10 Free Things To Do In Chicago

Whether you’re into historical tours, architectural tours, restaurant hopping, museums, parks and zoos, Chicago is filled with loads of reasons for you to visit and enjoy. While some known attractions and spots need admission fees, you can still enjoy Chicago without even spending a dime. On this post, Yamy Hartsough of the blog Gofamgo, shares with us the top 10 free things to do in Chicago today – or tomorrow, this week… any time!

10 Free Things To Do In Chicago Today

1- Visit Millennium Park

Your trip to the Windy City is not complete without a photo at this iconic spot. This is where you find the famous Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean”. You can’t miss the other eye-catching pieces of public art here as well, like the Crown Fountain, which features two interactive video towers with digital faces that spout water on the surrounding splash pool. The park is also host to several free events such as music concerts and film screenings in the summer. The winter season is just as enticing as the McCormick Tribune Plaza becomes a free ice skating rink for those who bring their skates.

2- Chicago Greeter Neighborhood Tours

Why not explore Chicago with a local? The Chicago Greeter program pairs you with knowledgeable residents who volunteer to show you around. These insiders can show you around Chicago through customized and guided tours based on your preferences from architecture to food to public art and more.

See Also: Things To Do In Dallas/Ft Worth For Free

3- Maggie Daley Park

After enjoying Millennium Park, cross the BP Pedestrian Bridge, a stainless-steel winding walkway designed by Architect Frank Gehry. This beautifully redesigned 20-acre park serves as an amazing space for a number of family-friendly events throughout the year. The Play Garden is located to the southeast section that offers 3 acres of diverse opportunities for children under 12 years of age to explore and have fun. Other amenities require some equipment rental fees such as the climbing wall, skating park, mini golf, and tennis courts.

4- Stare At A Million Dollars

If you ever wondered what a million dollars look like, you are in luck. The Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum offers a free guided tour of their facility. While wishing that this money is yours, you also get to learn about the history of the United States dollar and play simulations like saving the economy. The Money Museum is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00pm, except on bank holidays. You should plan about 45 minutes for a self-guided visit. Even though that is a lot of money to look at, you wouldn’t have imagined it would be among the top free things to do in Chicago today, right?

See Also: Free Things To Do and See In Miami, Florida

5- Chicago Cultural Center 

Originally utilized as Chicago’s first central public library, you can head here to witness several hosted international and local artists and performers showcase their talents for free. Aside from the music, dance, theater and exhibitions held on the house here, the Chicago Cultural Center is also home to two magnificent domes, one of which is the world’s largest stained-glass dome.

6- Museum of Contemporary Photography

This museum is the leading photography museum in the Midwest. It exhibits a stimulating collection of contemporary works by photographers sourced regionally, nationally and internationally. Founded by the Columbia College of Chicago, the museum also accommodates educational classes for the public.

7- Navy Pier

Navy Pier is full of reasons to justify it being one of Midwest USA’s top destinations. Admission and some attractions are free while some features such as the Centennial Wheel requires a fee to enjoy. With heaps of shops, appetizing restaurants, amusing public events, and exciting boat tours to choose from, Navy Pier is also host to the Chicago Children Museum. The museum usually charges an admission fee but are open to all during Thursday evenings.

See Also: Two Days in Chicago

8- Chicago Design Museum

This gallery showcases the diverse facets of design across different disciplines and industry. They also have events such as workshops and talks held semi-monthly. It started as a pop-up exhibit but due to great community support and a successful crowdfunding effort, it is now available and open to the public on Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm-7:00pm. Memberships are available for a fee for those who want to attend exclusive tours and workshops.

9- Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and one of the few that are still free for 365 days a year. Get to know several animals from diverse climates with the family. While they do not charge admission, you can show support by donating to one of the largest zoo-based animal and wildlife conservation and science programs in the USA.

10- Tour A Brewery

Stop by for a drink at Revolution Brewery and sign up for their complimentary tours for those ages 21 and up. Do note that space is limited and they do not take any reservation. Arrive early and get your name jotted down by one of their bartenders to secure a slot. Each tour group’s maximum capacity is 30 people. Tour is about half an hour and of course, is highlighted by a tasting session.

Other Tours In Chicago

If you don’t mind spending a few dollars to see some other places in Chicago, our partners at Get Your Guide have to offer you:

River Architecture Cruise: Discover some beautiful architectural gems on a 75-minute river cruise.

Daytime Chicago Helicopter Tour: Enjoy the views of Chicago from above, while your pilot tells you some interesting facts about the city.

Chicago Chocolate Tour: The name says it all, so just go and have the best chocolate experience you can have in Chicago.

Have you been to Chicago? If you have any more tips of things to do in Chicago for free, share them with us in the comments!

Yamy Hartsough loves to travel with her husband, their 3-year-old son and the extended family. Their familiarity with traveling with relatives inspired them to share their stories and tips on their blog Gofamgo. Their focus is to inspire families to discover new destinations without breaking the bank while having a splendid time together. For updates, you can follow them on Instagram.