Chicago, Illinois, is perhaps one of the most affordable tourism destinations in the United States. The city offers an abundance of free events and attractions for individuals and families. Many of its attractions, if not free every day, have opportunities to visit gratis on one of their numerous “free days.” The Choose Chicago and Metromix Chicago websites may help you locate information regarding additional Chicago attractions and events.
Gardens
The Chicago Botanic Garden, home to numerous plant collections including specialty plants, offers free admission every day. Your kids may be particularly interested in the Garfield Park Conservatory's children's garden but can also participate in weekend activities, crafts and an origami open house the second Saturday of each month, all free. The free Lincoln Park Conservatory in Lincoln Park has exotic plants you can view and also functions as a supplier of the plants used by Chicago’s parks.
Art and Architecture
Chicago is home to numerous art and architecture venues, several of which do not charge admission fees. Of course, an easy way for you to take in Chicago’s unique architecture is to just walk around and look up. You can obtain more detailed information at the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s ArchiCenter. Kids interested in art may enjoy the National Museum of Mexican Art, Oriental Institute, Southside Community Arts Center, Gallery 37, City Gallery at Water Tower, Hyde Park Art Center, Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, Museum of Contemporary Photography and the Smart Museum of Art. You can view other public art pieces and sculptures also by simply walking through downtown Chicago. Kids who like both art and architecture may enjoy visiting the free Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows located on Navy Pier, an architectural attraction on its own.
Zoos and Museums
Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission to view its large collection of animals, including African animals, bears, birds, penguins, primates, lions, sea lions, small mammals, reptiles, antelope, zebra and farm animals. Navy Pier holds the Chicago Children’s Museum which offers free admission the first Sunday of each month. You can access a list of attractions offering free admission on the “Choose Chicago” “Free Everyday Attractions” and “Free Museum and Attraction Days” web pages. Museums usually charging admission you can visit for free on certain days of the week or throughout the year include the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry and Shedd Aquarium.
Parks and Outdoors
Millennium Park is a relatively new space built to replace an old rail yard along Lake Michigan and offers many things to see including a large concert pavilion, interactive fountains and sculptures, including the “bean” which reflects the city’s skyline. In addition to these permanent attractions, the park also holds free family festivals every day. At Navy Pier, you can bike or rollerblade around the outside of the complex, listen to a concert, watch boats on the lake, shop or visit one of its museums and other indoor attractions. Chicago’s other parks along Lake Michigan provide walking trails, benches, gardens, fountains and beach access.
Events
In addition to it numerous free attractions, Chicago also hosts many free events throughout the year. Around the winter holidays, families can watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade, lighting ceremony at Daley Plaza and make crafts, see live animals and ice sculptures at Polar Adventure Days. You can find a list of Chicago’s summer festivals on Metromix Chicago’s “Chicago Festival Guide” which includes movies in parks, craft and food fairs, international and music festivals, and art shows as well as an air and water show.
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