Free Activities in Chicago
Over 8,000 acres of publicly accessible parks, all free of charge, are found across Chicago. Numerous of them include natural areas with abundant species, like Northerly Island and North Pond Nature Sanctuary. These areas provide different free activities in Chicago for kids and adults.
They have a breathtaking landscape concepts, like the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and the prairie river and boathouse in Humboldt Park. There are different free recreational spaces, like the kayak boathouse in Ping Tom Memorial Park. One of the free open beaches, accessible from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is another option for spending the day.
The 26 miles of free and open lakefront in the city are maintained by the Chicago Park District for the enjoyment of both locals and tourists. Chicago’s beaches don’t charge admission. From the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day, beach season begins. Lifeguards only remain on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during beach season.
Free Activities in Chicago this Weekend
Here is the list of Free Activities in Chicago this Weekend:
1. Day of The Dead Celebration Primary Image
Date & time:
- Fri, Nov 1 • 7:00 PM
Location:
- Dragonfly Gallery & Creative Spaces
2. Bridal Expo Chicago
Date & time:
- Sun, Oct 27 • 11:00 AM
Location:
- Marriott Hotel O’Hare, Chicago, IL primary image
3. Halloweentown: A Brunch Day Party
Date & time:
- Sun, Oct 27 • 2:30 PM
Location:
- HVAC Pub
4. Chicago Tech Career Fair: Exclusive Tech Hiring Event primary image
Date & time:
- Friday • 11:00 AM
5. The Age of Outrage: How to Lead In A Polarized World
Date & time:
- Thu, Oct 31 • 12:00 PM
Location:
- Harper Center C25
6. Chicago Job Fair October 24, 2024 – Chicago Career Fairs primary image
Date & time:
- Thursday • 11:00 AM
Location:
- The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
7. Haunted Halloween
Date & time:
- Sat, Oct 26 • 4:00 PM
Location:
- The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago
8. Satellite Concourse 1 Opportunity Forum
Date & time:
- Tuesday • 5:30 PM
Location:
- 167 GREEN
9. Tech Talent Pipeline: Pathways into Chicago’s Tech Industry
Date & time:
- Wed, Oct 30 • 11:00 AM
Location:
- Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship—Tellabs Innovation Alley
City Civics Day 2024
Date & time:
- Sat, Nov 9 • 9:30 AM
Location:
- Malcolm X College
World Premiere of Community Storytellers Shorts
Date & time:
- Sun, Nov 3 • 6:00 PM
Location:
- Gene Siskel Film Center
10.DCASE Presents – Under the Dome – SPARKLMAMI & AKENYA
Date & time:
- Thursday • 5:00 PM
Location:
- Chicago Cultural Center
11.Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest
Date & time:
- Sun, Oct 27 • 11:00 AM
Location:
- Time Out Market Chicago
2024 Fall Forum on Teaching and Learning
Date & time:
- Friday • 11:00 AM
Date & time:
- DePaul University – Lincoln Park Student Center
Free Activities in Chicago for Families
- Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (aka The Bean)
- walk a portion of the Lakefront Trail
- Go to Navy Pier
- Green City Lincoln Park Farmer’s Market (seasonal)
- Lincoln Park Zoo (free!)
1. Poetry Foundation
Explore the first area in Chicago devoted exclusively to poetry. A 30,000-volume library, a public garden, an exhibition gallery, and a full schedule of weekly public activities and programs are all housed within the Poetry Foundation.
2. The 606
Trek is a breathtaking 2.7-mile raised park trail that winds across residential areas. The 606 is constructed along a defunct railroad track.
It is a wonderful location for different activities, like:
- Jogging
- Biking
- Walking
- a lot of green space
- beautiful lookout points
- murals of public art
- an outdoor observatory
3. The Newberry Library
With over 1.5 million publications, manuscripts, maps, rare books, music, and more, the magnificent Newberry Library is home to numerous special exhibitions.
4. Stony Island Arts Bank
The 1923 bank building underwent a dramatic restoration to become the Stony Island Arts Bank after decades of decay. It is now a community center, library, and gallery combined.
They provide fun activities, like:
- free live music schedule
- film screenings
- DJs
- Exhibitions
- talks
- readings
- performances
5. The Lakefront Trail
Lakefront Trail has the lush green parks on one side and the azure waters of Lake Michigan on the other side.
It provides a place to:
- Run
- Walk
- Cycling
- Rollerblade
There are different fun and play areas along the trail, including:
- Gardens
- Playgrounds
- Beaches
- public art
- tennis courts
Free Activities in Chicago Today
Today Oct 19
- Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago
Location & Time
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture 10:00AM
- Golden Hour featuring DnBiD
Epiphany Center for The Arts
- Golden Hour featuring Selectress Kinky P
Epiphany Center for The Arts
- MICHAEL JOHNSON, Marc LeValle
Reggies – Comedy Shack
- Spooky Zoo Presented by Comer Children’s Hospital
Lincoln Park Zoo
- Mark Sultan, Snake Wine, Mikey Classic and His Demons
Reggies – Music Joint
- Saturday Night in The Sidebar w/ The Heavy Sounds
FitzGerald’s
- Saturday at The Point
The Point
Free Kids Activities in Chicago Tomorrow
Tomorrow Oct 20
- Presented by Humana
Free – Through Oct 31
Location & Time: Maxwell Street Market 800 S. Desplaines St. 9:00AM
- October Music Lineup: Maracatu Atomico + Shawn Rios (10.17), Rika B (10.18), Karl Almaria (10.19)
Location & Time: Broken Shaker at Freehand Chicago, Wednesday Oct 23
- Golden Hour featuring MPKB
Location & Time: Epiphany Center for The Arts 5:00PM Friday Oct 25
- Vogue Fridays
Location & Time: Tabu 10:00PM
- EggsYZ Drag Brunch
Location & Time: Roscoe’s Tavern 12:00PM
Free Kids Activities in Chicago
- Trick-or-Treat at 900 with Whitney Reynolds
Date & Time
- Sun, Oct 27 • 12:00 PM
Location
- 900 N Michigan Ave
- Best of Boxville®: Family Fun Day!
Date & Time
- Today • 12:00 PM
Location
- Boxville
- Kids can Paint
Date & Time
- Sun, Oct 27 • 2:00 PM
Location
- POSE CULTURAL ART GALLERY
Free Indoor Activities in Chicago
- Fall Creative Festival – Free Creative Event for Kids & Families
Date & Time
- Sun, Oct 27 • 2:00 PM
Location
- Epic Art House
- FREE! Pizza Party for Expecting Parents (SOUTH LOOP)
Date & Time
- Mon, Nov 18 • 6:45 PM
Location
- Weissbluth Pediatrics
- Thankful Thrift with The Give-n-Receive
Date & Time
- Sat, Nov 16 • 11:00 AM
Location
- 30th Ward Aldermanic Office, Ruth Cruz
- Songs ‘n Swings: Halloween Class
Date & Time
- Sun, Oct 27 • 11:00 AM
Location
- Lincoln Playground – Morrie Mages
- KIDS HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY
Date & Time
- Tue, Oct 29 • 7:00 PM
Location
- 1314 E 47th St