Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Reminder:The City Guide app will be sunsetting on December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Please visit our FAQ to learn more or to download our Swarm app.
Learn more
Chicago Activities
Old Town School of Folk Music is one of Chicago Activities.

1. Old Town School of Folk Music

9.3
4544 N Lincoln Ave (at W Wilson Ave), Chicago, IL
Music School · Ravenswood · 49 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: Classes and workshops for students turn into many free concerts throughout the year. Check their website for details. Read more.

The Oriental Institute is one of Chicago Activities.

2. The Oriental Institute

9.1
1155 E 58th St (btwn Woodlawn Ave & University Ave), Chicago, IL
History Museum · Hyde Park · 25 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: Artifacts from Asia and the Middle East. There are lectures, audio tours, and a huge statue of King Tut. Free admission. Read more.

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago Activities.

3. Lincoln Park Zoo

9.2
2001 N Clark St (btwn Fullerton Pkwy & LaSalle Dr), Chicago, IL
Zoo · Lincoln Park · 283 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: One of the last zoos in America to have free admission. See some animals and then bring the kids to story time on Wednesday and Friday 9:15-10am. Read more.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple is one of Chicago Activities.

4. Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple

8.2
875 Lake St (Kenilworth Ave), Oak Park, IL
Historic and Protected Site · 15 tips and reviews

Sima D.Sima Dahl, CSP, AS, MBA: Learn more about this beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright structure here: http://www.unitytemple-utrf.org Read more.

Holstein Park is one of Chicago Activities.

5. Holstein Park

8.4
2200 N Oakley Ave (btw Lyndale St & Shakespeare Ave), Chicago, IL
Park · 10 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: This park has baseball fields, basketball courts, a swimming pool, a spray pool, playground and gym. Admission is free. Read more.

Chicago Cultural Center is one of Chicago Activities.

6. Chicago Cultural Center

9.1
78 E Washington St (btwn N Michigan & N Garland Ct.), Chicago, IL
Museum · The Loop · 153 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: This landmark building houses free public events, such as lectures, films, music and dance events. They have the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome. Read more.

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is one of Chicago Activities.

7. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

9.2
740 E 56th Pl (S Cottage Grove Ave), Chicago, IL
History Museum · Washington Park · 32 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: Check out this independent museum on African American history which promotes cultural understanding. Free admissions on Sundays, children under 5 always free. Read more.

Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain is one of Chicago Activities.

8. Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain

9.2
301 S Columbus Dr (btwn Jackson Dr & Balbo Dr), Chicago, IL
Fountain · Grant Park · 134 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: One of Chicago’s top attractions, and it is absolutely free. Shows start every hour on the hour and last for 20 minutes, reaching heights of 150 feet in the air. Read more.

The Hideout is one of Chicago Activities.

9. The Hideout

8.7
1354 W Wabansia Ave (btwn Elston Ave & Throop St), Chicago, IL
Rock Club · 57 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: This small bar has been around since 1934. They hosts live music, theater performances, art shows and book signings, as well as being a great place to have a drink. Read more.

Lincoln Park Conservatory is one of Chicago Activities.

10. Lincoln Park Conservatory

9.3
2391 N Stockton Dr (at Fullerton Pkwy), Chicago, IL
Garden · Lincoln Park · 58 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: Enjoy a peaceful afternoon among greenhouses and tropical flowers Free entry to 4 different houses, children and anyone who enjoys being surrounded by natural beauty will enjoy this spot. Read more.

Chicago Architecture Foundation is one of Chicago Activities.

11. Chicago Architecture Foundation

224 S Michigan Ave (at E Jackson Blvd), Chicago, IL
Museum · The Loop · 51 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: Free “Chicago Model City”, where you can see a 320-square foot model of the city, and thirty-minute gallery talks are free of charge, as well. River Cruises and Chicago Walking Tours are around $10. Read more.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is one of Chicago Activities.

12. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

9.1
2430 N Cannon Dr (at Fullerton Pkwy), Chicago, IL
Science Museum · Lincoln Park · 37 tips and reviews

CheapismCheapism: Kids under 3 are always free. Get in free on Thursdays (donations are encouraged but not necessary). Explore the relationship between people and nature here. Read more.