Chicago is full of free summer activities for adults and children alike. While there are many free activities if you know where to find them, there are a few must-sees that any Chicagoan would recommend. Whether you're in the mood to enjoy the great outdoors, or you want to educate yourself on the culture of Chicago, there is a free activity that's perfect for you.
Chicago's Millennium Park has been visited by millions of people since its opening in 2004. Free to everyone, the park is full of art and architectural structures and doubles as a free outdoor music and event venue for the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus. In the heart of downtown Chicago, the park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (event pending), and during the summer months tours of the park are free. A complimentary audio tour is also available for download on the park's official website, so you can walk through the park with your iPod at your leisure.
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry designed the BP Bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline. The Lurie Garden offers visitors relaxation, where they can dip their feet into the waters around the garden. The Cloud Gate, one of the biggest attractions of Millennium Park, is a 110-ton elliptical sculpture made of shiny stainless steel plates, made to reflect Chicago's skyline among the clouds. Visitors should not miss the Boeing Galleries and Chase Promenade, where artists display their work. The Crown fountain doubles as both artwork and a refreshing cool-off on a hot summer day.
Millennium Park
Welcome Center-Northwest Exelon Pavilion
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602
312-742-1168
millenniumpark.org
Open and absolutely free 365 days a year, Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo is a must-see stop on your Chicago trip, regardless if you bring your children. There are so many animal houses to see -- from the Regenstein African Journey (where the giraffes and rhinoceroses are) to the Kovler Sea Lion Pool and everything in between, something will suit your fancy. If you're not into viewing live animals, simply screening the exhibits and soaking up some knowledge is fun, too. Lincoln Park is home to "one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country," according to the zoo's website.
Lincoln Park Zoo.
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312-742-2000
lpzoo.org/pyv_front.php
Opened in 1991 as a nonprofit gallery and education center, Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art houses art displays by artists who are "motivated by their unique personal visions" rather than working from mainstream art, as noted by the Intuit website. Visitors can enjoy the free galleries as they walk around and view the work, or sit in a comfy chair and talk about their favorite piece. Home to the Henry Darger Room Collection, Intuit celebrates artists akin to Darger, a lifelong custodian whose 15,415-page manuscript, as well as hundreds of drawings and paintings, were found after he died. "Outside artists" like Darger are celebrated at Intuit. Tours are available, and programs and events are offered year-round.
Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art
756 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
312-243-9088
art.org/index.htm
