Get ready to pack your bags and buckle up for a thrilling family adventure in the Windy City. This bustling metropolis, with its sky-scraping towers, iconic landmarks, world-class museums and fun-filled parks, promises an unending list of attractions for all ages.
Whether it's taking a spin on the giant Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, diving into the underwater realms at Shedd Aquarium, or exploring the wonders of the natural world at the Field Museum, Chicago has enough to keep your little ones busy.
To keep your budget in check, it’s good to mix in some free options between the big-ticket attractions. Here are some of the best options for free fun in Chicago.
1. Millennium Park
201 E Randolph Street
It's one of the city's most iconic tourist spots and it’s completely free. Enjoy the stunning architecture and landscapes and take a family selfie in front of Cloud Gate, affectionately known as 'The Bean,” a piece of art so unique that even the smallest child can appreciate it.
2. Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North 2001 North Clark
This is one of the only zoos in the country offering free admission, making it a great spot for family outings. The Lincoln Park Zoo is renowned for its extensive variety of exhibits. These specially designed exhibits are home to nearly 200 unique species from around the world in exhibits like Farm in the Zoo, the Helen Branch Primate House and the Kovier Lion House.
3. Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington Street
Known for its stunning interior, filled with mosaics and stained glass, the center also hosts various free events and exhibits. The Chicago Cultural Center and Garfield Park Conservatory host the free JuiceBox concerts on the first and third Friday and Saturday of each month. These events provide a platform for children to expend some energy and engage with local Chicago artists. The two venues alternate in hosting these concerts.
4. Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park Avenue
Immerse yourself in nature at this urban oasis, where you can “freely” explore different plant habitats. That’s right, no worries if you have to leave early due to naptime; this stop is completely free. Many of the exhibits at Garfield Park Conservatory are interactive, allowing kids to engage with the natural world hands-on. The Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden has a variety of interactive elements, like the giant seed and the Underground Roots Exhibit.
5. Chicago Riverwalk
Along Wacker Drive
Need to get some fresh air and work off a sugar rush from Dylan’s Candy Bar? Take a stroll along the scenic riverfront pathway, which offers breathtaking views of the city's skyline. This is the perfect opportunity to move at your own pace as you stop along the different viewpoints.
6. Lakefront Trail
Trailhead Entrance at Ardmore Ave
This 18-mile trail along the shore of Lake Michigan is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Good news. You don’t have to commit to the daunting mileage. Instead, you can take your time and stop at the parks, beaches, gardens and playgrounds along the way.
7. National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th Street
Chicago is full of great museums, but most involve a paying ticket, which can add up. Dive into this free museum's rich world of Mexican art and culture. The style of indigenous art featured here is especially bold and colorful – enough to capture the eye of a young person new to the art world.
8. Open House Chicago
Across the City
Are you traveling to Chicago in October? The Open House Chicago festival combines education with entertainment, making it an ideal family outing. This free public event offers a self-guided history and architecture trail and behind-the-scenes access to more than 170 buildings across Chicago.
This is probably best suited for older children who can gain insights into architectural design, learn about the city's historical sites and develop an appreciation for Chicago's rich cultural heritage.
9. Maggie Daley Park Play Garden
337 E Randolph Street
Maggie Daley Park Play Garden makes a fantastic Windy City stop for families to catch their breath after a long day of sightseeing. The park features different zones with larger-than-life features like a life-sized ship, a 30-foot-tall suspension bridge tower, a mini-lighthouse, spiral slides, an enchanted forest of upside-down trees, a climbing wall, mini-golf, picnic groves and even a skating area.
10. Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park
2700 S Halsted Street
Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park, previously known as Stearns Quarry, is a 26-acre marvel nestled in the heart of Chicago's southwest side. This park was named in honor of Henry Palmisano, a popular local bait shop owner and fishing advocate. It features a diverse range of natural elements, including fishing piers, a quarry pond, trails, prairie vegetation and a thrilling hill and a tiered wetland, all ripe for a low-key day of picnics and exploration.
11. Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Make your way to the entrance of the Ryan Learning Center at the Art Institute of Chicago for their free Artist's Studio, open Thursday to Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. With no admission fee to the learning center, you're welcome to indulge in creative art-making experiences.
12. Wildwood Nature Center
529 Forestview Avenue
Immerse your little ones in the natural world at Park Ridge's free nature center, where you can discover various animal exhibits and engage in the interactive Nature Nook indoors. Be sure to visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays for a chance to witness animal feeding times. On Saturdays, don't miss the Critter Connection, where you can get up close with a new animal friend. For outdoor exploration, the center also boasts five acres of land featuring two ponds and a butterfly garden.
13. Historic Wagner Farm
1510 Wagner Road
Twenty minutes north of Chicago, the Historic Wagner Farm is a delightful free place for families to visit in Glenview. This 18.6-acre farm is one of the last working dairy farms open to the public for recreation and learning and serves as a living history museum and dairy farm, providing an invaluable opportunity for families to learn about early 20th-century life on the farm. The Heritage Center located within the farm also houses various museum exhibits about the farm's past.
Chicago is built for families of all interests. With its impressive architecture, diverse neighborhoods and world-class public art — including the famous "Bean" sculpture — there's always something to explore in Chicago without spending a dime.
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