15 Free Things to do in Chicago

Are you looking for something fun to do in Chicago that doesn’t break the bank? Better yet, are you looking for something completely free to do in Chicago? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

There are endless opportunities for fun in Chicago, but most of them cost money and some of them can be pretty pricey (like a nice dinner out or good seats at a sporting event). What’s great about the city, though, is that there are actually a lot of free things to do as well!

These activities allow you to still have fun and enjoy everything that Chicago has to offer while being budget conscious.

Listed below are 15 free things to do in Chicago:

1. Hyde Park Art Center

The Art Center is free and open to the public 7 days a week! The center’s mission is to stimulate and sustain the visual arts in Chicago. It serves as a hub of exploration and a place for the broader community to cultivate ideas. The art center even offers private meeting rooms for the public and flexible public space that can be used for film screenings, performances, lectures, etc. Be sure to check this neat space out!

2. The Oriental Institute Museum

There is a suggested admission fee of $10, but it is not required. The museum aims to understand, reveal, and protect the earliest human civilizations. The OI is a world-renowned museum and has some of the best resources in the world for the ancient Middle East. I would definitely recommend checking this museum out if you get the chance. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

3. Garfield Park Conservatory

The conservatory does require reservations, but they are free. Walk-up reservations are also allowed, too. The conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the nation. It showcases thousands of plant species throughout the eight indoor display gardens. There is so much to see here, so don’t miss out on it!

4. Riverwalk

The riverwalk is 1.25 miles long which makes it the perfect place to take a stroll in the city on a nice day! There are also tons of places to sit if you want to stop and enjoy the scenic views around you (or if you want to do some people-watching).

5. Buckingham Fountain

It is one of the largest fountains in the world and is truly breathtaking with the lake as its backdrop. For a special treat, visit it at night to enjoy the spectacular music and light show that takes place! This is a great date night spot if you can snag one of the surrounding benches before they fill up.

6. Millenium Park (The Bean, ice skating, movies, and concerts)

Millenium Park is a hub of free activities! Head to The Bean to view one of the world’s largest outdoor art installations. After that, if you have your own ice skates, hop on the ice rink in Millenium Park for free or the Maggie Daley ice skating ribbon. If you’re at the park in the summer, check out one of the free movies or concerts! Bring a picnic blanket and some snacks, and kick back and relax!

7. Chicago Cultural Center

Tickets are not required at the cultural center. Admission is free! The center has exhibitions geared toward the visual arts and contemporary culture. It also has free dance and theater events, music, films, lectures, and family events. This is definitely a place you’ll want to check out!

8. Navy Pier

Navy Pier is free and there is so much to do! It offers a wide range of activities and experiences including public art installations and exhibits, free events/concerts, and firework shows. The firework shows run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend every Wednesday and Saturday night. This is the perfect spot for a romantic date night!

9. Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Conservatory

The zoo and conservatory are both free and definitely worth a visit! The zoo offers a little piece of wildlife amongst the bustling cityscape. It also has a nature boardwalk surrounding a beautiful pond, where you can enjoy a quiet and serene walk filled with native plants and wildlife. This nature walk is the perfect place to walk your dog in the mornings just as the sun is coming up over the water (nothing beats it). If all of this wasn’t enough, there is also a farmers market on Sundays during the summer right across from the zoo!

10. The 606

The 606 is a 2.7 mile trail on the Northwest side of Chicago. The elevated trail is perfect for bikers, joggers, or walkers and has art installations and beautiful landscaping throughout. Make your morning coffee at home, hop on the trail at one of its many entrances, and enjoy a morning stroll with one of your friends on this urban oasis!

11. Wicker Park Winter Market Series at The Robey

The Wicker Park market series brings the farmers market indoors until April! If you love exploring all of the different farmer’s markets Chicago has to offer in the summer, then this is perfect for you. Head to the Robey on select Sundays to check out all it has to offer. It is free to attend, so don’t feel pressured to purchase anything (although supporting small businesses is always encouraged). Visiting the market is a nice way to get yourself out of the cold and experience something new.

12. Lakefront Trails / Beaches

Chicago’s lakefront trail is a whopping 18.5 miles long! If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a divvy or maybe some rollerblades and see if you can complete the entire trail. If you need a break along the way, stop for some sun at one of the many amazing beaches sprinkled throughout the trail. This is a great free activity in the city!

13. Replay

Head to Replay in Lincoln Park or Lakeview for some free, vintage arcade games! Replay is a great bar if you and your friends are feeling a bit nostalgic, or if you have a competitive streak. The bar also has themed pop-ups each month where it transforms into your favorite tv show, movie, or celebrity. Recent themes have been Harry Potter, Spongebob, Simpsons, and Harry Styles.

14. Chicago Greeter

This free program is led by volunteers who will walk you around a particular neighborhood or spot in Chicago and provide you with interesting facts, insider tips, and a unique perspective! If you want to learn more about Chicago, then this is the way to do it! If interested in a 2 – 4 hour tour, it is recommended that you sign up 2 weeks in advance so that they have time to coordinate logistics. They also offer weekly 1 hour long tours if you prefer to join one of those. Click the link here to learn more.

15. Trivia / Karaoke / Stand-Up Comedy Shows

Chicago bars offer so many free trivia nights that you won’t want to pass up! If trivia isn’t your thing, though, head to a bar that offers free karaoke or stand-up comedy, instead! I’ve put together a list of the best places to go, so check that out here!

Comment below other free things to do in Chicago!