Free Fun Things to Do in Chicago

If you're looking for fun things to do but are hoping to avoid spending money, Chicago has plenty of free attractions to enjoy this summer and fall. From parks and beaches to music and art, here are some ideas for finding free entertainment in the city.

Navy Pier: One of the most popular places to visit in Chicago is Navy Pier. Among the free attractions here are a museum of stained glass windows, free performances for families, and fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer. Navy Pier also offers a great view of the city's skyline.

Museum Free Days: While they are not free most of the time, many museums in Chicago have free days during the week. These days can be a great chance to learn about history or explore art. Museums that offer free admission on certain days or parts of days include the DuSable Museum of African American History on Sundays,the Field Museum on the second Monday of each month, the Chicago History Museum on Mondays, the Museum of Contemporary Art on Tuesdays, and the Art Institute of Chicago on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more days and times with free admission, check out the museums' Web sites.

Chicago Cultural Center: The cultural center is always free to visit and features beautiful architecture including stained glass domes. It also offers hundreds of free cultural programs, including music concerts, plays, free dance performances, and art exhibitions.

Festivals: If you're looking for music and dancing, there are several festivals with free admission in the city, especially on weekends during the summer and early fall. Chicago SummerDance features dance lessons, performances, and live music on weekends in Grant Park throughout the summer A variety of music is featured at various festivals, which include the Chicago Jazz Festival from September 4 to 6 and Celtic Fest from September 12 to 13 in Grant Park. Many neighborhood festivals feature music as well as arts and crafts. They offer a great chance to get a glimpse of the many cultures in the city. A few of these festivals are the Chinatown Summer Fair on July 19, the Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival on August 8 and 9, and Taste of Greece on August 29 and 30.

Grant Park and Millenium Park: These parks are terrific places to enjoy free art and music. Chances to enjoy free classical music are offered throughout the summer in the Jay Pritzger Pavillion at Millenium Park and Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Two attractions to check out are Buckingham Fountain, which is lit up beautifully at night, and Cloud Gate, a popular sculpture often referred to by Chicagoans as "The Bean."

Lincoln Park Zoo: If you would like to see and learn about animals, the Lincoln Park Zoo has free admission. From apes, bears, and lions to flamingos and penguins, there are plenty of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles for families to see.

Lake Michigan: There are also plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors on pleasant summer days. You can walk, run, or bike on the path by Lake Michigan. It's a nice opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy a gorgeous view of the Chicago skyline. For a chance to lie out in the sun, play volleyball, or take a swim, there are several beaches along the lake.

It doesn't take a lot of money to have a great time in Chicago. With plenty of free art, music, and outdoor recreation available, it's easy to have fun in the city without having to spend much cash.