Many of Chicago's most esteemed museums have "free days" and several other museums are always free. See photographs, textiles and more at the famous Art Institute of Chicago for free on from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Nature lovers will enjoy the impressive butterfly greenhouses of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for free on Thursdays. Other worthwhile Chicago museums that are free on certain days include the Chicago History Museum (Mondays), the Loyola Art Museum (Tuesdays), the Museum of Contemporary Photography (Fridays) and the DuSable Museum of African American History (noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays).
Many other Chicago museums remain free throughout the week and year. If you want to see free art or photography, check out the DePaul University Art Museum, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Photography or the Smith Museum of Stained Glass. For free cultural museums, visit the historic Jane Addams Hull House, the Oriental Institute Museum or the Children's Museum of Immigration. Animal and nature buffs will also have their hands full with free options that range from the Lincoln Park Zoo to the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Chicago has some of the most impressive architecture in all of America. A great way to see the best of Chicago by foot is through the free Chicago Greeter Program. Resident greeters will give you tours through your choice of 25 neighborhoods and 40 attractions. If you'd rather walk through Chicago's streets alone, check out the famous Buckingham Fountain (featured in the opening credits for "Married with Children"), the banks of the Chicago River and Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Millennium Park in general is full of eye-popping sculptures, an interactive fountain and other scenic wonders.
Although a bit more touristy than other Chicago options, kids and adults alike may still enjoy Chicago's Navy Pier. While some of the attractions are not free, the atmosphere is free and worth a visit. Stroll on the pier and take in breathtaking views of Chicago's skyline, an ice skating rink (in the winter), a Ferris wheel and free fireworks during the summer on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
If you like free concerts, theater and dance, you're in luck in Chicago. Depending on the season, locations such as the Chicago Cultural Center and Grant Park host many free entertainment events. Each summer from June to August, the Chicago Summer Dance Festival offers both performances and hands-on dance lessons. The Chicago Park District shows free films at many city parks in the summer months as well. Music fans will enjoy the Chicago Cultural Center's classical Dame Myra Hess Concert Series on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Or get a taste of Chicago's renowned theater scene with the Shakespeare Project of Chicago's takes on Shakespeare classics (performed throughout the city) or the Free Street Theater group's various yearly performances.
