Chicago is a large vibrant city perfect for both quick getaways and extended stays. It can be a bit pricey sometimes, so extend the travel budget by including one or more of these free attractions into the next trip.
Buckingham Fountain
From mid-April to mid-October, Buckingham Fountain offers a free show every hour. The best time to visit is between dusk and 10 p.m. when the water show is accompanied by music and a light show.
One of the world's largest fountains, it was opened in 1927 and is located in Grant Park downtown, at the intersection of Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway. In 2009, the fountain reopened after a $25 million renovation and is one of the city's highlights.
Field Museum
From dinosaurs to anthropological digs, the Field Museum houses over twenty million specimens, according to their media liaison. But this isn't just any old stuffy history museum. It's quite possible to spend hours here without getting bored.
Admission here is a bit pricey at $29 for adults. But savvy travelers can gain free admission on select days each month, as well as every second Monday of each month. Time the visit just right and save $29 per person.
Lincoln Park Zoo
One can't-miss attraction in Chicago is the Lincoln Park Zoo. This park has primates, penguins, zebras, sea lions and even a children's zoo with baby animals.
The zoo is located off Lake Shore Drive at the Fullerton Parkway exit, just minutes north of downtown Chicago. Hours are generally 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is always free.
Millennium Park
One of the most popular destinations in Chicago is Millennium Park.
Not just a green space downtown, the park includes the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the interactive Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture on the AT&T Plaza.
Some events may have a separate admission, but the majority of the park access is completely free.
Museum of Science and Industry
Push buttons. Conduct experiments. Learn how things work. This interactive museum at Lake Shore Drive and 57th Street will bring out the kid in anyone.
The Museum of Science and Industry isn't always free. Most days, admission is $16/adult (still a bargain for such a great museum).
But every month, there is at least one day when admission is free for everyone. January is the best month to nab a free day (almost the whole month is free admission). The museum has a list of upcoming free days online.
These attractions are proof one can have a great time in Chicago and not spend a penny.
Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
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