10 Free Things to Do & See in Chicago

Visiting a big city does not always equate to spending big bucks. In fact, cities can often be the cheapest tourist destinations considering the many free attractions. Chicago is home to some of the world’s top tourist attractions including world-class zoos, museums, and parks. I grew up in the city and enjoyed access to some of the best museums and attractions in the country. Most of my favorite things to do in the city just happen to be those that cost nothing. A winning combination of stunning architecture & magnificent lake views means there are plenty of opportunities for wonderful sightseeing and recreation on a budget.

Taking a trip to The Windy City doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Yes, there are dozens of worthwhile activities that cost money (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Cubs and Bears games, Brookfield Zoo, and The Field Museum to name a few). However, plenty of options do exist for those on a budget.

All of my activities featured on my guide are free and worthy of a visit in my book. I have included a mix of recreational activities, special events, and historical sites so there are options to suit everyone’s interests.

1. Bike the Lakefront Path

The ultimate free activity downtown is biking the 18 mile long lakefront path – it’s one of the most gorgeous rides you will ever take. I lived in the city so long and just discovered the beauty of this trail recently. You will get to enjoy the top views of the city and skyline by either riding, walking, or jogging along this incredible urban path. It’s the city’s best amenity, and unfortunately, most of the tourists don’t know about it.

Don’t worry, you do not have to be an avid cyclist to enjoy this path. You have the option of starting at the midway point (near Millennium Park), which is the most scenic portion of the path. This path is absolutely flat with no hills, making it an attractive option for athletes of all levels. Just avoid biking on a windy day or you will be getting in a monster leg workout trying to pedal through the harsh conditions.

What I love most is the convenient access to some of the city’s top tourist attractions. These include: The Museum campus, Navy Pier, and Lincoln Park Zoo. Around mile 9, make sure to cross the street to take in the beauty of Buckingham Fountain. It’s so convenient to tour the various attractions without driving to each one separately. Lincoln Park Zoo, the fountain, and Navy Pier are free all year which is nice. The museums do have a fee, although totally worth it in my opinion. The Field offers free museum on Wednesday for residents, so a great perk if you live in the area.

Every aspect of this path is impressive. Chicago is a city of amazing architecture and the lake is so gorgeous; this trail gives you convenient access to the best all in one place. A+ all the way in my opinion. I only wish I would have found out about it much sooner.

2. Stroll around the Lincoln Park Zoo

There are only a handful of remaining free zoos in the US. One of these just happens to be Lincoln Park Zoo. This beautiful 35 acre zoo is open year-round, making it a fantastic summer or winter destination. The skyline views put this zoo in a league of its’ own.

Some of you may ask why you would want to visit a zoo during the city’s cold, snowy winter season. The answer is the stunning holiday Zoo Lights festival, a festive annual celebration in which the zoo sparkles with over 2 million lights.

I was so impressed with the holiday Zoo Lights extravaganza. In my opinion, this light display is even better than Brookfield – the lights are so much more colorful. The ice carving demonstrations and synchronized light and music shows add to the fun.

Update: This festival used to be free. There is now a $7-12 charge depending on the day, but you can still get in free on Mondays!

3. Enjoy free events at Millennium Park

While walking around downtown, it would be hard to miss the city’s iconic 300+ acre park. This beautiful park, built to celebrate the millennium was supposed to open in 2000. The opening was delayed due to costs and it didn’t open until 2004 although there were some pretty big celebrations during this time. You can read more about the park’s history via the Chicago Public Library. I love the architecture , artwork, and fountains – it’s a gorgeous city park.

Most notably, it is home to the world famous Cloud Gate sculpture, aka “The Bean” to locals. The unique reflective attributes of this piece of art make it a popular place for photography. Mike & I always have a great time taking various pictures of ourselves in front of the sculpture.

My personal favorite activity here is ice skating when the winter rink (McCormick Tribune) opens for the season. This rink is free to the public (aside from a small skate rental fee). Skating on a snowy winter afternoon with the incredible cityscape in the background is one of my favorite holiday memories. It is my favorite place to be in the city during the winter season. Summertime, you can look forward to free concerts and also enjoy the various art exhibits.

Check out the park’s event lineup

4. Browse the collection at The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago features one of the best art collections in the world. After visiting other art galleries across the US, I appreciate the grandeur of this museum even more (it’s the second largest art museum in the country). On Thursday nights, don’t miss out on your chance to visit this museum free of charge (residents only). Also, this museum is free for Bank of America cardholders on the first full weekend of each month. Also, they offer a number of free days for state residents in December – check with the museum for more details.

My favorite time to visit the museum is during the winter months when the tourist crowds have begun to thin out. Also, at this time of the year, the lions out front are decorated in holiday cheer for the annual “Wreathing of the Lions.” From here, you can easily walk to the famous Magnificent Mile which is loaded with some of the city’s best shopping and dining.

5. Take pics of the incredible skyline

Finding places to photograph the amazing skyline is another must-do. Lake Michigan provides such a stunning background to an already incredible cityscape. Although there are plenty of great sites for capturing the perfect view, every local knows the best views are found behind the Adler Planetarium. Even if you are not visiting the planetarium, you can still take pictures here free of charge. Like The Field, the Adler is also free for residents on Wednesdays.

What better souvenir to take home than your picture in front of what I (and many others) believe is the most attractive skyline in the country. The only one that comes close for me is Pittsburgh which is so gorgeous with the 3 rivers and bridges. The best part of all: you didn’t have to spend a dime on an overpriced souvenir!