Budget-friendly and free family activities in Chicago.
Many families living in Chicago as well as visitors to the city have to adhere to a strict budget. It is costly there, but a tight budget can make it difficult to plan family vacations. Below you will find a list of free activities to do in the city of Chicago , and they are good for adults, children, and the entire family. Some popular attractions in Chicago cost an arm and a leg between admission prices, food, and souvenirs. Luckily, even the largest cities offer numerous free attractions that are perfect for families. Chicago is one of these entertaining cities--with beautiful sights and exciting activities it is a great place for a family vacation. It's also full of free activities. Check out eight of the best family-friendly attractions that won't break the bank:
What are free things to do in Chicago IL
- Spend a wild and wacky day at the free Lincoln Park Zoo.
Families will enjoy this natural haven of beauty nestled among a sea of skyscrapers. The Lincoln Park Zoo is open to the public an astounding 365 days a year (including holidays!) and admission is always free. The 35-acres of lush greenery and wild habitats is home to over 1,000 animals. Kids will squeal with delight as they observe the wacky penguins slip and slide through Penguin Cove. The Kovler Lion House is an unforgettable stop--catch a glimpse of a gorgeous snow leopard and watch the fluid movements of the sleek jaguar. Extra lucky visitors will hear the powerful roar of the majestic African lion. A stop at the seal pool is a treat for the whole family. Visitors to the Lincoln Zoo can enter the underwater-viewing area to observe these adorable animals swimming through the water. In addition to getting up close to hundreds of amazing animals, the Lincoln Park Zoo hosts numerous family-friendly special events and activities. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities in the farm area and sing-alongs (some programs require a registration fee). Although the zoo itself offers free admission, parking is quite pricey near it (as it is in many places in Chicago) and taking a stroll from your hotel or riding the bus is a great way to save money.
- Embrace imagination at Chicago Children's Museum.
The Chicago Children's Museum, which is located on Navy Pier, offers free family nights on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The museum offers incredible interactive exhibits that will spark imaginations and keep little hands busy. Not only that, the museum is also great for the parents, as any time a kid is happy the mom or dad will be sure to follow.
- delightful schooner offers kids a spot to climb and explore. The Waterways exhibit, which is also free, is a great spot for splashing, squirting, and learning about the power of water. Treehouse Trails is an enchanted indoor forest running through the Chicago museum where kids and babies can enjoy treehouses, waterfalls, and more. The Tinkering Lab is the perfect area for older kids to expand their scientific knowledge and enjoy hands-on building and creating.
- Take a Free Tour of a Chicago firehouse.
The Chicago Fire Department has numerous firehouses that offer free tours for families. The history of these firehouses is incredibly interesting, and kids will love to explore the engaging buildings, maybe slide down a poll and get a closer look at the super cool fire engines. Engine 98 on East Chicago Avenue is a great place to start. The building has a magical, enchanting look that resembles an old castle. Engine 18 is Chicago's oldest company, and it's also the setting for many scenes in the hit show, Chicago Fire.
- Discover the Play Garden in Maggie Daley Park.
The Play Garden in the expansive Maggie Daley Park is simply enormous. It's safe to say that most kids have never seen a playground of these epic proportions. The Play Garden is comprised of six different areas with age suggestions for each. "Watering Hole" and "The Harbor" are ideal for children ages 2-5 years old. Whimsical animals and sprinklers await kiddos in the Watering Hole. The Harbor is 2,000-square feet of "boating" fun. "The Sea" and "Slide Crater" are excellent play areas for kids ages 5-12 years old, and it is only open to them. A metal play ship, whale, and lighthouse boast ladders, ropes, and spiraling slides for endless fun. Thrill seekers will never want to leave "Slide Crater". This 12,000-square foot area can be entered by crossing an incredible suspension bridge or through a pathway on the ground. Slides of all shapes and sizes connect and create an exhilarating place to play. Kids of all ages will be enamored with the "Enchanted Forest" and "Wave Lawn" areas. The "Enchanted Forest" is aptly named, as it has a magical quality about it that resembles a trip to Wonderland. Upside-down trees, moving boulders, a mirror maze, and tea party table add to the incredible atmosphere. The massive "Wave Lawn" boasts over 16,000 square feet of gently rolling hills. Kids will enjoy rolling down the hills, playing tag, or using the talk tubes located throughout the area.
- Watch the water dance at Buckingham Fountain.
In the center of Grant Park, which is a Chicago landmark in of itself, sits a stunning architectural gem. The Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world, and its dazzling displays are breathtaking. Built in 1927, the fountain was inspired by the exquisite Latona Fountain at Versailles. Incredible water displays run each hour for 20 minutes and visiting the site at night is a special treat. At night, the water shows are set to lights and music.
- Explore Northerly Island.
Northerly Island is a 91-acre, scenic peninsula that offers an incredible view of the Chicago skyline. The peninsula is brimming with beauty and has recently become home to many interesting birds as well as other forms of wildlife. The area was originally comprised of dry grasslands, but after recent developments now includes wetlands, trees, and shrubs. These new additions make a wonderful home for many types of birds, including owls and geese. Northerly Island is a great place to get in touch with nature, and getting in touch with nature is always free and anyone can do it. Families can ride bikes along the scenic baths, have a picnic in a grassy nook, or discover a new fishing spot. The peninsula is also home to the Huntington Bank Pavilion, a fantastic music venue.
- Take in the beauty of The Garden of the Phoenix.
The Garden of the Phoenix is a delightful space inside Jackson Park. This captivating, free area is a dazzling place to explore and its magical atmosphere appeals to both children and adults as well as visitors to the magnificent city of Chicago. The garden is filled with bright blooms, graceful Japanese maples, and an ornamental moon bridge. The garden represents the storied history between the United States and Japan. It's a wonderful place to expose children to the beauty of the Japanese culture. Yoko Ono's sculpture Sky Landing is the perfect photo op.
- Enjoy fun in the sun at the free to the public Chicago Beaches.
Chicago's 26 miles of lakefront means plenty of beach opportunities! Families visiting Chicago in the summer months should take advantage of the numerous sites and activities on Lake Michigan. Many of the beaches have a stunning view of the city skyline, which makes a gorgeous background in family photos. Popular spots include the Oak Street Beach, Rainbow Beach and Park, and North Avenue Beach. Families can enjoy playing in the sand, splashing around in the cool water of Lake Michigan, or exploring the parks and playgrounds found at many beaches. Chicago is a beautiful, yet expensive, city with interesting history, incredible architecture, and a gorgeous waterfront. The city offers numerous free family-friendly activities, from exciting museum programs to delightful outdoor adventures. Most of them are great for both kids as well as adults. It's also home to one of the few free zoos in the entire country. Chicago is a great place for families to visit. Or for those who live there, they too can make memories without spending a lot of money.