{"id":59622,"date":"2019-12-10T11:39:16","date_gmt":"2019-12-10T16:39:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/?p=59622"},"modified":"2020-02-15T14:17:19","modified_gmt":"2020-02-15T19:17:19","slug":"20-best-free-things-to-do-in-chicago-without-breaking-the-bank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/20-best-free-things-to-do-in-chicago-without-breaking-the-bank\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Best Free Things to Do in Chicago Without Breaking the Bank"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Doing fun things while traveling or on the weekends doesn\u2019t have to cost a lot of money. Chicago is full of fun things to do, especially during the <a href=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/free-things-to-do-chicago-holiday-events-activities\/\">holidays<\/a>! There is no excuse to sit around at home this weekend when there are free plenty of things to do without breaking the bank.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">If you are trying to find something fun to do downtown, here are 20 of the best free things to do in Chicago. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_37991\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37991\" style=\"width: 950px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-37991 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Lincoln-Park-Zoo.jpg\" alt=\"The Complete List of Every Totally Free Museum in Chicago\" width=\"950\" height=\"633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Lincoln-Park-Zoo.jpg 950w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Lincoln-Park-Zoo-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Lincoln-Park-Zoo-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Lincoln-Park-Zoo-128x86.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-37991\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lpzoo.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lincoln Park Zoo<\/a> | 2001 N Clark St<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">No matter what the weather is, there are always animals to see for free at the <span class=\"s2\">Lincoln Park Zoo<\/span>. Tigers, gorillas, lions, camels, and zebras are just a few of the animals you can catch sight of at the zoo. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_328\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-328\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-328 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Chicago-Millennium-Park-1024x527.jpg\" alt=\"Millennium Park\" width=\"1024\" height=\"527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Chicago-Millennium-Park-1024x527.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Chicago-Millennium-Park-600x309.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Chicago-Millennium-Park-300x155.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Chicago-Millennium-Park-700x361.jpg 700w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Chicago-Millennium-Park-693x357.jpg 693w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Chicago-Millennium-Park-938x483.jpg 938w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Chicago-Millennium-Park.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-328\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Millennium Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicago.gov\/city\/en\/depts\/dca\/supp_info\/millennium_park10.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Millennium Park<\/a> | 201 E Randolph St<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>If you&#8217;re searching for free things to do in Chicago, we suggest visiting Millennium Park to see the Bean.\u00a0<span class=\"s1\">Even on the coldest days, you can take some fun new Instagram photos of your reflection in the shiny surface. In the winter months, the McCormick Tribune Plaza has become a fun ice skating rink, which is free if you bring your own skates.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_33481\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-33481\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-33481 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/34849775_10155678077435914_9150721977848168448_o.jpg\" alt=\"Museum of Contemporary Photography\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/34849775_10155678077435914_9150721977848168448_o.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/34849775_10155678077435914_9150721977848168448_o-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/34849775_10155678077435914_9150721977848168448_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/34849775_10155678077435914_9150721977848168448_o-128x86.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-33481\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Museum of Contemporary Photography Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mocp.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Museum of Contemporary Photography<\/a> | 600 S Michigan Ave<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Look through the <span class=\"s2\">museum\u2019s<\/span> contemporary images through various projects and exhibitions.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_59624\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-59624\" style=\"width: 1170px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-59624 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/78258204_3218674338204133_510843246977482752_o.jpg\" alt=\"free things to do chicago\" width=\"1170\" height=\"878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/78258204_3218674338204133_510843246977482752_o.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/78258204_3218674338204133_510843246977482752_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/78258204_3218674338204133_510843246977482752_o-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/78258204_3218674338204133_510843246977482752_o-370x278.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/78258204_3218674338204133_510843246977482752_o-842x632.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/78258204_3218674338204133_510843246977482752_o-406x305.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/78258204_3218674338204133_510843246977482752_o-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-59624\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Conservatory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagoparkdistrict.com\/parks-facilities\/lincoln-park-conservatory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lincoln Park Conservatory<\/a> | 2391 N Stockton Dr<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>If researching for things to do in Chicago for free, travel to the shores of Lake Michigan to visit the\u00a0<span class=\"s1\"><span class=\"s2\">conservatory to see <\/span><\/span><span class=\"s1\">tropical flowers, palms, and ferns. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_40730\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40730\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-40730 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/51591551_399382460835106_6373486030593105519_n-1024x791.jpg\" alt=\"free things to do chicago\" width=\"1024\" height=\"791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/51591551_399382460835106_6373486030593105519_n-1024x791.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/51591551_399382460835106_6373486030593105519_n-600x463.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/51591551_399382460835106_6373486030593105519_n-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/51591551_399382460835106_6373486030593105519_n.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-40730\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Museum of Contemporary Art<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mcachicago.org\/Home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Museum of Contemporary Art<\/a> | 220 E Chicago Ave<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Illinois residents can go to the art <span class=\"s2\">museum<\/span> for free on Tuesdays to see sculptures, photos, videos, and paintings. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_289\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-289\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-289 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Chicago-Cultural-Center.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Cultural Center\" width=\"1024\" height=\"831\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Chicago-Cultural-Center.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Chicago-Cultural-Center-600x487.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Chicago-Cultural-Center-300x243.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Chicago-Cultural-Center-700x568.jpg 700w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Chicago-Cultural-Center-440x357.jpg 440w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Chicago-Cultural-Center-595x483.jpg 595w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-289\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Chicago Cultural Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicago.gov\/city\/en\/depts\/dca\/supp_info\/chicago_culturalcenter.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicago Cultural Center<\/a> | 78 E Washington St<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Take advantage of the complimentary art exhibits, as well as music and dance performances taking place every day of the week. You can also enjoy free building tours at the <span class=\"s2\">Chicago Cultural Center <\/span>Wednesday through Saturday at 1:15. Get there early to ensure you get a spot. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_59626\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-59626\" style=\"width: 1170px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-59626 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/67794492_10158872658828782_2749924940944769024_o.jpg\" alt=\"free things to do chicago\" width=\"1170\" height=\"786\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/67794492_10158872658828782_2749924940944769024_o.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/67794492_10158872658828782_2749924940944769024_o-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/67794492_10158872658828782_2749924940944769024_o-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/67794492_10158872658828782_2749924940944769024_o-370x249.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/67794492_10158872658828782_2749924940944769024_o-842x566.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/67794492_10158872658828782_2749924940944769024_o-406x273.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/67794492_10158872658828782_2749924940944769024_o-600x403.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-59626\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Smart Museum of Art<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/smartmuseum.uchicago.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Smart Museum of Art<\/a> | 5550 S Greenwood Ave<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">This breathtaking <span class=\"s2\">museum<\/span> has exhibitions dedicated to European art, modern art, Asian art, and contemporary art. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_49930\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-49930\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-49930 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/48379344_10156837289600699_4644666754465792000_o-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Botanic Garden\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/48379344_10156837289600699_4644666754465792000_o-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/48379344_10156837289600699_4644666754465792000_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/48379344_10156837289600699_4644666754465792000_o-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/48379344_10156837289600699_4644666754465792000_o-842x562.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/48379344_10156837289600699_4644666754465792000_o-406x271.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/48379344_10156837289600699_4644666754465792000_o-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/48379344_10156837289600699_4644666754465792000_o.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-49930\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagobotanic.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicago Botanic Garden<\/a> | 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">To get your plant-fix in the winter, stop by to see the<span class=\"s2\"> 27 gardens<\/span> over 385 acres. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_59628\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-59628\" style=\"width: 1170px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-59628 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73217019_800893403698983_2664698650759790592_o.jpg\" alt=\"free things to do Chicago\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73217019_800893403698983_2664698650759790592_o.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73217019_800893403698983_2664698650759790592_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73217019_800893403698983_2664698650759790592_o-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73217019_800893403698983_2664698650759790592_o-391x260.jpg 391w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73217019_800893403698983_2664698650759790592_o-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73217019_800893403698983_2664698650759790592_o-842x561.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73217019_800893403698983_2664698650759790592_o-406x271.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73217019_800893403698983_2664698650759790592_o-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-59628\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Chicago Greeter Program<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chicagogreeter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicago Greeter Program<\/a> | 72 E Randolph St<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The Chicago Greeter Program provides two or four-hour free tours and events in Chicago to help you <span class=\"s1\">learn more about different neighborhoods across the city. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30151\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30151\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30151 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/30052299_10155324368596190_8824563498407834875_o.jpg\" alt=\"Garfield Park Conservatory\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/30052299_10155324368596190_8824563498407834875_o.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/30052299_10155324368596190_8824563498407834875_o-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/30052299_10155324368596190_8824563498407834875_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/30052299_10155324368596190_8824563498407834875_o-128x86.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30151\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Garfield Park Conservatory Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/garfieldconservatory.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Garfield Park Conservatory<\/a> | 300 N Central Park Ave<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">As one of the best <span class=\"s2\">conservatories<\/span> in the country, it is amazing that it is free! Explore the 2-acres of indoor gardens on a cold day, and 12-acres of outdoor seasonal gardens when the weather gets better.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_37971\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37971\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-37971 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/42999343_717191678640769_7183489260221579486_n-1024x698.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Children's Museum\" width=\"1024\" height=\"698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/42999343_717191678640769_7183489260221579486_n-1024x698.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/42999343_717191678640769_7183489260221579486_n-600x409.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/42999343_717191678640769_7183489260221579486_n-300x204.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/42999343_717191678640769_7183489260221579486_n-128x86.jpg 128w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/42999343_717191678640769_7183489260221579486_n.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-37971\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Chicago Children&#8217;s Museum Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicago Children\u2019s Museum<\/a> | 700 E Grand Ave<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Located at Navy Pier, the <span class=\"s2\">Children\u2019s Museum<\/span> is free for families on Thursday from 5 to 8 pm. On the first Sunday of every month, kids under the age of 15 get in free.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_59629\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-59629\" style=\"width: 1170px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-59629 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73523541_2923757924342849_6392742422740205568_o.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73523541_2923757924342849_6392742422740205568_o.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73523541_2923757924342849_6392742422740205568_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73523541_2923757924342849_6392742422740205568_o-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73523541_2923757924342849_6392742422740205568_o-391x260.jpg 391w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73523541_2923757924342849_6392742422740205568_o-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73523541_2923757924342849_6392742422740205568_o-842x561.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73523541_2923757924342849_6392742422740205568_o-406x271.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/73523541_2923757924342849_6392742422740205568_o-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-59629\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Chicago Architecture Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.architecture.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicago Architecture Center<\/a> | 111 E Wacker Dr<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Learn more about Chicago\u2019s <span class=\"s2\">architecture<\/span> during a free tour from 9 am &#8211; 5 pm, every day of the week. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27664\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27664\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27664 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/26363902_690336301168068_5153389442945253376_n-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Bar Bucket List\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/26363902_690336301168068_5153389442945253376_n.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/26363902_690336301168068_5153389442945253376_n-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/26363902_690336301168068_5153389442945253376_n-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/26363902_690336301168068_5153389442945253376_n-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/26363902_690336301168068_5153389442945253376_n-550x550.jpg 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27664\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: The Signature Room Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.signatureroom.com\/lounge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Signature Room at the 95th<\/a> | 875 N Michigan Ave<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Located on the 95th floor, the <span class=\"s2\">Signature Lounge<\/span> boasts one of the best views of the city line. You might have to purchase a drink or two to enjoy the views.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_33882\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-33882\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-33882 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/36538490_10156319805790281_8097942398866292736_o-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Revolution Brewing\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/36538490_10156319805790281_8097942398866292736_o-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/36538490_10156319805790281_8097942398866292736_o-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/36538490_10156319805790281_8097942398866292736_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/36538490_10156319805790281_8097942398866292736_o-1300x866.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/36538490_10156319805790281_8097942398866292736_o-128x86.jpg 128w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/36538490_10156319805790281_8097942398866292736_o.jpg 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-33882\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Revolution Brewing Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/revbrew.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Revolution Brewery<\/a> | 3340 N Kedzie Ave<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Another free thing to do in Chicago on Wednesdays through Fridays is tour Revolution Brewery. The tours are f<span class=\"s1\">irst come, first serve. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_59575\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-59575\" style=\"width: 960px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-59575 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/navy-pier.jpg\" alt=\"free things to do chicago\" width=\"960\" height=\"617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/navy-pier.jpg 960w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/navy-pier-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/navy-pier-370x238.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/navy-pier-842x541.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/navy-pier-406x261.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/navy-pier-600x386.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-59575\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Navy Pier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/navypier.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Navy Pier<\/a> | 600 E Grand Ave<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">While some attractions at <span class=\"s2\">N<\/span><span class=\"s2\">avy Pier<\/span> do charge a fee, others are free. The 50-acre playground, Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, and other attractions can all be enjoyed at no charge.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_59631\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-59631\" style=\"width: 1170px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-59631 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/70885338_10156321104051319_2288515088212033536_o.jpg\" alt=\"free things to do chicago\" width=\"1170\" height=\"790\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/70885338_10156321104051319_2288515088212033536_o.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/70885338_10156321104051319_2288515088212033536_o-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/70885338_10156321104051319_2288515088212033536_o-1024x691.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/70885338_10156321104051319_2288515088212033536_o-370x250.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/70885338_10156321104051319_2288515088212033536_o-842x568.jpg 842w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/70885338_10156321104051319_2288515088212033536_o-406x274.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/70885338_10156321104051319_2288515088212033536_o-600x405.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-59631\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Jane Addams Hull-House Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hullhousemuseum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jane Addams Hull-House Museum<\/a> | 800 S Halsted St<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>An excellent thing to do in Chicago for free with friends or family is visiting the Hull House to gain a <span class=\"s1\">historical perspective of the city.\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s1\">It is now a memorial to Jane Addams, the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_59632\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-59632\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-59632 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/citygallery800.jpg\" alt=\"free things to do chicago\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/citygallery800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/citygallery800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/citygallery800-391x260.jpg 391w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/citygallery800-370x246.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/citygallery800-406x270.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/citygallery800-600x399.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-59632\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: City of Chicago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicago.gov\/city\/en\/depts\/dca\/supp_info\/city_gallery_in_thehistoricwatertower.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Historic Water Tower<\/a> | 806 Michigan Ave<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Check out the photography at the City Gallery to learn more about Chicago.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_59633\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-59633\" style=\"width: 768px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-59633 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/51129491_2093577920695252_630883751789854720_n.jpg\" alt=\"free things to do chicago\" width=\"768\" height=\"364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/51129491_2093577920695252_630883751789854720_n.jpg 768w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/51129491_2093577920695252_630883751789854720_n-300x142.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/51129491_2093577920695252_630883751789854720_n-370x175.jpg 370w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/51129491_2093577920695252_630883751789854720_n-406x192.jpg 406w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/51129491_2093577920695252_630883751789854720_n-600x284.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-59633\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: First United Methodist Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.chicagotemple.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">First United Methodist Church<\/a> | 77 W Washington St<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">This <span class=\"s2\">neo-gothic church<\/span> is one of the tallest in the world and a must-see sight in Chicago. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2631\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2631\" style=\"width: 838px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2631 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Screen-Shot-2015-09-09-at-1.20.55-PM.png\" alt=\"National Museum of Mexican Art\" width=\"838\" height=\"513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Screen-Shot-2015-09-09-at-1.20.55-PM.png 838w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Screen-Shot-2015-09-09-at-1.20.55-PM-600x367.png 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Screen-Shot-2015-09-09-at-1.20.55-PM-300x184.png 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Screen-Shot-2015-09-09-at-1.20.55-PM-700x429.png 700w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Screen-Shot-2015-09-09-at-1.20.55-PM-583x357.png 583w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Screen-Shot-2015-09-09-at-1.20.55-PM-789x483.png 789w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 838px) 100vw, 838px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2631\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: National Museum of Mexican Art<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">National Museum of Mexican Art<\/a> | 1852 W 19th St<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>An entertaining free thing to do in Chicago with friends or family is visit the Pilsen neighborhood to view <span class=\"s1\">Latino art. The art on display includes\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s1\">modern works, folk art, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_40512\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-40512\" style=\"width: 820px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-40512 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/The-Magnificent-Mile.jpg\" alt=\"The Magnificent Mile\" width=\"820\" height=\"547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/The-Magnificent-Mile.jpg 820w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/The-Magnificent-Mile-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/The-Magnificent-Mile-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/The-Magnificent-Mile-128x86.jpg 128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-40512\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: The Magnificent Mile<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themagnificentmile.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Magnificent Mile Window Shopping<\/a> | N Michigan Ave<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Even on a cold day, it\u2019s worth walking down the Mag Mile to see the fancy stores and brands for one of the best free things to do in Chicago.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><center><a class=\"vc_general vc_btn3 vc_btn3-size-md vc_btn3-shape-square vc_btn3-style-flat vc_btn3-block vc_btn3-color-warning\" title=\"\" href=\"\/chicago\/read-more\/\">READ MORE LIKE THIS<\/a><\/center><center><a class=\"vc_general vc_btn3 vc_btn3-size-md vc_btn3-shape-square vc_btn3-style-flat vc_btn3-block vc_btn3-color-primary\" title=\"\" href=\"\/app\/\">DOWNLOAD THE URBANMATTER APP<\/a><\/center><center><a class=\"vc_general vc_btn3 vc_btn3-size-md vc_btn3-shape-square vc_btn3-style-flat vc_btn3-block vc_btn3-color-success\" title=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iparkit.com\/chicago?utm_source=urbanmatter&amp;utm_medium=adfill&amp;utm_campaign=backlinks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FIND PARKING<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Doing fun things while traveling or on the weekends doesn\u2019t have to cost a lot of money. Chicago is full of fun things to do, especially during the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2083,"featured_media":30151,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28444,755],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-59622","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-category-best-of-chicago","category-category-things-to-do"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.4 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>20 Best Free Things to Do in Chicago Without Breaking the Bank | UrbanMatter<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you are trying to find something fun to do downtown with friends, here are 20 of the best free things to do in Chicago all year round.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/20-best-free-things-to-do-in-chicago-without-breaking-the-bank\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"20 Best Free Things to Do in Chicago Without Breaking the Bank\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you are trying to find something fun to do downtown with friends, here are 20 of the best free things to do in Chicago all year round.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/20-best-free-things-to-do-in-chicago-without-breaking-the-bank\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"UrbanMatter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/Pluggchicago\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-12-10T16:39:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" 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