 800 South Des Plaines Street from 9 am to 3 pm through December 18.
Expect everything from clothes to crockery, and, of course, live music and some of the best street food in the city.
More information can be found here.
7. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo
Visiting Lincoln Park Zoo is a fun and 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. As well as over 230 species of animals there are often fun seasonal events such as the annual Zoolights. 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. In spring many animals will be coming out of hibernation and there’s no better time to say hello!
More information can be found here.
8. Peruse incredible photos and the Museum of Contemporary Photography
As the only museum in the Midwest devoted to photography Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Photography offers an unparalleled array of work from national and international photographers. After beginning its collection in the early 1980s it has since grown to include over 16,000 objects by over 1,500 artists. Entry to the museum is free as are exhibitions and docent-led museum tours.
More information can be found here.
9. Get free access to the National Museum Of Mexican Art
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 of its kind in the United States and a fantastic free activity to do in Chicago.
Located in Pilsen, the heart of Chicago’s Mexican community, NMMA is a rich, immersive art experience with a number of incredible exhibitions and collections of Mexican culture. The museum also hosts a number of 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!
More information can be found here.
10. Plan a self-guided tour of Chicago’s street art
Talking of art here in Chicago, Chicago’s street art scene is as revered as its collection of museums and there are masterpieces found all over Chicago. Unique murals and public art pieces are continuously embedding themselves in the fabric of the city 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 arrange a tour of the more inspiring without spending a penny.
More information can be found here.
11. Take a tour with Chicago Greeter
I know, I know. A walking tour? You’re yawning already, but give this one a chance. If you’re not keen on guiding yourself Chicago Greeter is a fantastic way to explore the city. First of all, it’s a free tour customized to what you’re interested in, so you can really get to know Chicago and how it relates to you. These tours are casual, informational, and fun ways to get a little exercise, see some of Chicago’s coolest attractions, and learn about the Windy City! Most walking tours require a reservation at least 10 days out, but if you’d rather have more flexibility in your schedule, you can book an Instagreeter, which is also free and can accommodate up to six guests.
More information can be found here.
12. Visit the Chicago Cultural Center
This magnificent building located downtown once served as the city’s first public library. The building alone is reason enough to make a 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 and was built with incredible materials such as rare imported marbles, 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 always free! Frequent exhibitions and public events are also usually entirely free to attend. If you love culture, architecture, and history, this is a great free place to spend your day.
More information can be found here.
13. Check out the Smart Museum Of Art
Located within the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art is a collection of visual art that examines complex issues. The museum offers a free space to explore, learn, discover, and create art that makes a statement in the modern world. With a number of rotating exhibitions, newly remodeled facilities, and a team of knowledgable, friendly staff, we can’t believe this place is totally free to visit. You’ll also find iconic works from some of the most revered artists like Picasso, Rivera, Matisse, Goya, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
More information can be found here.
14. Spend some time on Navy Pier
One of the United States’ most popular tourist attractions, Chicago’s Navy Pier is located on Chicago’s scenic lakefront and is completely free to experience. Of course, if you wanted to you could spend a lot of money enjoying all the attractions the pier has to offer but simply exploring the pier itself and enjoying the sights of the skyline and Lake Michigan costs nothing.
With the Ferris wheel, the Pepsi Wave Swinger, the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and frequent boat cruises, there is a lot to observe, and the atmosphere is even more electric in the evening when the pier is fully illuminated. Keep on the lookout for live music concerts, movie screenings, and fireworks shows which also offer fantastic free activities.
This spring the pier is offering free family days supported by the Pritzker Foundation. Admission to Chicago Children’s Museum will be free on April 21st and May 19th. On April 21st there will be a roster of performances and activities at the pier for the free, fun-filled family day at the pier including performances from Wiggleworms with Bill Brickey Duo, Merit School of Music, Buddha Belly Kids Yoga, Chicago Public Library Storytime, MSA & Circus Arts and more.
More information can be found here.15. Trek The 606
Chicago’s stunning 606 trail is another popular spot for walking, running, and biking. Built on an abandoned railroad line, this elevated multi-use trail is Chicago’s take on NYC’s The Highline. Running through Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park, and Bucktown, the trail is full of murals, lookout points, and green spaces offering a unique trip overlooking some of Chicago’s busiest North Side neighborhoods.
More information can be found here.
Bonus (Not free): Marvel at Morton Arboretum’s monolithic sculptures
Chicago’s Morton Arboretum will this year celebrate its 100th birthday. To celebrate such an occasion, the 1,700-acre tree museum and research center is kicking off a yearlong centennial celebration building up to its 100th birthday. One of the first things to celebrate is the announcement that the popular Human+Nature exhibition will continue for another year through March 2023 and two new large-scale sculptures and a commemorative centennial sculpture by artist Daniel Popper will be added to the exhibition in May.
Though the Arboretum itself isn’t free, the incredible Human+Nature exhibition is free to experience with general Arboretum admission so we thought it was worth a mention!
More information can be found here.
We’re still building this list. Got a free thing in Chicago you think should be on it? Let us know by tagging us on social media with #mysecretchicago.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]