Free Things to Do in the Summer in Chicago, IL

Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo and More

Apr 21, 2009

Chicago has a variety of free things to do in the summer. The city, sitting on Lake Michigan, offers many outdoor activities for friends and family near "The Lake".

Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and is located adjacent to Lake Michigan. The city boasts some of the world's best cuisine, shopping, music, and architecture, along with an impressive skyline. There are endless choices of activities in the summer. Below is a list of free things to do, and all in close proximity to 'The Lake'.

Lake Michigan

Chicago's big attraction in the summer is Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. With all the beaches, the running and bike path, the fishing, and the fantastic skyline views, the lake is a good way to spend the afternoon just relaxing or getting in some exercise along the lakefront path. All along Lake Michigan, a visitor has access to some of the other free attractions.

Millennium Park

Building this park was no small feat and cost a large amount of money for the city of Chicago. It was opened in 2004 after much delays departing from the original plan to debut in the year 2000. The park provides gardens, an open pavilion, and a stainless steel sculpture, known as "The Bean' because of its kidney bean-like shape.

One of the big attractions here is the Crown Fountain. The 50 foot tower displays rotating faces that spout water from their mouths. The tower also produces a cascading waterfall that pours down the sides and floods the immediate area. It is a great opportunity for kids to cool off by running through the water surrounding the tower. Admission to Millennium Park is free and is open 6 am to 11 pm.

Navy Pier

While there are plenty of opportunities to spend money on the Pier including the IMAX theater, restaurants, and shopping, visitors can also explore the pier without spending a dime. The Pier offers free entertainment throughout the year with daily shows that include magic, jugglers, artists, and circus acts. In the evenings, there is free live music on the Bud Light Stage in the Beer Garden. For children's entertainment, on Thursdays from 5-8, the adjacent Children's Museum offers free admission for everyone.

The Pier can also be a great place to relax while taking in the lakefront views. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Pier will have a fireworks display twice a week.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is located off Lake Shore Drive and Fullerton. The zoo houses many species of animals and exhibits including polar bears, gorillas, lions, reptiles, birds, penguins, and monkeys with over 1,250 animals in all. There is a children's petting zoo and the newer Pritzker Family Children's Zoo with trees available for climbing and a pleasant landscape to stroll through. The Lincoln Park Lagoon, surrounded by trees, is on the south end of the zoo and is a peaceful place to walk around or have a picnic.

Note: While the zoo offers free admission, parking is quite expensive. If walking is not out of the question, look for alternatives for parking.

Air and Water Show

Each summer, the Air and Water Show attracts over 2 million visitors who set up chairs and blankets along Lake Michigan's shores to take in this spectacular show. The Air and Water Show began in 1959 and has become the largest spectator event in the United States. Some of the entertainment includes the US Navy's Blue Angels, the US Air Force's Thunderbirds, the Army and Navy Parachute Teams, jet skiers, boat-jumpers, and other various military and civilian aircraft.

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