Free Things To Do In Chicago

Did you know that Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States?

It’s a great place to visit in America if you’re looking to immerse yourself in art and culture as Chicago has a fantastic art gallery and museum scene.

There’s also awesome parks situated throughout the city and plenty of walking trails to enjoy too for beautiful views of Chicago.

If you’re looking for inspiration of things to do in the city, check out our extensive list of the 10 best free attractions in Chicago, as well as the top 10 rated paid attractions to enjoy in Chicago.

Free Attractions in Chicago

Top Rated Chicago Attractions

Free

Millennium Park

Renowned as being one of the best and most popular public spaces in the world, Millennium Park stretches across an impressive 24.5-acres and offers a great area for performing arts and musical showcases.

Inside the park you’ll also see the sculpture that’s arguably the most famous free attraction in Chicago; the Cloud Gate, or the “bean” as it’s more affectionately referred to.

There’s also...

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Admission Ticket

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • A trip that allows the travellers to visit the Legoland discovery centre, here in Chicago.
  • Explore the 30,000 square feet area filled with beautiful attractions and LEGO sized adventures, for all enthusiatic participants who look so tiny amidst this extended land.
  • A popular choice for tourists who are travelling with kids
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Free

Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail is another one of the best free attractions in Chicago that’s an ideal excursion for the whole family.

It’s an 18-mile path that spans along the western shore of Lake Michigan and will take you all the way from the far north of Chicago, to the south side of the city.

The trail is an ideal place for walkers, runners, cyclists and skateboarders, and it’s popular with both locals and tourists...

Skydeck Chicago Admission Ticket

clock Duration: 90 to 120
  • Here is a trip designed for travellers who wish to immerse themselves into the beauty of the panoramic view of the city from the Skydeck in Chicago.
  • Gaze upon the Windy City from a glass balcony. Allowes travellers to experience something very unusual yet breathtaking.
  • Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the 103rd
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Free

Garfield Park Conservatory

Renowned for being one of the world’s largest indoor garden spaces, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a must-visit place on your list of things to do in Chicago.

It’s a great place to bring the kids as there’s plenty to see and enjoy while you’re there.

You’ll get to see the ever-changing species of plants that are constantly being brought into the Conservatory, as well as the Elizabeth Morse Genius...

Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art: General Admission Ticket

clock Duration: 1 to 3 hou
  • The MCA Chicago is one of the nation’s largest multidisciplinary museums devoted to the art of our time with an international reputation for presenting ground-breaking exhibitions.

    Here, the public can experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time....read more
Free

Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk has won awards thanks to its eclectic offering of art, sculptures and music shows that are paraded along the riverbank in central Chicago.

It’s a 1.25-mile promenade so you can easily see the whole thing in less than a couple of hours and you can bring the kids along to admire one of Chicago’s best free things to do.

There are six main intersections where you can join up with the Chicago...

Chicago Walking Tour: Tiffany Treasures

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • Learn about the life and work of Louis Comfort Tiffany as we visit some of Chicago’s most magnificent art-glass and mosaic installations, each designed and crafted by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company.

    In the late 19th Century, the Arts and Crafts movement revived an interest in decorative glass. New, well-regarded homes and public...read more
Free

Chicago Botanic Garden

The remarkable 385-acre plant museum is one of the best free attractions in Chicago if you’re wanting to escape the busy city streets for a few hours and immerse yourself in beautiful, natural surroundings.

There are over 27 gardens that are spread out across nine different islands inside the Chicago Botanic Garden and it’s an absolute sanctuary for outdoor lovers!

You could happily bring the children along to the...

Medieval Torture Museum Ticket with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • Discover horrific instruments of torture and execution. Get a fully audio-guided immersed experience.

    Explore the interactive exhibits at your own pace. Feel the chilling Ghost Hunting Experience using Ghost Hunting...read more
Free

Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is one of the most visited free attractions in Chicago; every year hundreds of thousands of people flock to the city’s epicentre of culture to experience art, lectures and music performances.

It’s an iconic landmark in the city of Chicago; defined mainly by the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome that sits atop the Cultural Center with pride.

You’ll love a visit to the...

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago

clock Duration: 45 to 90 m
  • Welcome to Museum of Ice Cream Chicago, where we unite and inspire the world through imagination and connection. Enjoy the only immersive museum where you can play like a kid and enjoy unlimited ice cream together, perfect for friends, family, and celebratory occasions, our unique museum caters to all ages. 14 interactive installations to spark...read more

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago

clock Duration: 45 to 90 m
  • Welcome to Museum of Ice Cream Chicago, where we unite and inspire the world through imagination and connection. Enjoy the only immersive museum where you can play like a kid and enjoy unlimited ice cream together, perfect for friends, family, and celebratory occasions, our unique museum caters to all ages. 14 interactive installations to spark...read more

Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

clock Duration: 4 hours
  • Explore over 40 million artifacts, including SUE, the world’s largest, most complete T. rex ever discovered! Discover 23 mummies in a recreated Egyptian tomb, our dazzling Gem Hall or journey to the powerful Aztec empire! Meet Maximo our newest titanosaur at over two stories tall! The health of our guests and staff is always our top priority and...read more

Field Museum of Natural History Early Access Ticket

clock Duration: 2 to 4 hou
  • Visit the Field Museum like a VIP on this one- hour early access VIP
    tour. Head inside the Field Museum at 8am before it opens to the general public and see our most famous exhibition with a Museum expert. Start your visit
    with a personalized tour of the Field's awe-insipiring and ever-popular
    Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet and SUE the...read more

Chicago Architectural River Cruise

clock Duration: 1 hour 30
  • Come take part in a cruise trip that is one of a kind and it will introduce visitors to the architectural wonders of Chicago
  • A 90 minute long trip involving the time spent on the beautiful and enigmatic Sea Waters .
  • Throughout this signature cruise, one of the award-winning Docents will introduce travellers to more than
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Chicago Premier Lake Michigan Brunch Cruise

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • An unforgettable 2-hour brunch cruise on the Odyssey, Chicago.
  • One will be left amazed and captivated by the unsurpassed views of the Sears Tower, the John Hancock Tower, the Museum campus, and the impressive Aon Center
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Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

clock Duration: 2 hours 30
  • Expect something extraordinary on this 2.5 to 3 hour premier Chicago dinner cruise experience on a newly renovated luxury cruise ship
  • Enjoy a 3-course plated meal with celebrity-chef inspired dishes that are prepared from fresh ingredients right on board.
  • Take in the unmatched views of the world-famous Chicago skyline as
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Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Buffet

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • Celebrate a night out in Chicago with dinner, dancing and sightseeing aboard a three-hour luxury cruise on Lake Michigan.
  • An excellent opportunity to see spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and a live DJ spinning your favourite songs.
  • During summer months, enjoy a breathtaking fireworks display.
  • Witness
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