Chicago is a Midwest metropolis that comes alive in the summer. With a bustling downtown that sits along 26 miles of shoreline, Chicago is a vibrant city that makes for a perfect weekend getaway. Chicago is the third largest city in the US next to New York and L.A., but easily wins among the three in affordability. If you are planning a trip to Chicago on a budget, you can see the best of Chicago without breaking the bank with 11 free things to do in Chicago.
Summer Street Festival
Chicago streets come alive in the summer, as festivals take over different neighborhoods each weekend. While many street fests have a suggested donation at the entrance, it is an optional fee. All festivals that take place on city-owned streets are required to be free to enter. Street festivals feature a range of local vendors and artists, and often culminate with free concerts each night. Stop by for live music and cheap eats as you take in one of the best free things to do in Chicago in the summer.
Some of our favorite free Chicago street festivals include:
- Lincoln Park Greek Fest (May 31 – June 2, 2024)
- Old Town Art Fair (June 10 – June 11, 2024)
- Wicker Park Fest (Jul 26 – Jul 28, 2024)
- Taste of Lincoln Avenue (Jul 26 – Jul 28, 2024)
- Retro on Roscoe (Aug 9 – Aug 11, 2024)
Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year, and completely free for anyone to visit. Hundreds of animal species live within the 49 acre zoo, nestled in the heart of Chicago’s most beloved park. The zoo is the perfect stop in between window shopping on Armitage and hitting the Lakefront Trail. When your tired legs need reprieve, head to the Patio at Cafe Brauer for a refreshment with a view.
In addition to getting up close and personal with exotic animals, the zoo puts on various seasonal festivals throughout the year, making it worth a visit no matter when you’re traveling to Chicago. From holiday Zoo Lights to Autumn Fall Feast, and even a Craft Brew at the Zoo ticketed night, there is always something to do at the zoo.
Free Events and Workouts at Wrigley Field
Gallagher Way is directly adjacent to the iconic Wrigley Field. When the Cubs are in town, Gallagher Way is free to enter for game ticket holders, and is a great insider secret to kickstart your day at Wrigley Field.
When the Cubs are away, Gallagher Way puts on a rotating series of events. Events range from winter markets and ice skating in the winter, to concerts and movies throughout the summer. On summer mornings, stop by for free workout classes at Gallagher Way. From yoga to bootcamps, start your day sweating under the legendary shadows of Wrigley Field.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the best free things to do in Chicago on a cold or rainy day. Although there is no entrance fee, reservations are required to be booked in advance through the Garfield Park Conservatory website. If your fringe season weather is unseasonably cold, head indoors to enjoy the flora and fauna at Garfield Park Conservatory. As you talk through the five unique houses, you can be quickly transported from desert oasis to tropical paradise.
Chicago Parks
With over 580 parks and 8,300 acres of green space, Chicago has been coined a city in a garden. From beaches to bike paths, gardens to parks, there are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Grant Park, Millennium Park, and Maggie Daley Park
The 319 acres of lakefront greenspace are home to many summer festivals, most notably the annual Lollapalooza music festival. Hop on bikes to explore the vast park, nicknamed Chicago’s front yard. Be sure to stop at Buckingham Fountain, the iconic landmark at the center of the park.
Millennium Park sits just north of Grant Park. The adjacent park draws millions of visitors each year to snap a picture in front of Cloud Gate, more commonly known as The Bean.
On the east side of the park is Maggie Daley Park, the recreational heart of Millennium Park. It features a rock climbing wall, expansive playground, and multi-season skating ribbon.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is the greenspace that gives the surrounding neighborhood its name. While the downtown parks draw crowds of tourists, Lincoln Park is a local favorite. You could spend an entire day doing free things in Lincoln Park. Check out a few of our favorite stops in Lincoln Park:
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
- Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
- North Pond and the Honeycomb
- North Avenue Beach
- Green City Farmers Market
Oz Park
Oz Park earns its name from the Wizard of Oz statues donned on each corner of this 13 acre neighborhood park. The park’s homage to the book’s author extends through the Emerald Garden and Dorothy’s Playlot, one of the few wooden play lots in Chicago. In warm months, tennis courts are packed and baseball fields are dotted with little league players.
The 606
The 606 is elevated greenspace that connects western neighborhoods of Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park and Bucktown over a converted railway track. Although officially named the Bloomingdale trail, locals have coined the 2.7 mile path The 606, a nod to the first digits in every Chicago zip code.
Free Movies in the Park
One of Chicago’s most beloved summer traditions for families is back in 2024 for its twenty-second year. Throughout the summer, the Chicago Park District hosts Movies in the Parks at various parks across the city. Movies range from feel-good nostalgia to family films and Hollywood classics.
Check the Chicago Park District website for the latest schedule.
The Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk was completed as an award-winning pedestrian walkway in 2016. The 1.25 mile footpath follows the river from Michigan Avenue to Lake Street, with access points at most major intersections along the river. Look for the arched signs indicating staircase access to the footpath.
While architecture tours and boat rentals come at a cost, the riverwalk is free to roam on a self-guided tour of Chicago. Some companies offer free walking tours if you’re interested in the history and architectural anecdotes without the cost of the boat tour.
The Riverwalk is dotted with restaurants and outposts to stop for a refreshment along the way. In summer months, boats dock for a drink at City Winery while kayakers paddle the perimeter of the river. The Riverwalk is a canvas for local art installations, the most prominent being Art on theMART. An inspiring display of digital art is projected on the riverside facade of the Merchandise Mart nightly starting in April.
Free Concerts at Millenium Park
Each summer, Millennium Park hosts a free concert series in the picturesque Pritzker Pavilion. Bring a folding chair or grab a blanket from your hotel to lay out on the lawn. Drinks are available at concession stands in the park. If you’re on a budget, bring your own dinner and drinks for a picnic in the park. The diverse range of artists offer a perfect soundtrack to watch the sun set on the iconic Chicago skyline.
Lakefront Trail
On a beautiful day in Chicago, locals flock to the lakefront. The 18-mile path features dual bike and pedestrian pathways that hug the expansive Lake Michigan coastline. For the best views of the Chicago skyline, walk from Theater on the Lake south to North Avenue Beach.
To find the nearest access and ensure a safe crossing of Lake Shore Drive, save the handy Lakefront Trail Map from Chicago Park District.
Free Museum Days
You’ll pay entrance to Chicago’s most popular museums most days of the year. Once a month, many museums allow free admission for Illinois residents. If you are traveling to Chicago from within the state, check museum websites for upcoming free admission days.
- Illinois Holocaust Museum: Free to all visitors the last Friday of every month
- Field Museum: Free every Wednesday for Illinois residents
- Art Institute of Chicago: Free for Illinois residents every Monday, Thursday, Friday. Always free for children under 14.
- Adler Planetarium: Free for Illinois residents every Wednesday from 4 to 10 p.m.
- Chicago Children’s Museum: Free for everyone on the last Thursday or each month
If you are visiting friends or relatives in Chicago, you may be able to score free museum passes through the Chicago Public Library.
Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago Cultural Center is a year round option when looking for free things to do in Chicago. The city landmark is located in the Loop directly across from Millenium Park, making it an easy add-on to an afternoon in the park.
The landmark originally served as the first Chicago Public Library, built in grandeur to illustrate Chicago’s elevated city status. The building is renowned for its architectural beauty. Its Tiffany dome is considered to be the largest in the world, constructed of 30,000 individual glass pieces.
The building features rotating exhibitions and free performances and events. Free guided tours are offered every Thursday and Friday at 1:15pm on first come, first served availability.
What are you favorite free things to do in Chicago? Comment below!
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