Fodor's Travel: Located right on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier not only provides visitors with stunning lakefront and skyline views, but it also has a number of free activities offered year-round.
Fodor's Travel: Over two million spectators line Lake Michigan every year to see this free, two-day spectacular in August. The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest and oldest free air and water show in the U.S.
1600 N Lake Shore Dr (btwn Fullerton Pkwy & North Ave), Chicago, IL
Beach · Lincoln Park · 82 tips and reviews
Fodor's Travel: North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach tend to be the most popular in the city, but all beaches are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.