By Casey Holley
Taking a trip to
Chicago can have a significant impact on your wallet; however, with careful planning, it doesn't have to break the bank. There are inexpensive things to do around Chicago any time of year. You can increase your savings and possibly see some attractions that may be out of your price range by taking advantage of free admission and discount cards. When you are planning your trip, be sure to contact the businesses you are going to visit and inquire about parking costs, as these prices change frequently.
Free Admission
The Lincoln Park Zoo is free 365 days a year. This zoo features the Regenstein African Journey, Farm-in-the-Zoo, Pritzker Children's Zoo, Helen Branch Primate House and McCormick Bear Habitat, among others. The John G. Shedd Aquarium, which features aquatic exhibits, offers 52 free admission days per year. These change from year to year to coincide with Chicago-area school breaks. The Museum of Science and Industry and the Adler Planetarium also offer free admission days.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-2000
http://www.lpzoo.org/
John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-2438
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
773-684-1414
http://www.msichicago.org/
Adler Planetarium
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago IL 60605
312-922-7827
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/index.shtml
Under $25 Per Person
To see a view of the Chicago skyline from a skyscraper, check out the Sears Tower Skydeck or the Hancock Observatory. Once you pay your admission fee at either of these centers, you will be able to visit the museum that is located in the building. You can also check out the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for a taste of Chicago's nature.
Sears Tower Skydeck
233 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
312-875-9447
http://www.the-skydeck.com/
John Hancock Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
888-875-VIEW
http://www.hancock-observatory.com/
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 North Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
773-755-5100
http://www.naturemuseum.org/
Discount Programs
If you plan on visiting multiple attractions in Chicago, consider purchasing a Chicago discount card. The Chicago CityPass includes entrance to five Chicago attractions and must be used within nine days of the first time you use your card at an attraction. The Go Chicago Card is a discount card that is based on the number of days you intend to use the card. There are more than 30 attractions that accept the Go Chicago Card.
Chicago CityPass
27 Arrow Root Lane
Victor, ID 83455
888-330-5008
http://www.citypass.com/city/chicago.html
Go Chicago Card
85 Merrimac Street, Suite 200
Boston, MA 02114
800-887-9103
http://www.smartdestinations.com/chicago-attractions-and-tours/_d_Chi-p1.html?pass=Chi_Prod_Go
About the Author:
Casey Holley is a medical writer who began working in the health and fitness industries in 1995, while still in high school. She has worked as a nutrition consultant and has written numerous health and wellness articles for various online publications. She has also served in the Navy and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in health administration from the University of Phoenix.
