Are you looking for free things to do in Chicago? I’ve got you covered.

Chicago isn’t usually described as a cheap city; it can get expensive quickly.

Thankfully, many of the best things to do in Chicago are completely free.

Here are 18 of my favorite free things to do in Chicago, including free things to do downtown,

outdoor activities, and places to visit at night.

So let’s get going and start planning some free fun activities.

If you are mixing free attractions with a few paid experiences, you can also explore our guide to the best things to do in Chicago.

18 Best Free Things to Do in Chicago: Downtown, Beaches and More

See Cloud Gate in Millennium Park

You cannot visit Chicago without stopping to see Cloud Gate, better known as “The Bean”.

Created by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor, this enormous polished sculpture reflects the skyline and everything around it.

Cloud Gate stands in Millennium Park, one of the best places to begin exploring downtown Chicago.

The park is free to enter and normally opens daily from 6 am until 11 pm.

It is a great space for a perfect photo opportunity.

Cloud Gate is one of my top Chicago attractions found around the city.

Explore the rest of Millennium Park

There is more to Millennium Park than The Bean.

Look for the interactive Crown Fountain, the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the curving BP Pedestrian Bridge.

The park also hosts free concerts, films and cultural events throughout the year.

Admission to Millennium Park is free, although security procedures and access arrangements can change during large events.

Walk through Lurie Garden

Lurie Garden is a five-acre garden within Millennium Park, but it feels surprisingly tranquil compared to the busy city around it.

Its grasses, bulbs, shrubs, and perennial plants provide colour and interest throughout the year.

It is particularly beautiful during spring and summer, although the dried grasses and seed heads give it a certain charm in autumn and winter.

It is one of the best free Chicago gardens to visit while exploring downtown.

Walk the Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk follows the south bank of the Chicago River through the centre of the city.

The route provides close-up views of some of Chicago’s most striking architecture, including Marina City, Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building.

It is also a good place to watch sightseeing boats travel along the river.

Come early for a quieter experience or around sunset as the buildings begin to light up.

It’s one of the most fun free things to do in Chicago.

Visit the Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is much more than somewhere to escape the rain.

The building contains decorative mosaics, marble staircases, and two elaborate stained-glass domes.

The best-known is the Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall, believed to be the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world.

Admission is free, along with many of its exhibitions, concerts and events.

The Cultural Center stands opposite Millennium Park, making it easy to combine the two attractions.

Check the Chicago Cultural Center programme for current opening times and events.

Follow the Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail extends for approximately 18 miles beside Lake Michigan,

connecting beaches, gardens and some of Chicago’s loveliest parks.

You do not need to complete the entire trail. Choose a section and walk, run or cycle for as long as you like.

The central stretch offers lake, parkland and skyline views.

Walking is free, although you will need to pay if you want to hire a bicycle.

Expect the trail to become busy during warm weekends.

Free Things To Do In Chicago: Spend a day on a Chicago beach

Chicago has dozens of beaches along Lake Michigan, and admission to Chicago Park District beaches is free.

North Avenue Beach is one of the liveliest beaches and provides classic views of the skyline.

Oak Street Beach is convenient for downtown, while Montrose Beach offers more space and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.

The official swimming season generally runs from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day.

A day beside Lake Michigan is also one of the best ways to experience Chicago in summer.

Explore Lincoln Park Conservatory

Lincoln Park Conservatory is filled with palms, ferns, tropical plants, and seasonal displays.

In winter, it provides some much-needed warmth and greenery but is interesting any time of the year.

The surrounding gardens are also worth exploring too.

Entry is free, although visitors may be asked to make a reservation in advance.

Free Things To Do In Chicago: Discover Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory is larger and more dramatic than its Lincoln Park counterpart.

Sometimes described as landscape art under glass, the conservatory contains several indoor gardens representing different climates and environments.

Expect towering palms, desert plants, ferns, ponds, and seasonal installations.

Admission is free, but reservations may be required, and donations are encouraged.

It is easily reached from downtown on the Green Line.

Take Children To Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park sits beside Millennium Park and is connected to it by the BP Pedestrian Bridge.

Its Play Garden is one of the best free things to do in Chicago with children.

The space contains climbing structures, slides, bridges, and play areas inspired by children’s stories.

Entry to the park and Play Garden is free.

Some activities, including the climbing wall and seasonal skating ribbon, charge separately.

Free Things To Do In Chicago: Walk Along Navy Pier

You do not have to buy a Ferris wheel ticket to enjoy Navy Pier.

The pier stretches into Lake Michigan and offers wide views across the water and back towards Chicago’s skyline.

It is free to enter and explore, although the rides, restaurants, cruises and paid attractions try their best to tempt you.

Navy Pier also stages free events, live music and seasonal firework displays.

See Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park

Buckingham Fountain is the centerpiece of Grant Park and one of the largest fountains in the world.

It is one of the best free things to do in Chicago.

Inspired by the Latona Fountain at Versailles, its design represents Lake Michigan and the four states bordering it.

During its operating season, the fountain has regular water displays, with lights added after dark.

Operation is seasonal and can be affected by maintenance or weather, so check before you go.

Free Things To Do In Chicago: Walk Along The 606

The 606 is an elevated trail created from a former railway line on Chicago’s Northwest Side.

Its main route, the 2.7-mile Bloomingdale Trail, connects several neighbourhood parks.

Along the way, you will find planted areas, public art and unusual views into the surrounding neighbourhoods.

It is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists and offers a more residential alternative to the famous Lakefront Trail.

Visit The National Museum Of Mexican Art

Located in Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art is one of Chicago’s best free museums.

Its collection covers traditional and contemporary Mexican art, including paintings, photography,

folk art, prints, textiles and sculpture.

Its exhibitions also explore migration, identity, history and social justice.

General admission is free.

Free Things To Do In Chicago: Find The Murals Of Pilsen

Pilsen itself feels like an outdoor gallery.

Murals cover walls, railway viaducts and building façades throughout the neighbourhood, reflecting its Mexican-American culture, political history and community life.

The 16th Street Murals are a useful starting point, but part of the pleasure is discovering unexpected works.

Combine a mural walk with the National Museum of Mexican Art for a free afternoon beyond downtown Chicago.

Visit A Free Chicago Art Museum

The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago presents

changing exhibitions covering documentary photography, portraiture, experimental techniques, and social issues.

The Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago displays everything from ancient objects to modern and contemporary art.

Admission to its exhibitions is also free.

Both are quieter alternatives to Chicago’s large museums, making them particularly enjoyable if you prefer smaller galleries.

For more cultural attractions, see our guide to the best museums in Chicago.

Find A Free Concert, Film, Or Festival

Chicago has an extensive program of free events, particularly during summer.

Millennium Park hosts free concerts and outdoor film screenings, while the Chicago Park District runs Movies in the Parks and other neighbourhood events.

Navy Pier offers live music and seasonal fireworks, and free festivals take place across the city.

These events are among the best free things to do at night, but programmes change annually.

Search the Chicago Park District event finder and the city’s events calendar shortly before your visit.

Discover The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

Hidden beside busy Lincoln Park, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool feels more like a woodland retreat than a city attraction.

The landscaped garden surrounds a quiet pool, with stone paths, native planting, small waterfalls and places to sit.

It is a particularly peaceful alternative to Chicago’s busier downtown parks.

Admission is free, although the site is seasonal and opening dates can change.

Free Things To Do In Downtown Chicago In One Day

Begin at the Chicago Cultural Center before crossing the road into Millennium Park.

See Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, and Lurie Garden, then walk through Maggie Daley Park towards the lake.

Continue to the Chicago Riverwalk and follow the river towards Michigan Avenue.

From there, you can walk to Navy Pier or return to Millennium Park for a free evening concert or film.

All the attractions on this route are free, although you will still need to budget for food and transport.

Free Things To Do In Chicago At Night

Some of Chicago’s free attractions are particularly atmospheric after dark.

Walk beside the illuminated buildings of the Chicago Riverwalk, watch the skyline from Navy Pier or the lakefront, or see Buckingham Fountain’s seasonal light display.

Depending on when you visit, you may also find a free film, outdoor concert, or firework display.

Chicago’s parks and gardens have different closing times, so check these before planning an evening visit.

You will find more ideas in our complete guide to things to do in Chicago at night.

Free Things To Do In Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chicago’s main attractions free?

Some of the city’s best-known attractions are free, including Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, the Chicago Riverwalk and Chicago’s public beaches.

Major institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium normally charge admission.

Is the Chicago Riverwalk free?

Yes. It is free to walk along the Chicago Riverwalk. Restaurants, cruises, kayak hire and other commercial activities charge separately.

Are Chicago beaches free?

Chicago Park District beaches are free to visit.

Swimming is only permitted when beaches are officially open, and lifeguards are on duty.

Follow posted safety information because lake conditions can change quickly.

Which free attractions require reservations?

Free reservations may be needed for Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory.

Some other places may require booking during special events, so check before you leave.

Traveling to Chicago: Essentials Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.

Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle. 

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

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