Free Museums in Orland Hills

"Part of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art has an impressive collection. This includes works organised by continent – such as Asia and Europe – and works organised by theme – e.g.  contemporary art and modern art. The museum also houses a significant collection of works by the 20th century American sculptor and printmaker H.C."

"The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art is part of the University of Chicago's campus. The Smart Museum has a permanent collection with more than 15,000 objects, ranging from modern art to Asian art to contemporary art to European art. The galleries are rehung each year."

"Originally designed by visionary architect Daniel H. Burnham as horse stables, the DuSable Museum’s 19th-century limestone and timber structure is now one of the South Side's most prominent cultural institutions. Older children will appreciate the museum’s well-curated exhibitions of art, poetry, and notable topics like the experience of black people in the armed services. A post shared by Eric Robinson (@erceo) on Aug 23, 2017 at 11:58am PDT"

"It was very informative with regards to the black soldiers during the war & their contributions. The DuSable Museum has jazz in the park and there was plenty of jazz lover’s there. The bands were fantastic and the weather was great."

"Kicking it old school, you slice and bake the chocolate chip dough roll ($6) to yield a dozen cookies. Brothers Lalo and Uva Leon opened their bakery last summer in the McKinley Park neighborhood, where they’re still making wildly popular croissants. Check their Instagram stories for the daily changing availability or just call."

"There are only a few flavors of donuts to choose from at Butterdough in McKinley Park. But that’s fine, the horchata is what you want. The lightly-spiced glaze is poured on the donut right in front of you and pools in the container in a satisfying (and useful for extra dipping) way."

"Inspired by her son’s, and subsequently her own, celiac diagnosis and lack of quality baked goods available in 2007, Ali Graeme set out to blaze gluten-free trails. After playing in her kitchen with different blends of flour and receiving encouragement from family, she opened Sweet Ali’s two years later with recipes perfected that all would enjoy, gluten-free or otherwise. Beyond the cakes, you’ll find pre-packed pasta, bread and baked goods to enjoy later."

"With more than a dozen locations in Illinois, including Evanston, Naperville, Mount Prospect, and Bolingbrook, Andy’s is spreading the love of frozen custard throughout Chicagoland. Frozen custard is creamier than traditional ice cream, with more butterfat and less air. At Andy’s the slow-churned custard is made fresh hourly to maintain the rich texture."

"With five Chicago-land locations, Andy’s is very accessible. The Jackhammer is one of many flavors of concretes. Choose from a list of over 25 seasonal toppings to add to a frozen custard of your choice."

"Classic chocolate and vanilla custard with all the fun mix-ins one could possibly want. From concretes to malts to sundaes, Andy’s offers every possible way for you to enjoy your custard."

"If you’re looking for a different sweet treat this summer, then head down to Ohana Ice & Treats. The concept here is simple – simply grab a pot, fill it with shaved ice, and choose your flavor!. This is one of the best desserts in Chicago for those intensely hot days, as the fresh ice will cool you down like nothing else can."

"Bronzeville & Time Out MarketThis frosty favorite debuted in the Time Out Market just last month, bringing with it the same homestyle scoops that put its original Bronzeville location on the map two years ago. Owners Yahya and Nataki Muhammad wanted to deliver their version of the old-fashioned scoops Yahya remembers having as a child, and one might say they’ve succeeded—mega fans arrive on the regular to choose between 25 rotating flavors (including vegan and sugar-free options) spanning homey creations like Banana Pudding, Black Walnut, and, their nostalgia-sparking bestseller, Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla.How to book: Stop by for counter service or get delivery via DoorDash and UberEats."

"The cold case at Yahya and Nataki Muhammad's cheerful Bronzeville scoop shop is packed with hand-churned homemade ice cream in flavors like Jamaican rum raisin, honey cinnamon graham cracker and strawberry supreme. But it won't take long to spot someone devouring the creamery's crown jewel: a generous serving of peach cobbler crowned with melty vanilla ice cream. Once you try this summertime delicacy, prepare to crave it for the rest of your life."

"Calumet Beach is a lovely public beach within Chicago's Calumet Park, which was originally developed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1905 as an urban oasis for the city's crowded immigrant neighborhoods. The park, which was not completed until the 1930s, is named for the Norman-French term chamulet, or pipe, a reference to peace pipes traded between French traders and indigenous Great Lakes tribes. Today, its beach is open to the public daily between 6:00am and 11:00pm, with lifeguards staffed on duty during peak hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day."

"East SideLocated a stone’s throw away from the Indiana border, you'll find the delicious seafood spot Calumet Fisheries just a short 5-minute drive from here. Given that it’s not the most populated beach in Chicago, this stretch of shoreline is ideal for large gatherings. As part of the 200-acre Calumet Park, the area features a boat launch, softball and soccer fields, a playground, and several different concession stands."

"Nestled just steps away from the Indiana border, Calumet Beach is one beach in Chicago that’s least populated. The name of the beach is named as a way of tribute to the region of Calumet. This region is surrounded by several communities from the south side and the Calumet River."

"Rainbow Beach is a 61-acre public beach and park within Chicago's South Chicago neighborhood, originally developed as two separate beaches in the early 20th century before being consolidated into a single beach when the area was acquired by the Chicago Park District in 1959. The beach is named in honor of the United States Army's World War I 42nd Rainbow Division and is located at the terminus of 75th Street at the Lake Michigan shoreline, one of 18 street-end municipal beaches located throughout the city. A field house at the beach, developed in 1999, offers a fitness center, gymnasium, handball courts, and multipurpose community rooms, while a nine-acre natural area preserves significant dune habitats."

"South ShoreLike many South Side beaches, Rainbow has a lovely view of the Downtown city skyline, as well as Wi-Fi, free parking, a playground, handball courts, and a nine-acre natural dune habitat. What more can you ask for?. What to know: With a gymnasium and fitness center, it’s Chicago’s version of Muscle Beach."

"Located in the South Chicago neighborhood, Rainbow Beach is also connected to the Rainbow Beach Park. Pack a picnic and escape the hot sun for a midday lunch in the shaded park!"