By Diane Steinbach
Free Things to Do in Downtown Chicago
is a bustling city and considered by some as the
New York of the Midwest. Famous for its architecture, history and business, a visit here can be a pricey adventure. But there are plenty of great deals to be had here as well to enjoy for free with your family and friends.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry has been a part of the city since 1933. It is a great place to visit no matter what your age. With plenty of interactive things for kids to do, including dissecting a cow eyeball, to a mineshaft ride and information on coal mining, there is a full day's worth of things to see and do here. Visit on a Tuesday and get in free.
The Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: (773) 684-1414
Monday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Window Shop
Walk the streets of the Magnificent Mile and feel like a native Chicagoan. Keep your credit card in your purse as this stretch between Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River and Oak Street is filled with ritzy shops that will dazzle your senses. It is a fun place to window shop, enjoy the Chicago skyline and people watch on a sunny day.
Magnificent Mile
North Michigan Ave
Downtown Chicago
The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association
625 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 401
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 642-3570
Fax: (312) 642-3826
Email: info@themagnificentmile.com
Seasonal Event Hotline: (312) 409-5560
Graceland Cemetery
Eternal Silence monument
A haven for photography enthusiasts and lovers of ghost stories, the Graceland Cemetery, near old Wrigley Field, is a treasure and outdoor "museum" of horticulture and art free for the viewing. Built in the 1860s, this cemetery is home to some of the most stunning monuments you will ever encounter, including the Dexter Graves bronze sculpture figure titled "Eternal Silence" and Marshall Fields' final resting place under a huge statue of a woman titled "Memory." Show respect while you're there, but don't miss this free attraction in the downtown area.
Graceland Cemetery
4001 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 525-1105
Navy Pier
Although the rides and some attractions cost money, you can be part of the din of this great location for free. Home to skating rinks and ferris wheels, the Navy Pier is also home to the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows (admission is free). During the summer you can enjoy free fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 595-PIER
Toll Free:(800) 595-PIER
Oriental Institute Museum
The most underrated museum in Chicago, The Oriental Institute has an impressive collection of Egyptian, Persian and Mesopotamian artifacts that will send any archeology (or Raiders of the Lost Ark) fan into a spin. Admission is free everyday.
The Oriental Institute
1155 East 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: (773) 702-9514
Resources
About the Author:
Diane Steinbach has been writing for a variety of professional, educational and entertainment publications for over 15 years. Her work consists of three books on art therapy including : "Art as Therapy: Innovations, Inspiration and Ideas" (Steinbach, 2005.) She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in art therapy and behavioral science from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Photo Credits:
kevindooley flickr.com, Mark Heard flickr.com, Amitubal flickr.com, mindfrieze flickr.com,David Paul Ohmer flickr.com, mharrsch flickr.com
