The best things in life are free. And whether you’re looking for the perfect weekend activity or a way to entertain the kids for a few hours, we list the museums and attractions you can visit without having to pay a dime, year-round in
Chicago.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Museum
Smart Museum of Art
Museum, Park, University
Smart Museum of Art
Located on the University of Chicago campus, The Smart Museum of Art is always free and home to various works of art including those by Edward Degas, Frank Lloyd Wright, Henry Matisse, Mark Rothko, and Pablo Picasso. Although there are various other museums in the city, The Smart Museum is always free and houses exhibitions featuring incredible works of art from around the world, including sculptures, paintings, as well as contemporary and modern art.
Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S Greenwood Ave., Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 702 0200
Lincoln Park Zoo
Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
Open 365 days a year and always free, the Lincoln Park Zoo is the perfect place to bring your family and spend the day watching and learning about lions, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, and hundreds of other mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians.
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St., Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 742 2000
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Park, Zoo, Botanical Garden
The Newberry Library
Bookstore, Library
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
Museum, Building
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
The Jane Addams Hull-House was one of the first settlement houses in the U.S. The house was founded by Jane Addams, the first American woman to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize. The museum holds pictures, furniture, and a collection of artwork by individuals who lived in the house, offering historical insight into what life was like during the turn of the 20th century.
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S Halsted St., Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 413 5353
Promontory Point
Located in Chicago’s Burnham Park, this man-made peninsula juts out into Lake Michigan. Standing on the point, you will see some of the most beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Within the park, there are bird sanctuaries, beaches, and a skate park, making it a great place to spend the day enjoying the fresh air.
Promontory Park, 5491 S Shore Dr., Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 742 5369
Oz Park
Park
Oz Park
Located in Lincoln Park, Oz Park is dedicated to author L. Frank Baum who lived in the area in the 1890s. With Dorothy’s Playlot and The Emerald Gardens, the entire park brings the magic of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to life. In addition, there are metal statues of the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, Dorothy, and Toto.
Oz Park, 2021 N Burling St., Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 742 7898
