{"id":27281,"date":"2019-06-10T18:11:30","date_gmt":"2019-06-10T18:11:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=27281"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:18:32","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:18:32","slug":"free-things-to-do-in-chicago-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/free-things-to-do-in-chicago-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Things to Do in Chicago with Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s always a good time to take your family to Chicago<\/a>. Whether you\u2019re wrapped up in your parka or tempted to take a dip in Lake Michigan, Chicago promises free and affordable fun for your whole crew.<\/p>\n

On your next trip to the Windy City, add our budget-friendly suggestions to your itinerary, and enjoy a family vacation without the financial stress. From exploring the city\u2019s famous landmarks to losing track of time at fascinating exhibits, it\u2019s easy to venture around Chicago within your means. Round up your crew and get ready to experience some of the best free activities for kids in Chicago.<\/p>\n

1. Maggie Daley Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Devon Neff\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Maggie Daley Park isn\u2019t any ol\u2019 park. This admission-free park features a 3-acre Play Garden with slides, towers, and swings galore. From the spray features and viewing scopes to the talking tubes and mirrored maze, your kiddos could spend hours exploring this imaginative play space.<\/p>\n

2. Smart Museum of Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Bethany Khan\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When you\u2019re on the hunt for free attractions in Chicago, make a pit stop at the Smart Museum of Art<\/a>. Located on the University of Chicago campus, this exhibit showcases more than 15,000 pieces of artwork. It\u2019s never too early to get your children interested in and inspired by the power of art.<\/p>\n

3. Millennium Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Luis Boucault\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Regardless of whether you\u2019re bundled up for winter or soaking up some summer sunshine, set aside some time to explore the ever-popular Millennium Park<\/a>. Your kids will love striking a pose in front of the Cloud Gate mirrored sculpture and frolicking under the trees along Chase Promenade. During the summer months, the park hosts a number of free events for kids in Chicago, from movie nights to concert series on the lawn.<\/p>\n

4. Chicago Fed’s Money Museum<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Christiane N.\/Yelp<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Who says vacations can\u2019t be educational? Not us! Take your crew to the Chicago Fed\u2019s Money Museum, where you\u2019ll learn the history behind the US dollar. This free museum showcases currency from the Civil War and even teaches you how the Secret Service detects counterfeits. You\u2019ll never look at cash the same way again.<\/p>\n

5. Navy Pier<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Joao Virissimo\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yes, there are plenty of ways you can spend money at Navy Pier<\/a>, but it\u2019s also fun just to stroll around and watch the action\u2014all for free! Admire the Ferris wheel and check out those lake views. During the summer months, the pier hosts free firework shows over Lake Michigan every Wednesday and Saturday evening.<\/p>\n

6. Buckingham Fountain<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Boris Novikov\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of all the free activities in Chicago for kids, Buckingham Fountain<\/a> is probably the easiest form of entertainment. It\u2019s one of the largest fountains in the world, so you know it puts on a good show! Between May and October, every hour from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., the fountain performs a light display to music. Water shoots 150 feet into the sky, while colored lights flicker to the sound of music.<\/p>\n

7. Ohio Street Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via VICTOR TORRES\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You may not picture your little ones playing in the sand on a trip to Chicago, but think again! Ohio Street Beach<\/a> sits along Lake Michigan, and it\u2019s a great place to kick back during the warmer months. You\u2019ll definitely want to pack swimsuits and sunscreen so you and your kiddos can enjoy this fun free thing to do in Chicago this summer.<\/p>\n

8. Free Museum Days in Chicago<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Thomas Barrat\/Shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many of the city\u2019s top museums provide set dates in which they are admission free for Illinois residents, while others offer free entry on certain days of the week. Participating museums include the Alder Planetarium<\/a>, Chicago History Museum<\/a>, and The Field Museum<\/a>, among others. Be sure to check the museums\u2019 calendars in advance of your trip.<\/p>\n

9. Garfield Park Conservatory<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Justin F.\/Yelp<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Does your little one already have a green thumb? If so, they\u2019ll love exploring Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the nation\u2019s largest greenhouse conservatories. Admire plants from all over the world\u2014from the prickly cactus in the Desert Garden to the to the rainforest species in the Aroid House. This indoor and outdoor attraction is one of the top free activities for kids in the city. Be sure to check out the event calendar, too, as the attraction hosts a number of family programs each month.<\/p>\n

10. Lakefront Trail<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Pam S.\/Yelp<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s time to burn off some energy! Grab your bikes and set off on two wheels along the Lakefront Trail. This free trail runs for 18.5 miles along the western shore of Lake Michigan, giving your little ones plenty of space to run wild and free. Put your wallet away and spend an afternoon taking in the lake views with your tots in tow, completely free of charge. You\u2019re sure to find some good spots for family photos, too.<\/p>\n

11. Foster Avenue Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Thomas G.\/Yelp<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another beach? Sure, Chicago isn\u2019t known as a beach destination, but the beach scene is too good to overlook! Foster Avenue Beach is an amazing spot, which also happens to be a top free activity for kids in Chicago during the summertime. This is a prime family-friendly beachfront area, overlooking Lake Michigan. If you don\u2019t mind sparing a few bucks, treat your gang to some popsicles and cotton candy down by the water. Before leaving, swing by the outdoor showers so the kids don\u2019t bring any sand back to the hotel!<\/p>\n

Searching for other budget-friendly things to do in Chicago<\/a>?<\/p>\n