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 11-20 of 945
0.0 Miles
Players must untangle puzzles and gather clues to escape from a room with a hungry zombie within a set time limit
3.2 Miles
81% 112 votes
Neighborhoods 1425 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 MoreLess Info
Wicker Park offers a variety of shopping, nightlife, and dining locations for guests to visit. The location, known as one of the top “hipster” neighborhoods in the United States, features boutique shops and vintage clothing shops.
6.1 Miles
79% 47 votes
Parks Chicago, IL MoreLess Info
Hyde Park is a neighborhood that is best known for being the home of the University of Chicago, one of the premier academic institutions in the country. Visitors who are interested in photo opportunities can take architecture tours through this site.
7.5 Miles
78% 93 votes
Neighborhoods South Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661 MoreLess Info
Guests of Greektown will have the chance to eat at a variety of Greek restaurants and shop at Greek stores. The small neighborhood spans only four blocks and is often visited by students attending nearby institutions.
0.7 Miles
76% 312 votes
Beaches 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 MoreLess Info
The North Avenue Beach not only offers access to the lake, but also the chance to play volleyball or chess. The location also features a beach house, which features ocean-liner like architecture and dining opportunities.
1.6 Miles
66% 7893 votes
Piers & Boardwalks 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 MoreLess Info
Historic Navy Pier contains 50 acres of parks, unique shops, promenades, eateries, and a variety of entertainment attractions. Over 8 million visitors per year enjoy the 15-story tall Ferris wheel, Children's Museum, and cruise boat rides on the lake.
1.7 Miles
54% 355 votes
Neighborhoods 318 West Cermak Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 MoreLess Info
Chinatown is a neighborhood and cultural center that features a variety of restaurants and shopping areas inspired by the Chinese tradition. Visitors of this site who are interested in photography may enjoy taking pictures of the site's architectural design.
0.5 Miles
95% 17372 votes
Statues 201 E. Randolph St., between Michigan Ave & Columbus Ave, Chicago, IL 60602 MoreLess Info
Cloud Gate is a sculpture located in Chicago's Millennium Park. At 110 tons, the stainless steel plated sculpture is one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.
10.8 Miles
- 0 votes
Parks 49 East 95th St, Chicago, IL 60619 MoreLess Info
Abbott Park features a variety of sites for activities like basketball, baseball, and tennis. Visitors of the site can also enroll their children in both after-school and summer sports camps.
1.4 Miles
90% 10361 votes
Observation Decks 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 MoreLess Info
See four states at one time from the John Hancock Observatory in downtown Chicago. The tourist attraction is one of Chicago's tallest buildings, with the observatory located on the 94th floor.
0.3 Miles
85% 16453 votes
Observation Decks 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 MoreLess Info
Willis Tower is Chicago's tallest building and boasts it is the third tallest in the world. The attraction includes a glass box, which extends more than four feet from the 103rd floor Skydeck.
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