11 Free or Cheap Fun Things To Do In Chicago
Written by Melquan Smith
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States, and holds a significant historical and cultural importance. With so much to see and experience, we have assembled a handy guide full of fun things to do in Chicago that are either free or inexpensive.
It is known as the “Windy City” due to icy winds blowing in from Lake Michigan through the splendor of our skyscrapers. Chicago has become a financial, industrial, cultural, sports, shopping, tourist, and educational center of America.
Chicago is an expensive city, but there are many ways to have fun and attractive places you can visit that won’t break your budget.
The Navy Pier
The Lake Michigan Navy Pier is the most visited tourist attraction in Chicago. If you are looking for a relaxing afternoon, you can unwind by taking a walk around the dock.
It consists of a large number of promenades, parks, gardens, shops, and restaurants. You can even schedule organized events for your families and friends.
Various festivals are held throughout the year, and firework shows are common. You may also take advantage of some short cruises, and enjoy sailing with a view of the city of skyscrapers.
Oaza Mira – Millennium Park
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html
Millennium Park is the largest green space in Chicago. Architectural wonders, public works of art, and creative installations abound.
Here you will find the famous massive sculpture, Cloud Gate, in which the smooth surface reflects the huge buildings and surrounding park.
During the winter months you can ice skate. Picnics in front of the Pritzker Pavilion are common in the Summer, and you can refresh yourself after in Crown Fountain.
You can explore many concerts, film screenings, and many other events to enjoy the arts. Fontana is an interactive video sculpture made up of two 15-meters-tall “towers” that stand next to each other.
Shedd Aquarium
https://www.sheddaquarium.org/
This Chicago aquarium features 32,500 animal species in their natural habitats – from whales and snails to tarantulas and turtles.
Here you can find yourself face to face with dolphins, whales, seals, and penguins. The Polar Play Zone is a section for kids, and they can play and learn about the animals they see.
You can walk through a special fish tank with sharks swimming above your head. You can experience a simulated flood of the Amazon jungle. Be sure to greet the veteran Grandads – the oldest fish that are known to live in the aquarium.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The acclaimed Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in America.
Here you will find over 300,000 valuable works of art, divided into 15 permanent exhibitions. Explore the arts of Africa, America, Europe, India, and ancient civilizations. You can enjoy modern art, the famous Nighthawks, and much more.
The Institute also features laboratories where professionals restore many works of art.
Willis Tower
Willis Tower is a Chicago icon. It was once the largest building in the United States, known by its previous name, the Sears Tower. This landmark represents a remarkable blend of business, tourism, and culture.
Willis Tower has a large number of world famous companies throughout its 110 floors. Tourists are especially attracted to the top of the building, where the best view of Chicago lies through the glass.
The Field Museum of Natural History
This museum is inspired by centuries of human curiosity. Here you can take a look at the old world of dinosaurs, Egyptians and mummies. Learn about the extinct American civilization, the history of tattoos, and much more.
You can learn about insects and their positive impact on nature. There are exhibitions on the subjects of China, the Pacific, and the Philippines.
If you like precious gems, you can explore jade and other precious metals. It is one of the largest and most fascinating natural museums in the world.
The Magnificent Mile
https://www.themagnificentmile.com/
The Magnificent Mile is the most widely-known district in the city. There are numerous international hotels, major office towers, and some of the most exclusive night clubs in the United States.
You can spend the day in one of the modern theaters, museums, or galleries. At every corner there is a hobby, street performance, or festival event waiting for you to discover, one of the best areas to find many fun things to do in Chicago.
This area is also a big attraction for consummate shoppers and foodies. Visitors can spend all day visiting the many exquisite boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
Grant and Lincoln Parks
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/grant-ulysses-park
https://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods/lincoln-park/
Lincoln Park is a vast green area next to Lake Michigan, with facilities for sports, the beach, the zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago History Museum, and more.
Grant Park is also known as the “garden of Chicago,” which says a lot about his situation and the importance of the local population. In the center of the park is Rococo Fountain and Buckingham Fountain.
These large public areas are also divided into zones for pets, kids, and skaters. A large number of gardens and works of art adorn this area.
These parks offer many museums and buildings that you can visit:
- A museum dedicated to the culture of Cambodia
- The Cultural Center of Chicago
- The Museum of Food
- The Design Museum
- The Smart Art Museum
- The Oriental Institute
- The Museum of Photography
- The Mexican Museum
- And much more!
Nightlife in Chicago
If live music is your jam, we have it here. Every night in Chicago is available with your own soundtrack.
Chicago was the first city to experience jazz and blues. Every June you can find the big Chicago Blues Festival. In early September the Jazz Festival goes into full swing.
There are no tickets for these two festivals. You can experience world famous blues singers and jazz players for free!
Great concerts are held at The Chicago Theater and Aragon Ballroom. Check out Metro Empty Bottle, especially at popular sites like The Hideout and Schubas Town.
Chicago is a city that never sleeps. You can experiment with culinary varieties and cocktails to your heart’s content.
See your favorite comedians and explore new ones at the famous Second City, Anies, and ComedySportz.
Numerous craft beer breweries and distilleries offer inexpensive tours. Pubs can be found everywhere, but here’s an insider tip: the best ones can be found in Lincoln.
Concerts in Chicago
Summer may only come once a year, but the atmosphere is always hot. Many concerts featuring the hottest artists can be found year-round at Allstate Arena, Soldier Field, and Millennium Park.
The Jazz Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, and the Spring Awakening Music Festival are staples of this great city, each with a unique and unforgettable experience.
Sports in Chicago
All of the Chicago teams have had their highs and their lows over the years, but local fans are always behind them 100%. It’s often said that Chicago fans are as loyal as they come, and that makes each event exciting.
Visit Soldier Field to see the Chicago Bears football team. The Chicago Blackhawks hockey team plays at the United Center, which is the largest arena in the United States. You can cheer on the Chicago Bulls basketball team at the United Center.
Chicago is fortunate to have two baseball teams, the north side Chicago Cubs and the south side Chicago White Sox. The historic Wrigley Stadium is a sight to behold.
Chicago is a city with endless enchantments with all its color, luster, modernity, and spaciousness.
Come and explore all the fun things to do in Chicago and create your own story!
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