Free & Cheap Things to Do in Chicago, IL

  • The list below includes 478 free or cheap things to do in or near Chicago, Illinois, including 107 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Neighborhoods, Observation Decks and Jazz/Blues Bars.
  • From Lake Michigan to Millennium Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Chicago and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Skokie, Oak Park, Evanston and Lombard.
  • The list below includes 478 free or cheap things to do in or near Chicago, Illinois, including 107 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Neighborhoods, Observation Decks and Jazz/Blues Bars.
  • From Lake Michigan to Millennium Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Chicago and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Skokie, Oak Park, Evanston and Lombard.
Showing 231-240 of 945
0.0 Miles
Participants 14 years and older learn rope skills for climbing up to 6 stories tall
18.0 Miles
79% 14 votes
Mini Golf 510 E Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 MoreLess Info
Designed after an old mining town theme, Mountain View Mine Miniature Golf is a local 18-hole miniature golf course open to the public. The course is filled with obstacles and is lined with scenic waterfalls, creeks, and bridges.
18.0 Miles
83% 6 votes
Dog Park Central Rd & E River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 MoreLess Info
Administered by the city, the Beck Lake Dog Friendly Area is an off-leash dog park that features separate areas for small and large dogs. The park also feature a pond.
18.1 Miles
100% 6 votes
Dog Park 1001 Zenith Drive, Glenview, IL 60025 MoreLess Info
Community Bark West is a fenced, off-leash park with separate small dog area within the larger main park. The park features walking paths, fountains for dogs and people, shelter for shade and inclement weather and waste disposal bags and receptacles.
18.2 Miles
100% 2 votes
Lake 1000 NE River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 MoreLess Info
A 38 acre forest preserve located between Des Plaines and Glenview, the Beck Lake Forest Preserve is a popular fishing spot for bass, northern pike, carp, catfish, bluegill, and a variety of other fish.
18.2 Miles
100% 1 votes
Art Gallery 2625 Greenleaf Avenue, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 MoreLess Info
Art Distributors is an art and frame wholesaler that also sells oil paintings, prints, and designs. The company creates custom frames that are made out of regular and ornate wood.
18.5 Miles
95% 61 votes
236

The Grove

Historic Buildings 1421 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025 MoreLess Info
Visitors can explore an outdoor history and nature museum that spans 143 acres across diverse prairie grove land at The Grove. The Grove features a variety of native plants, animals and nature trails, and offers workshops and hands-on programs.
18.6 Miles
71% 14 votes
Bowling 37 E Lorraine Ave, Ste 1, Addison, IL 60101 MoreLess Info
The Stardust Bowl offers 84 lanes, typically enough to accommodate both league bowlers as well as smaller groups. In operation for over 50 years, Stardust offers shoe rentals and has a full restaurant and bar as well as an arcade.
18.6 Miles
100% 8 votes
Parks 395 W Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 MoreLess Info
Friendship Park Conservatory is a conservatory featuring well maintained gardens and an indoor atrium. The conservatory is available for events such as weddings, showers, and parties, and is venue to a master gardener program.
18.6 Miles
100% 2 votes
Skating Rinks 2111 Founders Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062 MoreLess Info
Home to several regional hockey leagues, Northshore Ice Arena specializes in hockey skating clinics, equipment, and tournaments. The arena has open adult hockey skate sessions in a walk in studio rink.
18.7 Miles
43% 7 votes
Parks Forest Preserve Way, Skokie, IL 60076 MoreLess Info
The Skokie Lagoons is an assortment of pools and channels covering 894 acres and located just inland of Lake Michigan. Public boat access with an assortment of fishing is available along with picnic areas and hiking trails.
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