Free & Cheap Things to Do in Chicago, IL

  • The list below includes 478 free or cheap things to do in or near Chicago, Illinois, including 107 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Neighborhoods, Observation Decks and Jazz/Blues Bars.
  • From Lake Michigan to Millennium Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Chicago and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Skokie, Oak Park, Evanston and Lombard.
  • The list below includes 478 free or cheap things to do in or near Chicago, Illinois, including 107 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Neighborhoods, Observation Decks and Jazz/Blues Bars.
  • From Lake Michigan to Millennium Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Chicago and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Skokie, Oak Park, Evanston and Lombard.
Showing 91-100 of 945
0.0 Miles
Local artist gives step-by-step instructions for featured painting while students daub canvases and sip drink specials
11.5 Miles
100% 5 votes
National & State Parks 4650 Brummel Street, Skokie, IL 60076 MoreLess Info
Situated on 13 acres, Emily Oaks Nature Center consists of a native savanna habitat for visitors to explore. The center provides educational information about the native wildflowers and trails in the area.
11.6 Miles
The Evanston History Center originally belonged to the family of Charles Dawes and represents many intricate details of the lifestyle of that period. Visitors get to know about the history of the family and about North-West Tinker Toys.
11.6 Miles
78% 9 votes
History Museums 225 Greenwood Street, Evanston, IL 60201 MoreLess Info
Founded in 1898, the Evanston History Center in the Charles Dawes House strives to preserve and promote the history of the local area. Visitors commonly enjoy taking tours of the house while viewing the exhibits and learning about local history.
11.6 Miles
50% 2 votes
Parks 7800 N Kenton Avenue, Skokie, IL 60201 MoreLess Info
Oakton Park is a full-featured neighborhood park featuring swimming pools, sports fields, as well as basketball and tennis courts. The park also has playgrounds, picnic areas, barbecue grills and public restrooms on site.
11.8 Miles
92% 26 votes
Parks 1700 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201 MoreLess Info
Dawes Park located in Evanston is a charming holiday destination. Many of its facilities are open only during a certain time of the year. Lake Michigan is the center of attraction of this resort.
11.8 Miles
86% 21 votes
National & State Parks 4701 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076 MoreLess Info
Skokie's Exploritorium is a large indoor play space that features an array of educational, creative, and hands-on play areas. It includes a climbing area with tubes and tunnels, musical instruments, a water play area, and costumes.
11.8 Miles
100% 1 votes
Recreation Centers 4701 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076 MoreLess Info
A multipurpose facility, the Oakton Community Center hosts programs for visitors of all ages, from kids to seniors. The facility features playgrounds, classrooms, a kitchen, lounges, and an Exploritorium, which has interactive play activities for kids.
11.9 Miles
78% 18 votes
Recreation Centers 1000 Grove Street, Evanston, IL 60201 MoreLess Info
The McGaw YMCA's amenities include exercise studios, Pilates studio, Racquetball courts, Treadmills, stair climbers, free weights, free wifi, gymnasium, two indoor pools, locker rooms and saunas. Instructional classes, summer camps, and public assistance programs and memberships are available.
12.0 Miles
62% 146 votes
Pubs 626 Church Street, Evanston, IL 60201 MoreLess Info
Located near downtown Evanston, the Celtic Knot Public House serves traditional pub fare and a wide selection of imported and craft beers, wines and spirits. The pub also hosts regular live music and monthly storytelling events.
12.0 Miles
100% 1 votes
Parks 9320 S Kenton Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 MoreLess Info
Open year-round, the Oak Lawn Park District Ice Arena is a community operated facility with party rooms and facilities available to rent. The district offers skating and figure skating lessons as well as hosting local recreational hockey leagues.
Showing 91-100 of 945
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