Free Things to Do in Chicago

One of the last free zoos in the country, open 365 days a year. Features the Regenstein African Journey, Pritzker Family Children's Zoo with a climbing area, Farm-in-the-Zoo with daily feedings, and seasonal ZooLights. Perfect for all ages.

A massive free outdoor park with a play garden featuring slides, climbing walls, bridges, and a separate toddler area. The Skating Ribbon operates in winter (skate rental available). Also features a climbing wall, mini golf in summer, and a fieldhouse with free programming. One of the best playgrounds in the country.

Chicago's lakefront landmark with a mix of free and paid family attractions. The Centennial Wheel ride offers skyline views, the Pier Park has carnival rides, and the free Polk Bros Park fountain is a hit with kids in summer. Fireworks shows on summer Wednesday and Saturday nights. Free to walk around.

One of the largest conservatories in the nation, completely free. The Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden lets kids dig in soil, play in a stream, climb a twisting vine sculpture, and explore plants through touch and smell. The main conservatories feature tropical palms, ferns, and desert plants.

Chicago's main library branch has a dedicated children's floor with free storytime sessions, craft programs, STEM activities, and a play area for young kids. The Thomas Hughes Children's Library hosts daily programming. All Chicago Public Library branches offer free kids programs -- check your local branch for schedules.

Popular neighborhood park with a renovated playground, splash pad (summer), ball fields, and a fieldhouse with free Park District programming for kids including arts, sports, and after-school programs. The playground has equipment for toddlers and older kids in separate areas.

Wizard of Oz-themed park with statues of Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion. Features a large playground with modern equipment, sports fields, and an artificial turf area. Popular with families in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Free and open to the public.

The 1.25-mile pedestrian walkway along the Chicago River is free to walk and features public art, seasonal play fountains, kayak rentals, and architecture boat tours. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum at the east end is great for older kids interested in engineering. Free outdoor space year-round.

Free admission ice skating rink in the heart of downtown, open mid-November through mid-March. Skate rental is available for a fee. The rink sits beneath the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture and is one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in the country. No reservations needed -- first come, first served.

A winding quarter-mile skating ribbon that is more of a path than a traditional oval rink. Free to skate with your own skates; skate rental available for a fee. Open mid-November through mid-March. Connected to Millennium Park via the BP Pedestrian Bridge.

Recently renovated outdoor basketball courts that are among the best public courts on the South Side. Free and open to the public. The park also has a fieldhouse with an indoor gym, baseball fields, and a playground. Foster Park is a local hub for pickup basketball.

Humboldt Park's 219-acre grounds include free outdoor basketball courts, a fieldhouse with an indoor gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a public outdoor pool (summer). The boathouse lagoon is also great for families. One of the most complete free sports parks in the city.

A well-maintained 15-acre park with outdoor basketball courts, baseball diamonds, a large fieldhouse with indoor gymnasium, and an outdoor pool (summer). Known for strong youth sports programming through the Park District. Free open gym hours available. Also has bocce ball courts.

Free public tennis courts along the lakefront in Lakeview. No reservations needed -- first come, first served. The courts are well-maintained and popular for casual play. Nearby Waveland Park also has a batting cage, a golf driving range, and outdoor basketball courts.

One of the Chicago Park District's premier indoor aquatic facilities with a 50-meter Olympic-size pool. Offers lap swim, open swim, swim lessons, and water aerobics. Very affordable through the Park District -- most programs are free or low-cost for residents. Indoor pool is open year-round.

A historic 372-acre South Side park with a free outdoor pool (summer), basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and a large fieldhouse with indoor gymnasium. The park hosts free Park District sports programming year-round. Also features the DuSable Museum of African American History on its grounds.

Free open soccer fields in the north end of Lincoln Park, near the Nature Museum. The fields are used for casual pickup games and organized Park District leagues. No reservation required for informal play. One of the most popular locations for adult soccer leagues in the city.

The Park District has installed free outdoor fitness courts (National Fitness Campaign model) at multiple parks across the city, including Humboldt Park, 31st Street Beach, and Ping Tom Memorial Park. Each station has bodyweight exercise equipment with QR codes linking to free guided workouts. No membership or equipment needed.

Frank Gehry-designed outdoor concert pavilion in Millennium Park hosting free concerts all summer. The Summer Music Series runs select Mondays and Thursdays from June through August. The Grant Park Music Festival offers free classical concerts from June to August. The Chicago Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend is also free. Bring a blanket and picnic on the Great Lawn.