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 21-30 of 945
0.0 Miles
The Windy City Playhouse players flex their acting muscles during productions full of dark humor and genuine emotion
0.1 Miles
85% 8181 votes
Observation Decks 233 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL MoreLess Info
At Skydeck Chicago, guests will have the opportunity to rise 1,353 feet in the air and take in views of the city skyline from above. Visitors of the city who enjoy photography may find something to appreciate at this location.
0.5 Miles
69% 419 votes
Architectural Buildings 210 S. Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606 MoreLess Info
Union Station is an old active train station that offers visitors access to a variety of locations within the city. Guests of this site can also purchase refreshments and explore the site's spacious main dome.
0.3 Miles
93% 15 votes
Architectural Buildings Chicago, IL MoreLess Info
Located within The Loop, the Financial District is the home of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The site, which serves a purpose similar to that of Wall Street, features both 1920s and 1930s architecture.
0.3 Miles
97% 29636 votes
Art Museum 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 MoreLess Info
Find the Art Institute of Chicago located along Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The museum includes everything from Medieval artwork, to Asian, Indian and Modern paintings, sculptures, jewelry, mosaics and vases.
0.4 Miles
94% 2069 votes
Cultural Centers 78 East Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60601 MoreLess Info
The Chicago Cultural Center is a municipal center that features a variety of exhibits and performances for guests to enjoy. Visitors of this site can also take advantage of the information center, cafe, and gift shop.
6.5 Miles
91% 13537 votes
Art Museum 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637 MoreLess Info
Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry is found in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The museum includes live laboratory programs and science exhibits, plus an Omnimax Theater and other science shows.
5.0 Miles
92% 7549 votes
Sports Facilities/Fields 1060 W Addison, Chicago, IL 60613 MoreLess Info
Built in 1914, Chicago's Wrigley Field is one of baseball's finest treasures. Young and old alike will enjoy the heritage and history of experiencing a ball game, refreshment, and a meal at this venerable ballpark.
1.1 Miles
Specialty Museums 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 MoreLess Info
The Field Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about natural history through exhibits and children's programs. One of the location's main attraction, “Sue”, is the tyrannosaurus rex that has ever been discovered.
2.3 Miles
88% 1744 votes
Comedy Clubs 1616 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614 MoreLess Info
For over fifty years The Second City has been entertaining its audience with comedy sketches and short scenes with a focus on improvisation, seven nights a week. Second City features open cabaret-style table seating for added social interactivity.
2.3 Miles
History Museums 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 MoreLess Info
The Chicago History Museum offers a variety of exhibits through which guests can learn about the city's long life. Children who visit this site will be able to play a variety of entertaining, yet informative, games.
Showing 21-30 of 945
HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE Chicago AREA?
ADD A NEW ATTRACTION TO TRIPBUZZ!