Chicago is an incredible city for families, but entertainment costs can add up quickly. The good news? There are plenty of free and budget-friendly activities across Chicago and its suburbs that kids will love! From world-class museums with free days to outdoor adventures and hidden playgrounds, you don’t need to spend a fortune to keep children entertained.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
✅ Free museums and attractions in Chicago
✅ Outdoor adventures (parks, beaches, and nature trails)
✅ Cheap indoor activities for rainy days
✅ Suburban gems that won’t break the bank
Whether you’re a local or visiting, this list will help you plan fun, affordable outings with kids of all ages!
1. Free Museums & Attractions in Chicago
🏛️ Chicago Museums With Free Days
Many of Chicago’s top museums offer free admission days for Illinois residents:
- Museum of Science and Industry – Select weekdays (check website)
- Field Museum – Illinois Resident Free Days (limited dates)
- Shedd Aquarium – Free days for IL residents (Jan-Feb, Sep)
- Adler Planetarium – Free Wednesdays for IL residents
- Art Institute of Chicago – Free for kids under 14, free Thursdays for IL residents
Pro Tip: Some libraries offer museum passes for free entry—check your local branch!
🚂 Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier (Free Thursdays)
- Free admission for kids every Thursday evening (5-8 PM).
- Interactive exhibits like WaterWays and Tinkering Lab keep little ones engaged.
📚 Chicago Public Library Events
- Free storytimes, LEGO clubs, and craft workshops at branches citywide.
- The Thomas Hughes Children’s Library (Harold Washington Library) has a play area and kid-friendly books.
2. Outdoor Adventures (Free & Cheap)
🌳 Millennium Park & Maggie Daley Park
- The Bean (Cloud Gate) – Always free for fun photos!
- Maggie Daley Park Play Garden – A massive playground with climbing walls, slides, and a mini-golf course ($5 per child).
🏖️ Free Chicago Beaches
- North Avenue Beach – Sandy fun with skyline views.
- Montrose Beach – Includes a dog-friendly area and bird sanctuary.
🚴 Lakefront Trail Bike Rides
- Rent Divvy Bikes (kids’ bikes available) and ride along Lake Michigan.
🌿 Lincoln Park Zoo (Always Free!)
- One of the last free zoos in the U.S., featuring lions, penguins, and a farm area.
- Nature Boardwalk nearby is great for spotting birds and turtles.
🚂 Free Train Spotting at Ogilvie or Union Station
- Kids love watching real trains arrive and depart—no ticket needed!
3. Cheap Indoor Activities (Under $10 per Kid)
🎳 Suburban Bowling Alleys
- Many offer 2−5 kids’ bowling (e.g., Brunswick Zone, Pinstripes).
🛍️ LEGO Store (Water Tower Place or Schaumburg)
- Free monthly mini-build events (registration required).
🍎 Apple Store Workshops
- Free coding and creativity sessions for kids (check local stores).
🎥 $1 Movies at Classic Cinemas (Summer Only)
- Suburban theaters like Tivoli and York show kids’ films for just $1.
4. Suburban Hidden Gems
🦕 Brookfield Zoo (Discounted Days)
- $10 admission on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays in winter.
🚂 Illinois Railway Museum (Union, IL)
- Free for kids under 3, discounted family passes available.
🌿 Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL)
- Free for kids under 2, with a Children’s Garden for exploration.
🎡 Cosley Zoo (Wheaton, IL)
- A free small zoo with farm animals and a train display.
5. Seasonal Freebies
❄️ Winter: Free Ice Skating
- McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (Millennium Park) offers free skate rentals on weekdays.
🌸 Spring: Cherry Blossom Festival (Jackson Park)
- Stunning free blooms in late April/early May.
☀️ Summer: Free Concerts & Movies in the Park
- Grant Park Music Festival (free classical concerts).
- Movies in the Parks (family-friendly outdoor screenings).
🍂 Fall: Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
- Many suburban farms offer free hayrides and cheap kid tickets.
Final Tips for Saving Money in Chicago With Kids
✔ Pack snacks (avoid overpriced museum food).
✔ Use public transit (kids under 7 ride free on CTA).
✔ Check Groupon for discounted attractions.
What’s Your Favorite Free Kid Activity in Chicago?
Let us know in the comments! 👇
More Chicago Family Guides:
- Best Playgrounds in Chicago
- Chicago’s Best Free Summer Events
-
Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Chicago
