Places...Chicago Free Things to Do

Meditate in nature at North Pond

This nature sanctuary tucked into Lincoln Park is one of the city's finest treasures, and totally free. The adjacent North Pond restaurant, however, is quite another story.

Go off the leash at Montrose Dog Beach

Well, after the $5 sign-up fee, anyway

Take a date on a romantic garden walk

Millennium Park's Lurie Garden is helping to up your game with a variety of date-worthy strolls.

Wander the city's best beach/park combo

Milton Lee Olive Park/Ohio Street Beach. The only thing that could fuck this up is getting too close to Navy Pier.

Attend a ton of free events in Millennium Park

Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, Gospel Fest, and many more fests.

Catch a free movie in the park

Every summer and fall, there are 250 or so movies screened at parks throughout the city, from old favorites to newer hits.

Freak out the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo

Really cool. And totally free 365 days a year. Bonus: zebras and shit.

Stand outside Wrigley and admire the "World Series Champions" marquee

This will never get old.

Bike the lakefront

Bike the full 18 miles from Ardmore St to 71st St. On second thought, let's not overdo it.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Free on Tuesdays for Illinois residents. That means you. Unless you just moved here from Ohio and haven't yet updated your license. In which case, you get what you deserve.

Explore Chicago's underground pedway

There are five miles of underground tunnels and overhead bridges linking more than 40 Downtown blocks. A nice alternative to, say, sitting in traffic on State St (also free)

Bike one of the country's finest trail systems

Some of the finest trails in the country are just a bike ride away. So what are you waiting for? A chance to ride them naked?

Save the $23 you'd use to go up the Sears Tower (and get a much better view) by hitting the bar on the 95th floor of the Hancock Center. Either way, never call it Willis Tower.
Located atop the well-known John Hancock Center you’ll find the romantic restaurant and cocktail bar known as The Signature Lounge.

The view from the 96th floor is phenomenal (to say the least), and the food and drink are equally exquisite. This is the perfect spot to wind down after a busy day or get geared up for a romantic evening out.

If you’d like the take this evening to the next level — literally — a visit to the 360 CHICAGO attraction (just a bit lower on the tower) is a delightful addition to a romantic drink or two.

You’ll get to see the city skyline from above, including the shoreline of Lake Michigan and the easily identifiable Navy Pier Centennial wheel.