This post will cover some of the best free things to do as well as places to visit in Chicago.
We include daytime, nighttime, seasonal, and family-friendly attractions, and activities, all updated for 2023.
1. Take a Free Sightseeing Tour
Operating on a pay-what-you-like basis, this option allows you to choose the expense of this endeavor.
Free Tours By Foot offers an assortment of walking tours, as local guides lead you through various parts of the city, filling the time with facts and anecdotes about the area.
You’ll be sure to walk away satisfied, and with suggestions of what to eat and see for the rest of your stay.
Check out the calendar for tour options and times.
In addition to our name-your-own-price guided tours, we also offer self-guided tours and GPS-enabled audio tours.
2. Enjoy a Free Concert or Festival
Each year, Chicago hosts over 400 festivals throughout the city.
All the below festivals are free and feature live music, food, drinks, and art.
Some of the most popular festivals include:
SummerDance in Grant Park (June-September) SummerDance provides fun for the whole family!
One-hour dance lessons are followed by live music performers of all different genres when dancers can put their new moves to practice.
Note that Grant Park is the location of Clarence Buckingham Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world, and perhaps best known for appearing in the opening credits of "Married with Children."
Chicago Blues Festival (June)
During three days, 500,000 fans flood the 5 stages of the Chicago Blues Festival, making it the largest free blues festival, and the largest music festival in Chicago.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival (June)
Local, national, and international Gospel Music performers provide soul music for the people of Chicago during this weekend festival.
Grant Park Music Festival (June-August)
This music festival stretches through the entire summer season, providing 10 weeks of classical music concerts.
These include performances by the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, the Grant Park Chorus, and other featured performers on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Taste of Chicago (July)
Chicago is a city that loves to eat and provides a diverse food scene.
Enjoy the live music and family-friendly activities, while you purchase food samples at one of the largest food festivals in the world.
Chicago Jazz Festival (September)
Enjoy the diversity of the jazz genre at the Chicago Jazz festival and hear performances by local, national, and international performers.
World Music Festival (September)
This large, 11-day festival showcases over 650 performers from over 80 countries around the world. Enjoy the music alongside 650,000 other concert-goers.
Open House Chicago (October)
During Open House Chicago, explore some of the most intriguing buildings throughout the city that are normally off-limits to the public.
Lights Festival on the Magnificent Mile (November)
Kick off the holiday season with the Festival of Lights. With a parade and fireworks, the city comes to light during this annual event.
Christkindl Holiday Market at Daley Plaza (November-January)
Based on the German tradition, this is one of the largest Christmas markets in the United States, bringing in over 1 million visitors annually.
Find a full calendar of Chicago festivals here.
3. Visit a Free Museum
There are several great free museums in Chicago. Those that are not always free typically have free hours, free admission days, or sometimes free events.
There are also several ways to save money on museum admission like getting a tourist attraction discount pass.
One of our favorite free museums in Chicago is the National Museum of Mexican Art.
It is located in Pilsen, the heart of Chicago’s Mexican community. You may want to combine your visit to the museum with a Mexican Pilsen Food Tour!
Another is the Oriental Institute Museum at the University of Chicago, which displays artifacts of the ancient Middle East.
It's free to visit for the University of Chicago members and their guests. It's free for others as well although there is a suggested admission fee.
Below we list several other free museums and attractions.
4. Stroll Through a Chicago Neighborhood
Many tourist attractions are centralized in the Loop, but you'll learn more about Chicago by visiting one of its neighborhoods like Wicker Park.
You can take one of our neighborhood tours, like a tour of Lincoln Park that focuses on its Gangster history.
Baseball fans need to check out our Wrigleyville Guide.
If you like to explore new places through their restaurants and eat like a local, take one of our self-guided food tours.
This is a way to learn about the history of and try a few food samples as you go:
5. See Chicago Architecture for Free
We offer a free, guided Architecture Tour that covers some of the unique structures of the Chicago skyline.
One free building that is a must-see is the Chicago Cultural Center.
You can take a free guided tour of the building but you should call ahead of time to reserve a spot.
Step inside the center to admire the two Tiffany stained glass domes and catch the view of Millennium Park.
You can also catch the art exhibits, shows, films, and lectures that take place here.
6. Take the Kids to a Park
After a day at the museums, sometimes you just need to run around.
There are a lot of ways to explore Chicago's outdoors from visiting Lake Michigan to exploring Chicago’s Beautiful Parks.
We list all of our suggested free things to do with kids in the section below.
Millennium Park is free to roam and is one of the highlights of a visit to the Loop in downtown Chicago.
This is where you'll get a chance to visit the famous Bean and see the park where locals and visitors alike attend concerts.
We explore the park on our Millennium Park Tour!
7. Discover Chicago's Public Art
The art in Chicago isn't always in museums. Much of what you can find in the city is public art.
Be sure to look for the dozens of sculptures and other pieces of art along the Magnificent Mile.
You can also find public art in parks and plazas, and throughout many neighborhoods in Chicago.
Read more about public art in Chicago.
8. Consider an All-Inclusive Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
Although the pass itself isn’t free, some of the activities available with an all-inclusive tourist attraction discount pass could be free if you use it effectively.
For example, if you get this attraction pass and use it to take a bus tour, or visit the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, the service will already have paid for itself.
After that point, every activity you take part in is entirely free. You could take this opportunity to see the city from above at the Skydeck or the Art Institute.
Whatever you choose to do, there are quite a few fun and family-friendly attractions included with a city pass.
9. Take a Brewery Tour
Brewery tours are a great way to learn about local beers and their brewing process, and they often include free samples.
Below we list breweries that offer free tours at various times throughout the week. Some breweries require online reservations, so be sure to plan ahead!
- Tours: Every Wednesday-Friday at 6 pm & 7 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, and 6 pm.
- Tours include a tasting.
- Tours: Multiple tour times are offered every day
- Included: Free sample
- Tours: Every Wednesday at 7 pm.
- Tours: Every Saturday, 2 pm, 3:30 pm & 5 pm
- Reservations here. While the tour is free, samples are not.
Find out about other brewery tours and where to find the best craft beer in Chicago.
10. Visit Navy Pier
Navy Pier continues to be one of the most popular destinations throughout the Midwest.
Jetting out into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier provides a boardwalk with a sweeping view of the Chicago skyline.
Navy Pier is free to visit and walk around.
Along the pier, you will discover shops, restaurants, a Ferris wheel, and other smaller amusement rides.
Navy Pier is also home to the Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and boat tours.
This is a popular spot during the summer, in particular, providing free fireworks Wednesday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
See our post on Navy Pier for more information.
FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
The following section will include a lot of fun and free activities that you can enjoy with your family in Chicago.
We list even more in our post on things to do with kids in Chicago.
Don’t forget that a lot of great family-friendly activities are included at a huge discount from Chicago tourist passes.
11. Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest, and last remaining free zoos in the country.
Founded in 1868, this zoo presents the public with more than 1,000 animals and 200 species.
This zoo provides the city with a full calendar of family-friendly events and festivals, including the ever-popular zoo lights during the holiday season.
Park Hours:
- April-October: 10 am to 5 pm
- November-March 10 am - 4:30 pm
12. Maggie Daley Park
There are many parks all across the city, but one of the Maggie Daley is one of the best parks for the whole family!
Maggie Daley Park is the newest addition to Grant Park, located in the northeast corner.
These 20 acres of transformed space have provided a great play space for kids and is a park prepared to entertain in every season with tennis courts, a rock-climbing wall, ice skating, and mini-golf.
Park Hours:
- Mondays - Fridays: 6 AM - 9 PM
- Weekends: 6 AM - 9 PM
13. The Smart Museum
The Smart Museum is located on the University of Chicago’s campus.
The museum contains 15,000 pieces in four permanent collection galleries devoted to modern art, Asian art, European art, and contemporary art.
Museum Hours:
- Tuesdays: Wednesdays and Fridays-Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm
- Thursdays: 10 am - 8 pm.
14. Garfield Park Conservatory
This “landscape art under glass” houses thousands of plants throughout the eight rooms of the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Highlights include diverse tropical plants, 84 variations of palm trees, and an assortment of cacti.
They offer an array of family programs and events.
Park Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
15. Chicago Architecture Foundation
The Chicago Architecture Foundation provides a free space dedicated to the rich architectural history of Chicago.
This family-friendly stop contains exhibits, programs, and a replica of downtown.
Hours: 9 am - 9 pm
16. The Hughes Children's Library at Harold Washington Library Center
The Harold Washington Library Center is a beautiful building and one of the largest public libraries in the world.
It sits a short walk from Columbia College, DePaul Center, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
On the 2nd floor is the Thomas Hughes Children's Library which features materials, computers, events, and more for kids up to eighth grade.
On the 9th floor, discover the peaceful winter garden and explore the various special exhibits and collections showcased to the public.
Chicago Public Library Cardholders can also take advantage of Kids Museum Passports.
Passes are available for 15 different museums and allow for free admission for a family of four.
One child under the age of 18 must be present, and no more than two adults. Find the passes and check on availability here.
Library Hours:
- Mondays -Thursdays: 9 am - 9 pm
- Fridays and Saturdays: 9 am - 5 pm
- Sundays: 1 pm - 5 pm
17. Money Museum
The Money Museum is a small museum located in the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, part of a network of 12 that make up the central bank of the United States.
There are 45-minute guided tours every day at 1 pm.
Learn about the history of money, pick out the counterfeit bills, and see the glassed-in display of one million 1 dollar bills.
Museum Hours:
- Mondays -Fridays: 8:30 am - 5 pm
FREE THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT
In this section, we will provide a list of interesting activities you can enjoy in Chicago after the sun goes down. Check our other sections for even more ideas.
Don’t forget that a lot of great nighttime attractions are included with the Chicago tourist passes.
18. See Live Music
Chicago has a rich music scene, especially Blues and Jazz.
There are many bars across the city with live music that don't have a cover charge.
Also, throughout the year, there are festivals that have free live music with some night shows.
Millennium Park also regularly offers free concerts in the evenings.
19. Take a Chicago Night Tour
We offer a Chicago Haunted History & Ghost Tour and in nicer weather, you’ll find our evening Riverwalk tour.
You'll also find the evening is a great time to take one of our self-guided tours and GPS-enabled audio tours.
In addition tour our free walking tours, you could also check out Chicago Greeter, an organization of volunteer locals who show tourists around, even at night.
20. See the Chicago Skyline
Instead of paying $25 for a ticket to one of Chicago's observatory decks, you can get the same great views if you go to the Signature Lounge at the top of the John Hancock Building.
Though you will have to purchase something from the menu, drinks range from $10 and up.
Sip on a glass of wine or even a smoothie while admiring the stunning Chicago skyline.
21. See Free Fireworks
One of the best views of our skyline can be seen from the end of the Navy Pier.
During the summer, Navy Pier presents fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night.
Navy Pier is a landmark definitely worth a visit at any time of year. Check out our self-guided tour of Navy Pier for a little more information.
22. Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association
One of the few athletics clubs to survive the Great Depression, the club building is today a luxury hotel.
But the sporting spirit survives in the Game Room!
The Game Room at the CAA offers shuffleboard, pool tables, foosball, and bocce. Open to the public, the games are free to use!
Find the Game Master to make a reservation while you enjoy something to sip on in front of the bar or coffee shop.
23. Arcade Game Bar
Head to Headquarters Beercade to enjoy vintage arcade games, over 70 draft beers, and a unique food menu.
The best part? All of the games are free, so don’t hold back as you make your way from pinball to Donkey Kong to Pac-Man.
FREE CHICAGO ATTRACTIONS
In this section, we list a few of the many attractions and museums you can visit for free in Chicago.
For an extensive list, see our post on free museums in Chicago.
We have already included some in the sections above, such as the Chicago Cultural Center, Money Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Smart Museum of Art.
If you are planning on seeing some of Chicago's most popular attractions, note that many of these charge admission, but will be much more affordable when you use a Chicago tourist pass.
24. Design Museum of Chicago
The Design Museum of Chicago has permanent and rotating exhibits, programs, and workshops.
This museum invites people into a conversation about design and the impact it can have on society and humanity.
25. City Gallery at the Historic Water Tower
The City Gallery, a lovely museum, is located inside the historic Water Tower on Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile.
It shows the work of local photographers and artists. It is definitely worth a peek!
26. Museum of Contemporary Photography
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is a stimulating space that calls attention to the cultural, political, and artistic impact of photography. It celebrates both contemporary and traditional pieces.
27. Hull-House Museum
The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is dedicated to founder Jane Addams and her work in the late 1800s toward social reform and recreating American democracy.
Admission is free with a suggested $5 donation.
28. Cambodian American Heritage Museum
The Cambodian American Heritage Museum honors and celebrates the Cambodian American Heritage. There are rotating classes, exhibits, and art.
29. Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago
The Renaissance Society (a.k.a. The Ren) at the Unversity of Chicago offers programs and exhibitions that embrace “the evolving question of what art is in the present moment."
30. National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Located in the heart of the Puerto Rican community of Humboldt Park is the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.
The building itself is an architectural gem built in 1895. Of course, you will want to go inside to see the colorful and inspiring art too!
31. First United Methodist Church
Explore the “Chicago Chapel in the Sky”. First United Methodist Church is the oldest church in the city, first founded in 1831.
The church occupies the first story as well as the top floors of the Chicago Temple Building.
It is considered the tallest church in the world. Tour the church for free any day of the week.
32. Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation is the only library solely dedicated to just poetry in the Midwest.
There are a variety of free public events for the whole family. Check out their calendar to find an event going on during your visit!
33. Discounts for Chicago Museums & Attractions
Always check for free or reduced admission for students, senior citizens, and members of the military and their families.
Many museums offer discounts or free admission to Illinois teachers and some discounts are offered to Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan teachers (with proper I.D.).
Chicago police officers and first responders for all museums in Chicago!
Year-round museum discount offers for Illinois residents include:
- Chicago offers Free Museum Days every year so be sure to check your travel dates
- Museum of Contemporary Art is free for state residents with a valid I.D. every Tuesday.
- The Chicago History Museum is free for Illinois residents (with a valid I.D.) every Tuesday from 12:30 pm-7:30 pm.
- The Art Institute of Chicago is free for Illinois residents (with a valid I.D.) every Thursday between 5:00 pm-8:00 pm.
34. Museums for All
Many Chicago museums participate in Museums For All, an initiative designed to make museums more accessible to families nationwide by removing financial barriers.
Museums give discounts to anyone with an EBT or WIC card. Present the card at the entry to receive $3 admission.
THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN THE SUMMER
As with any time of year, there is plenty to do in Chicago in the Summer. A few of the free activities are:
35. Free Concerts/ Movies in the Park
Millennium Park has a full calendar of events during the summer, including concerts and movies in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Other parks across the city will also take their turn in hosting free movies in the park.
36. Public Beaches
Chicago is lined on the east by Lake Michigan, allowing for multiple public beaches lining the shoreline.
37. Street Festivals
Throughout the warmer months, there are street festivals all across the city! We list the best of these above in our Top 10 section.
38. Farmers Markets
Find farmers' markets throughout the city, every day of the week. These markets provide the city with fresh produce, flowers, and sweet treats!
39. Visit the Bean
The Chicago Cloud Gate, otherwise known as "The Bean", is a 110-ton sculpture with a mirror surface.
It sits in Millenium Park and has become one of the most well-known landmarks in the city.
You can expect to see lots of tourists taking selfies here.
During the summer there is a music series and a film series that takes place nearby.
40. The Chicago Air and Water Show
The annual Chicago Air and Water show takes place in August.
This free event takes draws around two million people to the Chicago beachfront to watch pilots perform stunts over Lake Michigan. It's truly stunning!
Visit the website to find the best location to view the show.
41. Other Free Things to do in the Summer
Click on each month to discover free events taking place.
THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN THE FALL
As with any time of year, there is plenty to do in Chicago in the Fall. A few of the free activities are:
42. Take a free ghost tour
Explore the darker history of Chicago as you explore the city streets at night with our local guides on a free ghost tour.
Learn about the most haunted hotel in Chicago, see the streets where America’s first serial killer, H. H. Holmes, roamed, and hear about the downtown prison breaks.
43. Attend a Fall Food Festival
What a delicious way to spend the autumn! There are a lot of special food festivals that happen in the fall months.
A few of them are:
44. Visit Lincoln Park Conservatory
Free to the public, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, just next to the Lincoln Park Zoo, is a serene escape from the Chicago climate and is stocked with tropical and exotic plants from around the world.
45. Other Free Things to do in the Fall
Click on each month to discover free events taking place.
THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN THE WINTER
As with any time of year, there is plenty to do in Chicago in the Winter. A few of the free activities are:
46. Holiday Markets
The Daley Plaza, in the heart of downtown, serves as home to the annual Christkindlmarket, which brings in more than a million guests annually.
47. Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier
Part of the Navy Pier, until early January, this part of Chicago becomes a giant playground.
48. Ice Skating
There are few rinks across the city, the most popular being the Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon.
Skating is free if you have your own skates, or you can rent skates on-site for $15.
49. Other Free Things to do in the Winter
Click on each month to discover free events taking place.
THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN THE SPRING
As with any time of year, there is plenty to do in Chicago in the Spring. A few of the free activities are:
50. The Riverwalk
Chicago's “Second Lakefront”, the Riverwalk is a beautiful place to explore with a unique perspective of the surrounding city.
Learn more about the Riverwalk, the buildings that surround it, and the history of the river on our Free Tours by Foot Chicago Riverwalk and History Tour!
51. Lakefront Trail
This 18-mile trail runs along the western coast of Lake Michigan and is a favorite for walkers, runners, and those with bikes.
Take a stroll along the path, or use a Divvy Bike (Chicago’s bike-sharing program) to make your way down the coast.
52. The 606
The 606 is an elevated trail that connects three neighborhoods in the city.
Named after the first 3 digits in the city’s zip code, this is a perfect trail for running, biking, and walking while exploring the neighborhoods of Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square.
53. Other Free Things to do in the Spring
Click on each month to discover free events taking place.
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