Skint City Chicago

Free and Cheap things to do in Chicago for Tourists and Locals

By Max Milano (Skint City Correspondent)

Compared to London, Washington DC and New York, Chicago lags behind when it comes to free (or almost free) museums. It doesn’t mean that it lacks great museums, far from it, it’s just that they are on the expensive side (with no ‘pay what you want’ option like in New York). But that doesn’t mean free options aren’t available, you just have to do your homework to enjoy the amazing freebies that the windy city has to offer.

Chicago Top 10 Free Year Round Attractions

Chicago boasts many free seasonal festivals and events, but they may not happen when you are in town (as most of them are clustered around the summer months). So the SkintCity team has compiled the top 10 free things to do in Chicago all year around, and you will be glad to know that they are world class and not to be missed (and best of all; always free).

1-    Lincoln Park Zoo

In the same tradition as venerable city zoos like the Central Park Zoo, but much bigger; Lincoln Park Zoo makes you forget that you’re still in the city. Its animal enclosures are very well maintained and expertly curated. The Safari themed African enclosure is a joy, with a pigmy hippo habitat behind glass that allows underwater viewing of hippo bath time.  Zebras, rhinos, giraffes, a polar bear and numerous large cats make up the magnificent collection of animals on display. The ape house, featuring a large family of gorillas and chimps is a highlight. You can reach the Lincoln Park Zoo by public transportation, or simply take a nice walk along the lake, northbound from the Magnificent Mile until you reach the zoo.

2-    Chicago Botanical Gardens

This one is not in the city proper, but well worth the trek north. The Botanial Gardens themselves are free, but they have a hefty parking fee (around $20 per car). To save on parking, take the Metra train from Ogilvie Transportation Center located in the south loop. Metra offers a $7 weekend pass, for unlimited rides on their trains. Get off at Glencoe Metra station (about a 45 minute walk to the Botanical Gardens, but you can bring your Chicago Divvy Bike on the Metra). Alternatively, if you drive up from Chicago, you can park for free in one of several shopping malls located along the Skokie Valley road, and then take a 15 minute stroll along Lake Cook road to reach the park entrance. Once inside, you will be transported to a beautiful world of Japanese and English gardens, roaring waterfalls, romantic islands on a lake and gorgeous fruit trees. Well worth it.

3-    ‘The Bean’ at Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain

Perhaps one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, ‘The Bean’ is always free and always fun (especially when you walk under it).  This cloudlike sculpture, part giant bean, part cloud, and part funfair mirror, is what great urban art should be all about. After the bean, head over to the nearby Buckingham Fountain, for views of the lake and gorgeous jets of water (when in season).

4-    Lincoln Park Conservatory

Located on the same grounds as the Lincoln Park Zoo, this conservatory is the perfect all season day trip. Under its Victorian glass ceiling, you will find many exotic tropical plants that will take you to faraway places like Hawaii and Australia.

5-    Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory is located in Chicago’s West side, easily reachable by the ‘L’ train (Green Line). It’s one of the largest conservatories in the United States. Locals refer to it as “landscape art under glass."  The Conservatory contains a number of exotic plant exhibits from around the world, including some ferns that are over 300 years old.

6-    Navy Pier: Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows

Many visitors to this famous Chicago landmark don’t know about this free exhibit. The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows features many early 20th century glass windows by Tiffany and others that adorned several homes of the more well to do Chicagoans of yesteryear. 

7-    Chicago Cultural Center

Right across from the famous Bean, this former public library with a gorgeous stained glass cupola, now features several exhibits and art shows featuring many local and international artists. Its large class windows overlook the Bean, for that perfect photo opp.

8-    Lake Michigan Beachfront

The lake is one of Chicago’s most beautiful features. Start on Oak Street Beach (directly across from the Drake Hotel) and head north to the Lake Avenue Beach breakwater (it features a small lighthouse). The view of Chicago’s world famous skyline is absolutely breathtaking from there.

9-    Free Walking Tours

Chicago offers many options for free walking tours. You can check out the Windy City Explorer’s website for their neighborhood tours, or go to the City of Chicago website to download several do it yourself walking tours.

10-  Chicago Water Tower: City Gallery and Public Library at the Chicago Visitor Center

The Chicago Water Tower is one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks. Most visitors take pictures of it, but very few venture inside to check out the City Gallery and its rotating exhibits. Granted, it’s very small, but the guard will tell you the history of the Tower and its role during the Chicago fire. Then head across the street to the Water Works building to the Chicago Visitor Center (where you can buy a Chicago City pass for discounted entry to all of the City’s museums).  The Water Works building also features a Chicago Public Library annex, where local residents can take out or drop off their Chicago Library books. The Water Works building also offers a Theatre, plus a quiet corner with plush chairs to rest and read, away from the bustle of the Magnificent Mile.