Free things to do in Chicago

57 places in Chicago with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 57.

Photo: Photograph: J. Crocker, Attribution

SeeLoop
Millennium Park
Long before it opened, Millennium Park had become notorious for delays and cost-overruns, missing its titular date by a wide margin. However, when it was finally finished in 2004, the biggest shock of all came when it turned out to be quite nice. Aside from plenty of grass and open space, it has modern sculptures in steel and glass, including Chicago's newest must-photo for visitors, The Bean (properly known as Cloud Gate), and the Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion for outdoor concerts. Kids will love getting wet in the Crown Fountain (mid-April to the end of summer) at Michigan and Monroe, in which the giant projected faces of Chicago residents spit water into a shallow reflecting pool where everyone is welcome to splash around. Look for tents offering guides to the park near the entrances at Randolph and/or Washington. From mid-November to early March there is an ice skating rink open to the public (weather permitting) on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink opens at noon on weekdays and 10AM on Saturdays and Sundays with free admission (skate rental is $12, locker rental is $1).
6AM-11PM dailyFree
SeeHistory museumNear West Side
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
UIC was built on top of the original Hull House, where the prolific writer and reformer Jane Addams lived and worked to help people in need. This museum is dedicated to her memory in two surviving buildings from the complex, now absorbed into the UIC campus, and features exhibits on local history and social justice throughout the world. Occasionally hosts speakers during the day, and offer a free soup lunch during the discussion.
Tue-Fri 10AM-4:50PM, Sat 10AM-3PMfree
SeeLincoln Park-Old Town
Lincoln Park Zoo
Few things in Chicago are finer than the Lincoln Park Zoo. It's world-class, yet admission is free; its winding, expansive grounds have the charm of age, yet its facilities are modern and the animals are healthy, happy, and personable. The brand new Great Ape House is one to see, and the Farm in the Zoo features plenty for kids to do, but everyone has their own favorites (penguins).
Daily 9AM-6PM, winter 9AM-5PM, summer weekends 9AM-7PMFree · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
DoTheatreLincoln Park-Old Town
Second City
The list of Second City alumni in show business has become something of a cliche — Alan Alda, John Belushi, Bill Murray, on and on — and it's still going strong today, with recent graduates like Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, and Tina Fey. The separate revues on the Mainstage and the e.t.c. theaters are consistently smart, timely, and funny. (The third stage, Donny's Skybox, is rented out to local sketch troupes outside the artistic direction of Second City, and is hit-or-miss.) The third act of the night is fully improvised, and if there's space left among the paying customers from the first two acts, admission is free.
8PM (Sun 7PM), Fri-Sat also 11PMTickets M $14, Su,Tu-Th $22, F-Sa $29
SeeArt galleryLoop
Chicago Cultural Center
Built in 1897 as Chicago's first public library, the building now houses the city's Visitor Information Center, galleries, and exhibit halls. Worth a visit to see the beautiful interior — the ceiling of Preston Bradley Hall includes a 38-foot Tiffany glass dome, and the north wing includes the impressive Grand Army of the Republic Rotunda. Of late, amid various city-approved art and music events, some surprisingly good theater has been performed here.
Mon-Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM, closed holidaysFree
SeeMuseumLoop
Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum
Currency wonks can study various denominations and practice counterfeit detections. Guided tours every day at 1PM.
Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5PM, except bank holidaysFree · Free entry
SeeHyde Park
Oriental Institute Museum
The University of Chicago Oriental Institute has one of the best collections of ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern archeology in the world, which is moreover free, small, very well exhibited, and basically started by Indiana Jones. Some highlights include: much of the Assyrian "Fortress of Sargon," a colossal statue of King Tutankhamun, and the Mummy and Coffin of Meresamun. Visitors with a strong interest may want to devote several hours to pore over the dense exhibits, but the small museum can be quickly skimmed in 15 minutes.
Tue,Thu-Sat 10AM-6PM, Wed 10AM-8:30PM, Sun noon-6PMFree, suggested donation $7, $4 child
SeeNear South
Northerly Island Park
A 40-acre park on the southern portion of Northerly Island that opened in September 2015. The park features a nature trail, pedestrian/bike path, 5 acre lagoon and an excellent view of the Chicago skyline.
6AM-11PMFree
SeeLibraryNear North
Newberry Library
The oldest public library in Chicago, although not part of the city library system. The collection focuses on the humanities, American and European history, and the age of exploration. Occasional author events are held.
Reading rooms Tue-Sat 10AM-4PM; Exhibition galleries Tue-Thu 10AM-7PM, Fri Sat 10AM-5PM; Bookshop Wed-Sat 10AM-12:30PM 1:30-4PMFree
SeeLoop
Maggie Daley Park
public park, opened in 2014. There is an ice skating ribbon, which is used for rollerblading in summer, a climbing wall and a 3 acre play garden.
Open now · closes 10 pmFree (charges for some attractions)
SeeArt museumPilsen
National Museum of Mexican Art
A lovely, small gallery full of vibrant colors and well-curated installations focused on understanding Mexican as well as Mexican-American history and culture through art. The museum serves as the center of the annual Day of the Dead celebration in the fall — this is a great time to visit to see all the brightly painted, skull-filled, and often humorous Ofrendas.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PMFree
SeeGardenLincoln Park-Old Town
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Built 1890-1895, the conservatory is right next to the zoo. Even though they're overshadowed by the animals next door, the plants receive an equal amount of care, and there are usually some eye-popping floral displays in the spring. Volunteer-led tours are sometimes available at no cost.
9AM-5PMFree
SeeUptown
Graceland Cemetery
A stunner. Chicago history lies in rest here, from the major names (Burnham, Sullivan, Field, Pullman, Mies) to the footnotes (Charles Dickens' obscure brother Augustus). Some credit Sullivan's 1890 design for the Getty Tomb as the opening act of modern architecture. (And Inez Clarke's grave is one of the most famous "haunted" spots in Chicago.) The new (and warm) office can supply a map for the grounds, which are quite large. Come with time to wander.
Grounds 8AM-4:30PM, office 8:30AM-4:30PMFree
SeeMuseumWicker Park
Ukrainian National Museum
Almost certainly the best collection of Ukrainian ethnographic exhibits (musical instruments, traditional costumes, folk art, etc.) in the United States. Historical exhibits cover issues such as the famines under Stalin and the fallout after the Chernobyl meltdown. The museum also hosts an impressive library and archives for researchers, as well as occasional Ukrainian-related art exhibitions.
Mon-Wed by appointment, Thu-Sun 11AM-4PMFree, suggested donation $5
SeePublic artBridgeport-Chinatown
Ping Tom Memorial Park
A riverside park with a Chinese touch, including a riverside Chinese pavilion and a bamboo garden. On a clear day the park has nice southwest side views of the Chicago skyline. The park offers many summertime events from movie screenings to the very popular dragon boat races. Check the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce's website for details.
Free entry
SeeMuseumLoop
Museum of Contemporary Photography
A stimulating and innovative forum for the collection, creation, and examination of contemporary image-making in its camera tradition and in its expanded vocabulary of digital processes. Affiliated with Columbia College Chicago.
Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Thu 10AM-8PM, Sun noon-5PMFree · Free entry
SeeGardenLincoln Park-Old Town
Oz Park
Young children might enjoy this Wizard of Oz-themed park with statues and playlots.
Free
SeeArt museumWicker Park
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
This is a superb, lovingly curated collection of abstract and minimalist art by major Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American artists. The three permanent galleries represent not only Ukrainian heritage, but also one of Chicago's best and most underrated experiences for art lovers of any ethnicity.
Wed-Sun noon-4PMFree
SeeLoop
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Visitors Center
The 4th Floor Visitor Gallery is temporarily closed.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PMFree
SeeHyde Park
Smart Museum of Art
The Smart museum is small, but has an excellent collection, thoughtfully exhibited. Staff is very friendly.
Fall–Spring Tue-Wed,Fri 10AM-4:30PM, Thu 10AM-8PM, Sat Sun 10AM-5PM; summer Tue-Sun 10AM-5PMFree
SeeArt galleryNear North
The Arts Club of Chicago
Easy to miss, as it's on a side street without much in the way of signage (or advertising), but this gallery has a long history — it opened in 1916, and hosted Pablo Picasso's first art show in the U.S. Visitors will find three public art shows each year, usually of exceptional quality. Note the Mies van der Rohe central staircase, which was transplanted from the club's previous Mies-designed location.
Mon-Fri 11AM-6PMFree
SeeMonumentLincoln Park-Old Town
Elks National Veterans Memorial
This neoclassical veterans memorial is truly grand. Its interior is an extravagant ensemble of marble, bronze sculptures, stained glass, and huge murals.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM; also Sat Sun 10AM-5PM from 15 Apr-15 NovFree admission and tours
SeeLoop
Spertus Institute
A museum dedicated to Jewish culture and learning, in a dramatic, newly remodeled facility. There's a children's center, which promises hands-on exhibits, and a regular slate of exhibits and events on Jewish art, culture, and social issues, with points given for range that includes the Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour and lectures on Jewish-Catholic relations. The Asher Library, also on-site, keeps different hours (Su-Th afternoons).
Sun-Thu 10AM-5PMFree
SeeHistoric siteBronzeville
Chicago Bee Building
The home of the Chicago Bee newspaper, which was founded by Anthony Overton to promote black businesses and issues. The art deco building has an elegant terra cotta façade and today houses the Chicago Bee Branch Library.
Mon-Thu 9AM-8PM, Fri Sat 9AM-5PMFree · Heritage listed
SeeWicker Park Not mapped
St. John Cantius Catholic Church
One of Chicago's famed "Polish cathedrals" that were built by Polish immigrants. Today, with the Polish community have moved further afield, the church no longer offers Polish masses, but instead offers masses in Latin and English. While most of its Latin masses use Gregorian chant, orchestral masses by the great composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Fauré are sometimes performed for special occasions. Its annual performance of Mozart's Requiem for All Souls' Day (November 2) is especially popular, and attracts not only Catholics from other parishes, but also many non-Christians too.
825 North Carpenter StreetFree
SeeArt galleryPilsen
Prospectus Art Gallery
Fascinating exhibitions of traditional and contemporary Latin American art. It is a must-see when open, though it does close for long stretches between exhibits.
Usually Wed-Sat noon-5PMFree
SeeHyde Park
Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
This giant Gothic church is named for the University founder, John D. Rockefeller, who intended it to be the "central and dominant feature" of the University. It may not be that, but it is impressive, with a huge organ and the second largest carillon in the world. A great way to view the chapel and experience its acoustics is by showing up for one of the Wednesday lunchtime organ concerts, or for the 11AM Sunday service.
8AM-4PM, tours of the carillon: Mon-Fri 11:30AM and 5:30PM. Irregular hours for tours during summerFree
SeeHyde Park
The Renaissance Society
A small non-collecting contemporary art gallery that is over 100 years old and very highly respected. It will appeal greatly to art aficionados, less so to casual visitors.
Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat Sun noon-5PM, closed Jul-AugFree
SeeLakeview-North Center
Wunder's Cemetery
Overshadowed by the magnificent Graceland Cemetery across the street in Uptown, the smaller, slightly overgrown Wunders was established in 1859 and features some intriguing monuments, with more of a forgotten-by-time atmosphere than its more famous neighbor. A third cemetery, Jewish Graceland, is directly south.
8AM-4ː30PMFree
SeeNear West Side
Saint Ignatius College Prep
Opened in 1869, two years prior to the Chicago Fire, this impressive building is still a working high school. No tours are offered of the interior, but pieces of famous Chicago buildings from the past have been installed around the campus, including murals from the old Chicago Stadium and intriguing ornament from lost Adler & Sullivan and Burnham & Root masterworks. (Next door, Holy Family Church dates from 1857.)
Free, though you might call ahead if school is in session
SeeLincoln Park-Old Town
National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
Historically, spiritually and architecturally, the Shrine is a "must see" destination for Chicago visitors. The Shrine Honors the first American Citizen Saint and Patron of Immigrants in the Catholic Church. Designed by world renowned architect Leonard Gliotto, the Shrine is a celebration of carrara marble, Florentine stained glass, gold mosaics, colorful frescoes and Romanesque splendor. All are welcome to visit the chapel, meditation garden, historical exhibit and gift shop. Visitors may take a self-guided tour or schedule a docent-led tour. Catholic Mass is celebrated Saturday at 4PM and Sunday at 10AM.
Tue-Fri 10AM-3PM, Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 9AM-3PMFree
SeeBronzeville
Wabash Avenue YMCA
Bronzeville's YMCA, housed in a huge 1913 brown-pressed brick building, was a major social and cultural center for the neighborhood in its heyday, providing job training and housing for recent arrivals in addition to its more common functions. A painstaking restoration was completed in 2000 and the YMCA is again open to the community.
Free
DoPilsen
Chicage Art District
Studios in East Pilsen open their doors for an annual weekend-long festival. Even if the art does not resonate with you, it is worth visiting for the chance to explore the interesting physical spaces, from century-old sunken gardens to gargantuan old warehouses.
2nd Fri Gallery nightsfree
DoChatham-South Shore
Rainbow Beach
One of the best and biggest beaches in Chicago, boasting a magnificent South Side view of the Chicago skyline, where, as of 2024, the first hour of parking is $2, although you may find adjacent street parking for free. Free outdoor movies are often held in the adjacent Rainbow Park.
Summers (Memorial Day-Labor Day): 9AM-9:30PMFree
DoWicker Park
The Show Below
A great way to sample local comedy or catch up-and-coming acts. Each night features sets from three visiting guest groups and the house ensemble, The Crocodile Players. The show is free and the bar gives out free personal pizzas when you purchase a drink. Performers come from all over Chicago (including: Second City, iO, the Annoyance, ComedySportz and The Playground), but the mission is providing opportunities for young, independent and out of state groups.
Fri Sat 9PM-10:30PMFree
DoLoop Not mapped
Blues Fest
Top national and local blues musicians perform all day long throughout the festival just a couple miles from where modern blues was born. This is the world's premiere blues festival, and the list of greats who have performed here (like Albert King, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, Etta James, John Lee Hooker, Memphis Slim, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Dixon) gets more impressive each successive year. Admission is free and the performances are spread out across six stages throughout Grant Park.
11AM-9:30PM
DoLogan-Bucktown Not mapped
Logan Square Farmers Market
In 2018, Time Out named the LSFM "Best Farmers Market" in the city. Outdoors along Logan Boulevard in the summer, indoors at the Congress Theater (see above) in the winter.
SunFree
SeePublic artBridgeport-Chinatown
Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum
A one-room museum good for some Kuomintang nostalgia.
Sat Sun noon-5PM, Mon-Fri by appointment onlyFree
SeeHyde Park Not mapped
Osaka Garden
Japanese Garden
The Osaka Garden grew out of the Pavilion for the Japanese Government at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and was planned by Olmsted as well. During WWII, the gardens suffered from repeated anti-Japanese vandalism and arson, culminating in the site's abandonment to those unsavory types who inhabit abandoned urban parkland. Chicago's sister city, Osaka, donated the money in the 1980s to restore the gardens, prompting a name change from the Japanese Garden to the Osaka Garden. Today, the gardens are one of Chicago's finest secret places and a wonderful escape from harrowing tourist adventures.
Sunrise-sunset, dailyFree
DoChatham-South Shore Not mapped
Avalon Park Ice Skating
1215 E 83rd St
Outdoors 7AM-11PM daily, Indoor rink Mon-Fri 9AM-10PM, Sat Sun 9AM-5PMFree skating, $3 skate rentals

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Chicago (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.