5 Free Things To Do In Chicago

Known as the ‘Windy City,’ Chicago is filled with noteworthy art, music, food, and architecture. The Culture Trip brings you a list of five ways you can enjoy Chi-Town at no cost.

1. Lincoln Park Zoo

Zoo, Park

Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Lincoln Park Zoo houses approximately 1,100 animals of around 200 species. It was founded in 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Exhibits include a penguin and polar bear habitat, reptiles, mammals and much more. The zoo also holds events throughout the year such as educational programs, conservation camps, and most recently, an ‘Adults Night Out.’ Most importantly, admission to the Lincoln Park Zoo is free seven days a week.

2. Navy Pier

Memorial

People walk through Navy Pier on a sunny day, with rhe Centennial Ferris Wheel looming overhead

Navy Pier was originally built as a cargo facility for lake freighters in 1916, costing 4.6 million dollars. It is now one of the biggest tourist attractions in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. During the summer from Memorial day through Labor day, visitors can catch fantastic free fireworks on display Wednesday and Saturday nights. There are also several museums at Navy Pier, including the Driehaus Gallery of Stained Glass, which has free admission. Walking throughout Navy Pier, you will be treated to a nice view of the city’s skyline alongside Lake Michigan. A photographer’s dream, it is a great spot for some landscape photography.

3. Millennium Park

Park, School

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millenium Park. Chicago.

Millennium Park sits right in Chicago’s famous ‘Loop’ and is filled with art, music, architecture and even a garden. It is home to many sculptures including Crown Fountain, an interactive piece of public art, and the infamous ‘Bean’ or Cloud Gate — Anish Kapoor’s elliptical arch that reflects and distorts the city’s skyline. Besides enjoying the wonderful scenery, the park offers a variety of free events throughout the year, including free movie screenings every Tuesday night from June 23-September 1. Free workout sessions are also offered in the park during summer along with free after-school programs for teens. Millennium Park also has free jazz and classical music festivals and concerts throughout the year.

North Shore (Rogers Park) and Montrose Beach (Uptown) are great beaches to check out on the north side of Chicago. Montrose also offers a dog beach for those furry friends of yours. Also check out Osterman beach, also known as Hollywood Beach, for some really rad nachos! Beach hours for most beaches throughout Chicago are from 11:00am-7:00pm, when a lifeguard is on duty.

4. Museum of Contemporary Photography

Museum

Part of Columbia College Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Photography houses a permanent collection featuring American and international photographers from the 20th century to present time. Work on display includes well-known photographers such as Walker Evans, Ansel Adams, Irving Penn and Dorothea Lange. The museum also features a Midwest Photographers Project, which has work from regional artists. The museum also offers various events throughout the year. It is open Monday through Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm. Admission is free.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.