Free Museums in Lower West Side

"Get a little bold and adventurous at the Museum of Contemporary Art, located just one block east of historic Water Tower Placeon The Magnificent Mile. Browse the museum’s permanent collection, which includes more than 2,500 works, displayed in rotation, spanning media and movements from the 1920s to the present. Over the summer, Tuesdays on the Terrace brings you free, live jazz in the museum gardens, while morning visitors are greeted with weekly farmer’s markets at the museum’s monumental front steps."

"Children under 18, members of the military and police and fire departments, and veterans are always free. Illinois residents are admitted free every Tuesday. Proof of residency is required."

"The National Museum of Mexican Art, southwest of the Loop, is dedicated to stimulating and preserving knowledge and appreciation of Mexican culture. It is one of the largest collections of Latino art in the nation, and it is also the only Latino institution to receive accreditation from the American Association of Museums. The current collection includes more than 5,500 objects."

"Geared toward children 4 to 12, the National Museum of Mexican Art in the Pilsen neighborhood offers a 10,000-piece permanent collection that showcases the richness of Mexican art and culture. Highlights include bilingual camps, art classes, and family-centric gallery tours. A post shared by National Museum of Mexican Art (@explorenmma) on Oct 18, 2017 at 7:56am PDT"

"The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been a Chicago staple for more than 160 years!. Located in Lincoln Park, the museum is dedicated to educating visitors about our natural world, conservation, preservation, and restoration through hands-on fun. Toddlers love exhibits and museum areas such as:"

"The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has the most hands-on activities of any museum in the city. They offer suggested donation days on July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12, August 19, and August 26."

"Finish your ride at the waterfront behind the Alder Planetarium, for your very last photography stop. With dreamy views of the skyline framed by the glittering lake, it’s considered one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset and makes for the perfect ending to a whirlwind Chicago getaway."

"The Adler Planetarium has a lot to offer curious visitors. With nine special exhibits, multiple theaters, and the historic Atwood Sphere experience, you’ll enjoy a plethora of things to do, whether you’re traveling with kids or a group of adults."

"Taking you on a journey through the stars to unlock the mysteries of our galaxy and beyond, the Adler tells amazing stories of space…"

"The huge, globally inspired menu of this Albany Park spot is filled with craveable items, like the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, Fried Mac-and-Cheese Balls, and the Caesar Avocado Wrap. It’s all about vegetarian comfort food here, and there are many vegan (and gluten-free) options as well. Never tried jackfruit, touted as a great meat substitute?"

"With menu sections called, “I’m not really hungry but I’m gonna eat anyway” to “Wrap it up”, “Side chick”, and “It’s Mexico somewhere” you know you’re in for a treat. Location: 3300 W Montrose Ave, Chicago IL 60618"

"Such a sweet respite in the middle of our on-going saga of the pandemic; in the middle of a neighborhood; in the middle of the city (Chicago;) in the mid..."

"Spiaggia is an excellent Michelin-rated restaurant located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Spiaggia serves modern Italian cuisine from an exceptionally elegant location. Spiaggia isn’t only regarded for food."

"If you find yourself hungry in the Downtown area, then chances are high that a Freshii is not far away. The Toronto-based chain stakes its claim on fresh food fast with wrapped filled with vegetables, bowls overflowing with brown rice and detoxifying juices."

"This Euro-inspired cafe features a full assortment of coffee drinks. It's a collaboration between Kevin Heisner (Heisler Hospitality) and former Little Branch partner Soo Choi. There's also a great outdoor space next to the Robie House."

"Chicago'sField Museum is one of the world's great museums of science, environment, and culture, a focus of public learning and scholarly research. Field Museum Chicago is regarded as one of the most important institutions of national significance apart. Field Museum offers a plethora of mesmerizing artifacts ranging from ancient civilizations to the recent scientific discoveries."

"From the world's largest Titanosaur to the exploration of ancient cultures, embark on an awe-inspiring journey through 4 billion years of life on Earth and discover over 20 million artifacts that make up history as we know it. Category: Activities. view Field Museum on google map"

"Head to Field Museum, and snap a selfie with Máximo, the largest titanosaur — stretching 122 feet from head to tail, peeking behind your shoulder."