Growing up just outside of Chicago, saying I am a “huge fan” of the city is an understatement. The city is never shy of activity. However, when you are a broke high schooler looking to ball on the budget during a summer day, you get crafty. Luckily, there are so many amazing free things to do in Chicago, that you don’t have look far to build an itinerary.
Traveling to Chicago is such a wonderful experience during any season of the year. From free museums, to romantic strolls along the lakefront, to historic sites, and more – there is something for every traveler here.
Without further ado, here are 13 of my favorite free things to do in Chicago.
13 Free things to do in Chicago when you’re ballin’ on a budget
1. Visit Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a 24.5 acre public park located in the heart of downtown Chicago just off the Randolph L stops. In 2017, the park was one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States.
Millennium Park is most famously home to “Cloud Gate” (The Bean). The reflected surface is a prime spot to stop and take photos – and its location offers some of the best views of the city skyline. The park also has one of the best garden walks in the city – Lurie Gardens.
In the summer months, you can cool off in the Crown Fountain art installation. In the winter, you can opt to ice skate on The Ribbon or McCormick Plaza Pavilion. Ice Skating on McCormick Tribune rink is free – but does require an advance reservation. I recommend checking out their website in advance to hold your spot.
2. Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is a beautiful pathway that runs along the Chicago River and is always bustling with shops, bars, and music. It offers incredible views of the skyline – and there are many places to sit and relax along the way. I highly recommend grabbing a coffee and wandering along the Riverwalk.
Bonus points! If you are in the city for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the city dyes the Chicago River bright green. Irish celebrations and live music take over the river walk for an entire day of celebration. It is definitely worth a visit!
3. Wander through Lincoln Park Zoo (and Zoolights in the winter)
Lincoln Park Zoo is a 35 acre zoo located just north of the Magnificent Mile. The zoo is free to the public year round, and home to over 1,000 different kinds of animals. It is a great stop if you have children.
While zoos are not typically my cup of tea, Lincoln Park Zoo makes the list for the unique ‘Zoo Lights’ experience that occurs during November and December. For the holiday season, the entire zoo is covered with thousands of twinkling lights. Guests can sip hot chocolate or mulled wine and stroll through the various light shows at night. Tickets typically cost $5 – but admission is free on Mondays.
4. Stop by Navy Pier
Navy Pier is one of the most notable destinations in the city of Chicago. It offers free admission to the public – and is a fun area to spend a few hours.
Navy Pier is home to the Centennial Wheel (a huge ferris wheel that debuted at the World’s Fair in 1893), The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and The Chicago Children’s Museum. Although – it is worth noting that a majority of the larger attractions do have a fee associated.
The pier is also packed full of small shops and restaurants, which makes it a fun place to wander through and window shop. The pier also offers some of the best views of the skyline in the city.
5. Visit the DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History is the oldest, independent african american museum in the United States – with over 60 years of operation. The museum holds over 15,000 pieces of art, sculptures, writing, and historical artifacts. There are also special exhibitions on tour that rotate into DuSable – so I recommend checking the website to see what is available during your visit.
The museum is free to the public on Sundays. That said, it can fill up quite quickly. I recommend arriving early or booking in advance to ensure you get entrance! Check out the DuSable website for more information.
6. Stop by the Garfield Park Conservatory
Just a few train stops west of The Loop is the Garfield Park Conservatory. The conservatory is a stunning indoor botanical garden that is free and open to the public. Here, you can wander among many exotic plants and flowers from across the world. It is not uncommon for the conservatory to host art installations and other temporary exhibits.
I recommend checking out the official website to see what is available during your visit. While the conservatory is free to the public, it is also quite popular. I recommend making a reservation in advance of your visit to ensure you gain admission.
7. Hang out at one of the many beaches
Chicago is located along the magnificent Lake Michigan and is home to countless beaches where locals and visitors alike spend countless days during the warmer months.
Spending a day at the beach is truly one of the best free things to do in Chicago during the warm summer months. North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, and Montrose Beach are all easily accessible from the city center.
I love playing beach volleyball, and the three beaches listed above all have beach volleyball games constantly running. Pack your net, a picnic, a game of Spikeball, or just enjoy taking a dip in the water. Quick warning through, it is COLD.
8. Walk along the Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile gorgeous walking path that runs along the shores of Lake Michigan. It is a popular running, walking, biking, and rollerblading path. The Lakefront Trail offers beautiful views of the city skyline and the bright blue lake.
The Lakefront Trail actually hits many of the other free site locations on this list. Along the trail, you can find Montrose Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue and Oak Street Beach, Navy Pier, Grant Park, and more. The Lakefront Trail also allows for easy access to The Loop and The Magnificent Mile. I recommend hopping on and off the Lakefront Trail as you traverse from one location to the next.
9. Attend a Millennium Park Summer Concert series
Aside from being a gorgeous park, Millennium Park is also home to Pritzker Pavilion – an outdoor amphitheater modeled after the Sydney Opera House. Pritzker Pavilion offers free concerts throughout the summer, which is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Chicago.
The concerts are offered from June 22nd to August 21st and span a variety of genres including: R&B, jazz, pop, country, alternative, and more. The best way to experience a free concert is to pack a full picnic. Sip some wine, eat some snacks, and enjoy the tunes.
The Summer Concert Series is, undoubtedly, one of the best free things to do in Chicago. Check out the Summer Concert Series website for information on show times and performance schedules.
10. Walk the 606 Trail
The 606 Trail is modeled after the New York City Highline. It is a 2.7 mile elevated walking path that was constructed on top of an old, abandoned rail line. The 606 is beautifully adorned with flowers, trees, and art installations – making it a unique trail in the heart of a busy city.
The line runs by some of Chicago’s more residential neighborhoods, most prominently Logan Square. If you have a leisurely afternoon, I recommend walking part of the trail and then stopping off in Logan Square for dinner or drinks.
11. Pop into the Harold Washington Library
The Harold Washington Library, located just steps from Millennium Park, is one of the most stunning architectural structures in all of Chicago. The domed, glass ceilings and ornate chandeliers are jaw dropping – and browning the collections of literature is a great way to spend a day.
The Harold Washington Library consistently hosts art installations and free events – such as book readings, lectures, and craft workshops. I recommend checking out the library’s website to see what is available during your stay.
12. Window shop on the Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile, located on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, is basically Chicago’s Fifth Avenue. It is home to all of the luxury clothing brands like Burberry, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. It is also home to the Water Tower building (one of the last remaining structures from the Chicago Fire), and the subsequently named Water Tower Mall, which is home to the American Girl Doll store and the Lego Store.
Wandering up and down the Magnificent Mile while window shopping is a fun way to spend an afternoon. However, you will likely only need an hour or two here. I recommend checking out the Tribune Tower – the exterior of which is studded with rocks from 150 famous landmarks across the world… and even the Moon.
The Magnificent Mile is lined with some delicious restaurants. My personal favorites include The Purple Pig and Rosebud on Rush. You can also find every variety of Deep Dish establishments here – from Giordano’s to Lou Malnati’s to Gino’s East, and Uno.
13. Spend a day in a different Chicago neighborhood
Of the many free things to do in Chicago listed in this post, “exploring a neighborhood” is certainly the most vague. But it is also the best way to discover parts of the city that are a bit farther from the typical tourist destinations.
Chicago is well known for its tourist attractions and popular landmarks. But Chicago is also home to some of the best neighborhoods of any major city. One of the best ways to experience Chicago is to pick a residential neighborhood and explore some of the hidden gems it has to offer.
Wicker Park is an excellent location for vintage shopping and ‘hipster’ art exhibitions. LakeView and WrigleyVille are great places to stop for a drink – and are especially lively when the Chicago Cubs are playing in the famous Wrigley Field. And Old Town is home to The Second City – Chicago’s famous comedy club with alumni like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carrell (to name a few of MANY). It is also home to Zanie’s stand-up club, and some of the cutest outdoor patios to stop by for a drink.
I highly recommend spending some time exploring a few of the lesser-known neighborhoods during your trip to Chicago. Check out my Chicago neighborhood guide for more information!
That’s all, folks!
Hopefully this guide gives you some ideas for how to spend a day in Chicago while ballin’ on the budget. The city is so massive and full of fun activities, that you won’t have to look far to find some amazing free hidden gems.
Looking for more ideas? Check out my full guide of things to do in Chicago.
Have you been to Chicago? Drop a comment with some of your favorite experiences below!
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