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 831-840 of 945
0.0 Miles
Boat rental service specializes in providing pontoons for eight or 12 that can be driven by guests with a few minutes’ training
38.9 Miles
90% 239 votes
Parks 115 Lakeshore Dr., Michigan City, IN MoreLess Info
The 140-acre Washington Park is located on Lake Michigan's south shore. Featuring two miles of beach, the Oasis Splash Park, a marina, public fishing, boat launches, picnic shelters, concessions, and even a zoo, this is one of the most popular parks in northern Indiana. During the holidays, the park is transfor…
38.9 Miles
100% 2 votes
Parks 159 N Alleghany Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 MoreLess Info
Jones Island State Park offers a range of outdoor activities including picnicking, hiking trails, boating and camping. The 188-acre park features 25,000 feet of saltwater shoreline on the San Juan channel.
39.0 Miles
78% 284 votes
Malls 601 Wabash Street, Michigan City, MS 46360 MoreLess Info
The Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets features a village-like setting, full of vintage appeal. It is home to numerous restaurants and stores, including ones for sportswear, designer fashion, fine leather, shoes, children’s clothing, home furnishings and much more.
39.0 Miles
65% 131 votes
National & State Parks Lake Front / Park Office, Zion, IL 60099 MoreLess Info
Located in Zion, Illinois, the Illinois Beach State Park features camping, hiking, kayaking, cycling and boating. The park stretches for approximately 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan. The campground features 241 Class-A premium sites, each with electrical and shower access.
39.0 Miles
100% 1 votes
Pubs 300 Eastgate Ct, Algonquin, IL 60102 MoreLess Info
Nero's Pizza & Pub is a restaurant and bar that serves a full menu of pizzas, sandwiches, appetizers, pastas, seafood, and entrees. The pub also hosts a variety of special events, like a White Elephant night and a chili cookoff.
39.0 Miles
100% 1 votes
Hiking Trails 19948-19998 W Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030 MoreLess Info
Visitors can enjoy a variety of open trails for hiking, bicycling, and running at Rollins Savanna, a large forest preserve. A section of the 3.5 mile main trail loop is devoted to bird watching.
39.1 Miles
92% 72 votes
Historic Sites 631 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN MoreLess Info
Known as the 'House that Freight Cars Built', the Barker Mansion preserves the legacy of a founding father of the rail car industry, John H. Baker. Featuring space for private events, guided tours to experience the period opulence, and a schoolroom tour.
39.1 Miles
75% 4 votes
Parks #1 Alan Drive, Algonquin, IL MoreLess Info
Located along a stretch of the Fox River, Buffalo Park Forest Preserve is a woodland retreat. It offers hiking and biking paths, scenic views, river access, and a sledding hill, when the weather permits. There is also a campground.
39.1 Miles
50% 6 votes
Farms & Ranches 2500 Johnson Road, Oswego, IL 60543 MoreLess Info
Keller's Farmstand is a business that locally grows and sells fruits and vegetables. In addition to selling produce, the farmstand also operates a farm filled with many attractions, including a corn maze, wagon rides, and a petting zoo.
39.2 Miles
100% 2 votes
Art Gallery 607 Franklin Street, Michigan City, IN 46360 MoreLess Info
Walnut Ink Projects is an art gallery that was founded in 2010 and features live workspace, retail merchandise, and event rentals. The gallery holds a variety of workshops including snowboard works and textile workshops.
Showing 831-840 of 945
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