Free Things to Do in Chicago

Due to the current state of our economy, many people are taking stay-cations instead of vacations, where they stay at home and visit their own city. Whether you are one of those local vacationers or someone who decided to live on the wild side and go on a vacation to the third largest city in America, there are free things to do in Chicago.

Shedd Aquarium: If you are interested in animals and fish, visit one of the most popular aquariums in America. The Shedd Aquarium is the home for about 22,000 aquatic animals-1,500 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals. On Community Discount Days, admission is free. The Shedd Aquarium's website regularly updates when their Community Discount Days start and end.

Museum of Science and Industry: If you're a science or museum buff, visiting the Museum of Science and Industry may be your forte. This museum has exhibits on everything from agriculture to space to chemistry to technology, and it's kid friendly too. One of the most popular museums in America, it has over 35,000 artifacts and almost 14 acres of exhibits. The Museum of Science and Industry has free days throughout the year that are regularly updated on their website in the pricing area.

DuSable Museum: The DuSable Museum has a free day on Sundays and is the first and oldest museum for African-American history. Visit their site regularly because there's always some free and exciting event going on, such as CNN's "Black in America 2" and "Brave New Voices" pre-screening, and Mike-E of Afroflow performing,

Chicago Defender newspaper: Take a free tour of the newsroom housing the 104-year-old African-American newspaper that received 2009's John Russwurm award for Best Black Newspaper of America by the National Newspaper Publishers Association. The Chicago Defender is located in one of the most historical areas in the African-American community: Bronzeville. Take a tour of the newsroom and see numerous historical, political and local pictures of noted leaders and news stories like the Emmett Till tragedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., founder Robert S. Abbott, Madame C.J. Walker and more. The Chicago Defender is one of the oldest and most renowned, and was secretly snuck onto trains by the Pullman Porters to keep Blacks informed of what was happening around the world.

Lake Michigan"The Lakefront": Parking is free along Lake Michigan, and there are thousands of people hanging out daily in the spring, summer and fall months. Take a bicycle ride along the bike paths. Take your dog to the dog beach so she can play in the water, get some exercise and socialize with other K9s. Take a walk and enjoy the lakefront scene or BBQ in the grassy areas. Play in the sand or run in the water at the beaches. Sit by the Montrose boat dock and watch people sailing or bring your own boat to join in the fun.

Navy Pier: There are free things to do at Navy Pier, although it will be very tempting to spend money on some other attractions that are not free (ex. ferris wheel, eat at Garrett Popcorn shops, Cirque Shanghai, 150-foot-high ferris wheel, pier-wide dining, countless shopping centers, Shakespeare and IMAX theater). However, if you have will power, there are fun free things to do. One example would be visiting the Chicago Children's Museum (CCM), free on Kraft Family Night, for CCM members and for children under one. There are also free trolley rides to and from the pier. There is a fireworks show every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend over Lake Michigan so for those who don't want to pay the pricy spending charges, check them out from the lakefront area or just off Lake Shore Drive if you can find a free parking spot nearby.

Taste of Chicago: If you are in Chicago during the last week of June through the Fourth of July week, visiting the Taste of Chicago is free. However, the food tickets are not. But there are plenty of free attractions. Millions of people come out to mingle, sit by the Buckingham Fountain and watch local entertainment (ex. jugglers, breakers, clowns), hang out for the free fireworks attraction on July 3 to celebrate Independence Day and for free concerts. The free concerts draw some of the biggest crowds, with past notable and kid friendly performers like Ne-Yo, Anthony Hamilton, Lyfe Jennings, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, India Arie, Stevie Wonder, Charlie Wilson, Keri Hilson and more.

Southside Community Art Center: Visit this art center free of charge and check out impressive African-American art that varies from romantic poses to political leaders. Also located in Bronzeville, this is a two-floor location (the top floor is an art class), but there are also free monthly exhibits being showcased here.

Flirty Girl Fitness: Get your workout on by participating in free dance classes called Beach Booty Beat courtesy of Flirty Girl Fitness. It's located at North Avenue Beach along the lakefront from 10 am to 11 am.