The 20 best free things to do in Chicago

The Windy City beckons budget-conscious travelers with its incredible array of free experiences that rival any paid attraction. While world-class restaurants, award-winning theater productions, and architectural boat tours might tempt you to spend your hard-earned dollars, savvy visitors discover that Chicago’s most memorable moments often come without a price tag. Smart planning and local insider knowledge reveal countless ways to enjoy the best things this magnificent city offers. 

Our carefully curated roundup presents tips and tricks for keeping your budget low while maximizing your good time. From iconic sights to vibrant live events, you’ll never need to spend a dime to experience the Art Institute district and beyond.

1. Make the Most of Millennium Park’s Free Events

Smart visitors begin their Chicago adventure at Millennium Park, where a mother lode of freebies awaits discovery throughout the entire day. Summer months bring particularly rich offerings, from energizing morning yoga class sessions to afternoon opportunities for admiring the soaring public art installations. Families splash joyfully in the famous fountain-turned-water-park before gathering to catch an unforgettable concert at the magnificent Pritzker Pavilion come evening.

The venue’s free shows represent a true Chicago highlight, creating magical moments where locals naturally gather to picnic and sip wine while enchanting melodies fill the air. Jazz and world music performances grace Mondays and Thursdays, while classical music lovers flock to Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for world-class entertainment. You can easily lean into a perfect day here without spending anything.

2. Tours Around the Chicago Cultural Center

This magnificent Cultural Center stands as an exquisite example of beaux-arts architecture, its block-long facade commanding attention since it began its life as the Chicago Public Library back in 1897. Today, it offers visitors a remarkable treasure trove of gratis goodness, featuring museum-quality art exhibitions, fascinating foreign film screenings, captivating music performances, graceful dance shows, engaging theater productions, and delightful family events.

Professional volunteers and knowledgeable staff lead informative free hour-long walking tours through this historic building every Thursday and Friday. Planning tip: Since these popular tours start promptly at 1:15pm on a first-come, first-served basis, experienced visitors drop by early to avoid disappointment.

3. Enjoy Lakefront Views from Navy Pier

While popular attractions like the giant Ferris wheel will cost you to spin and boat excursions require payment to set sail, Navy Pier generously provides its most popular things absolutely free. The refreshing cool breezes and terrific lakefront views remain always free for every visitor to enjoy.

The Pier rightfully prides itself on maintaining an extensive year-round program of diverse complementary events, including vibrant cultural celebrations, inspiring art exhibitions, charming al fresco films, and energetic live music performances that enhance any visit.

4. Watch Art on theMart in the Evening

The spectacular Art on theMart presents an extraordinary video art extravaganza that transforms the world’s largest commercial building into a canvas for creativity. This trippy light show runs for exactly 30 minutes twice each evening, creating one of the quirkiest things to experience during night hours in Chicago.

Best of all, this mesmerizing display will delight your eyeballs completely free of charge. Planning tip: Since the timings and featured artists change with the seasons, always check the official website for current showtimes during your visit.

5. Visit the Design Museum of Chicago’s Rotating Exhibitions

The innovative Design Museum consistently presents cool exhibitions that change regularly, ensuring return visitors always discover something new. These thoughtfully curated displays cover everything related to both contemporary and historical design movements and innovations.

Visitors should allow approximately 40 minutes to properly view each entire exhibition, and since admission doesn’t cost a single dime, you can comfortably take your time exploring every detail without rushing.

6. Catch Live Music for Free at Buddy Guy’s Legends

Chicago’s well-deserved musical claim to fame centers on the electric blues, and Buddy Guy’s legendary venue remains the ultimate place to hear an authentic fret-bending set for absolutely nothing. Though evening shows typically cost between $15 and $25, talented musicians often play completely free acoustic blues and smooth jazz performances at this beloved restaurant/club during lunch hours and before the main performance starts at 8pm.

Planning tip: All ages receive a warm welcome for these free shows, but the venue maintains strictly over-21 only policies for the main performances in the evening.

7. See the Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo

The beloved Lincoln Park Zoo has successfully entertained countless families for free across more than 150 years of operation. Majestic lions roar with pride, playful apes swing through their habitats, magnificent polar bears swim gracefully, and adorable snow monkeys chill in their enclosures, all located just blocks from downtown’s towering skyscrapers – and all completely free to observe.

The zoo even offers some engaging free daily activities where curious kids can feed gentle cows and friendly chickens, amongst many other fun interactive experiences. Always check the zoo’s website for complete details before you go.

8. Walk the City with a Chicago Greeter

Top-class walking tours throughout the Windy City simply don’t come as wonderfully free and refreshingly breezy as the comprehensive two to four-hour guided trips provided by Chicago Greeter. Participants can choose their preferred theme – maybe history or architecture – or instead pick a specific neighborhood to explore, perhaps the arty Pilsen district or historic Uptown area.

You must book at least ten business days in advance to secure your spot. Not only is this exceptional service completely free, but the friendly greeters – all locals with deep neighborhood knowledge – adhere to a strict no-tipping policy.

9. Settle in at Whistler for Eclectic Performances

The unique Whistler venue cleverly combines being part-gallery, part-cocktail lounge, and part-venue for diverse local indie bands, smooth jazz combos, electronic electronica, authentic country music, and talented DJs. There’s never a cover charge imposed on guests.

Instead, most everyone naturally purchases a snazzy drink to help fund the nightly performances, although doing so remains entirely not compulsory for enjoying the shows.

10. Wander Around Garfield Park Conservatory

This historic 1907 hothouse magnificently bursts with diverse cacti, lush ferns, and colorful flowers throughout its indoor spaces. Outdoors, visitors can roam the expansive grounds past fascinating features like a carnivorous plant bog, serene lily pool, meditative labyrinth, and Claude Monet’s carefully recreated garden, then attend an informative demonstration on beekeeping or composting – all free educational experiences.

Planning tip: Though admission remains totally free, reservations are required for entry, and they get snapped up quickly due to popularity, so book online before you arrive to avoid disappointment.

11. Celebrate Latinx Artworks at the National Museum of Mexican Art

Vibrant colorful folk art and powerful politically charged paintings beautifully grace the walls at the completely free National Museum of Mexican Art, proudly recognized as the USA’s largest Latinx arts institution. Afterward, amble around the surrounding neighborhood to see images of ancient Aztec gods, melodious singing gauchos, and other works by renowned Mexican muralists splashed across local buildings.

This creates a fascinating sort of expansive outdoor gallery that naturally continues the museum’s artistic theme throughout the community streets.

12. Have a Family Day Out at Maggie Daley Park

Families consistently love visiting Maggie Daley Park’s wonderfully fanciful free playgrounds designed in all their imaginative enchanted-forest and adventurous pirate-themed glory. The multiple picnic tables strategically placed throughout make this beautiful park an excellent spot to relax and enjoy a budget-friendly lunch as well.

13. Follow the 606 Between Neighborhoods

An ingeniously repurposed elevated train track converted into a smart 2.7-mile trail, the 606 dramatically unfolds overhead and seamlessly connects the trendy hipster hoods of Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Logan Square. Visitors should look for stunning murals, creative public art installations, and cool views of L trains zipping by below – it all costs absolutely nothing to experience.

14. Learn About Modern Architecture at Charnley-Persky House

Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright brilliantly designed the Charnley-Persky House when he was just 19 years old, making this an exceptional example of early architectural genius. Interested visitors must register in advance for the informative free 45-minute tours that run every Wednesday at midday.

These tours reveal how Wright left behind the ornate baroque decorations typical of Victorian design and boldly kicked off a revolutionary simple style that ultimately laid the foundation for modern architecture.

15. Be Dazzled by the Light Show at Buckingham Fountain

Standing as the magnificent centerpiece of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain ranks as one of the world’s largest with its impressive 1.5-million-gallon capacity and spectacular 15-story-high spray. The central fountain symbolically symbolizes Lake Michigan, while the four decorative water-spouting sea creatures artistically represent the surrounding states.

So far, so super-sized in scope and grandeur. The fountain then lets loose its full display on the hour from 9am until the last showing at 10:35pm from early May through mid-October, accompanied at night by brilliant multi-colored lights and stirring music – all completely free.

16. Play Free Arcade Games at Replay Lincoln Park

A little off-the-beaten-path from typical tourist routes, this atmospheric dark Chicago bar comes impressively loaded with scores of vintage pinball machines and beloved classic arcade games like Tetris, Donkey Kong, and Paperboy. Plus plenty of up-to-date beat-’em-ups like Mortal Kombat and Tekken 5 remain all available to play for simply the cost of purchasing a drink.

17. Admire the Murals and Street Art in Pilsen

The vibrant neighborhood of Pilsen has become deservedly famous for its stunning murals that dramatically splash across local churches, schools, and cafes – all of which can be seen completely free and easily explored on foot. The 16th Street railroad embankment particularly unfurls a rich vein of artistic expression, showcasing 50 works by both local and international artists adorning an impressive 1.5-mile stretch between Wood and Halsted Streets.

The whole 18th Street Station serves as a work of art in itself, too, with its walls and steps beautifully adorned with colorful murals. Don’t miss the remarkable house of celebrated muralist Hector Duarte, located just a few blocks southwest of the station, where he’s completely covered the exterior with his most striking work titled Gulliver in Wonderland.

18. Join the Locals at Popular Montrose Beach

Chicago has plenty of great beaches along its stunning lakefront, but Montrose Beach – the dune-packed, nature-filled stretch of golden sand located in Uptown – ranks amongst the most popular destinations for both residents and visitors. Many rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and jet skis here for water adventures, but simply with a good book, some shorts, and a comfortable towel, it’s just as lovely whiling away an entire day without spending a single dime.

19. Peruse the Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Photography

This exceptional free museum expertly focuses on both American and international photography spanning from the early 20th century onward to contemporary works. The impressive permanent collection includes the celebrated works of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Harry Callahan, Sally Mann, Victor Skrebneski, Catherine Wagner, and 500 more of the best photographers actively working today.

20. Browse the Fine Arts Collection at the Smart Museum of Art

Named after the visionary founders of Esquire magazine, who generously contributed the essential start-up money, this institution serves as the official fine arts museum of the prestigious University of Chicago. The remarkable free collection proudly holds 5000 years’ worth of diverse work, with twentieth-century paintings and sculptures, Central European expressionism, and East Asian art representing the strong suits.

Hepworth, Warhol, and Kandinsky are just a few of the big-name artists currently on offer. Planning tip: The museum remains currently closed for extensive renovations but will reopen in late September 2025.