By Kent Ninomiya
There are all sorts of fun things to do in
Chicago for free. The Windy City has many public spaces and facilities where you can relax and be entertained. Even things that you would normally have to pay for are free on certain days of the week or month. If you plan your trip carefully, you can enjoy a visit to Chicago without paying for any of the sights.
Free Museums
Most Chicago museums offer free admission one or two days per week. The Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are free on Monday and Tuesday. The Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Contemporary Art are free on Tuesday. The Field Museum of Natural History is free on Wednesday. The DuSable Museum of African American History and Museum of Science and Industry are free on Thursday. These are world-class museums and definitely worth a visit.
Lakefront
Much of the recreation in Chicago takes place along the lakefront. Start at Navy Pier, where admission and many of the exhibits are free. During the summer there are free fireworks displays on Wednesday and Friday nights. From Navy Pier you can either walk south toward Soldier Field or north to Lincoln Park. Free beaches line the shore.
Millennium Park
This 24-acre green space in downtown Chicago is meant to be an oasis in the concrete jungle. Check out the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the interactive Crown Fountain and the sculpture garden. Admission is free and there are also free concerts throughout the year.
Free Shows
There is all sorts of free entertainment available in Chicago. The Shakespeare Project of Chicago offers free performances at area libraries. The Chicago Park District shows free movies in city parks during the summer. The Summer Dance Festival gives free dance lessons to everyone followed by a dance party. There is a different style of dance every night. It happens Thursday through Sunday in the Spirit of Music Garden at Grant Park throughout the summer.
Lincoln Park Zoo
This world-class zoo is free to the public every day of the year. There is a charge for parking, but you can often find street parking at a meter if you drive around. Better yet, take a taxi to the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., from your hotel.
Resources
About the Author:
Kent Ninomiya is a veteran journalist with over 23 years experience as a television news anchor, reporter and managing editor. He traveled to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Ninomiya holds a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences with emphasis in history, political science and mass communications from the University of California at Berkeley.
