Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Lower West Side

"The entire marine world—from the Caribbean reef to Arctic waters—is on view on the banks of Lake Michigan. Some 32,000 animals live here. Big draws include Pacific white-sided dolphins, beluga whales, sharks, stingrays, and some awfully cute otters."

"Begin your morning at the Shedd Aquarium. Plan to get here when it opens, as it gets busy (depending on the time of year you decide to visit)."

"Half-mile-long Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most-visited attractions, sporting a 196ft Ferris wheel and other carnival rides ($9 to $18 each), an IMAX theater, a beer garden and lots of chain restaurants. A renovation added public plazas, performance spaces and free cultural programming. Locals still groan over its commercialization, but its lakefront view and cool breezes can't be beat. The fireworks displays on summer Wednesdays (9:30pm) and Saturdays (10:15pm) are a treat too."

"As one of the most visited tourist spots in Chicago, Navy Pier offers a variety of activities and attractions designed just for kids, including:. With so many things to do in one spot, plan to spend at least half a day at Navy Pier to get the full experience and give your toddler a chance to explore. Navy Pier also hosts an assortment of events and festivals year-round."

"Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel, or check out the Navy Pier event calendar for the latest and greatest of what’s going on. Although I haven’t experienced this myself, I just saw that Navy Pier shows outdoor films during the summer months, which would be a really fun thing to do while visiting Chicago."

"Known simply as the Midway, this mile-long natural stretch on the South Side connects the east end's Washington Park to Jackson Park on the west. Once the site of amusements during the 1893 Columbian World's Exposition (AKA World's Fair), the Midway is flanked by Hyde Park's noted gothic architecture, particularly the University of Chicago campus, and tree-lined boulevards, as well as outfitted with an ice skating rink and other facilities to keep folks visiting year-round."

"A mainstay of Chicago’s silhouette, 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly the John Hancock Center) is a 344-metre skyscraper on the Magnificent Mile. Tapering as it rises, the tower was topped off in 1969 and appears in pretty much any movie that needs an establishing shot for Chicago. Up close you can watch its characteristic X-shaped bracing zigzag up the facades."

"360 CHICAGO is the newly renovated observation deck of the iconic John Hancock Tower, located on Michigan Avenue. A visit here is both a great photo opportunity and a good chance to learn more about Chicago’s famous architecture."

"The Signature Room is on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building. The views over Navy Pier and the entire downtown area are nothing short of spectacular."

"If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, Welles Park can offer a respite from all of the lights, noises and crowds of Chicago. It isn’t without amenities. Its centerpiece is an ornate, wire-topped gazebo where bands can play outdoor concerts and community leaders can give rallying speeches."

"Welles Park is a 15.84-acre park located in the heart of Lincoln Square. It is a gathering place for musicians and sports & fitness enthusiasts. The park was created in 1910 and named after Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869."

"According to stories, The Revival was the birthplace of improv comedy. In fact, it got its name to indicate the intent of bringing it back to its glory days. As a comedy club, The Revival features a mix of acts and performances, ranging from stand-up and improv comedies to skits and musical acts with a humorous twist."

"The Annoyance Theatre is (proudly) edgier than the other comedy bars in the Windy City — think buckets of fake blood, actors stripping down to their underwear, and wacky premises for improv shows. The theater’s first big hit was its original musical, “Coed Prison Sluts,” which ran for 11 straight years, and then came back to the stage in the late 2000s. Although the musical isn’t currently being performed, you don’t need to fret — the theater has replaced it with plenty of other bawdy shows."

"The Annoyance Theatre & Bar is in the process of moving their venue, but it is well worth following their updates to see when they reopen. They focus strictly on improv shows, from all out themed shows to witty comedians doing their best one-offs. They usually enter the night with the mentality of ‘there are no rules’, but the rule of ‘no comedian can refuse a drink’ comes into play on occasion to transform an already hilarious comedian into a hot-mess that entertains like no other."

"A post shared by K.Cal (@therealkatiecal) on Nov 4, 2016 at 11:10pm PDT. The name of this establishment is quite apt, as it seems to take pains in bringing its brand of service and humor to another level. A buffet is served here and features a variety of food options."

"Loving Heart is a charming café on Montrose Avenue that serves 100% vegan and plant-based fare. The friendly eatery offers a menu of freshly prepared seasonal cuisine made from locally sourced organic ingredients such as potato and kale soup, a selection of burgers and wraps, rice and grain bowls, and sharing plates of nachos and summer rolls. The Green Deva Salad is a house favorite and features organic spinach and romaine lettuce, avocado, red bell pepper, cilantro, seaweed, roasted peanuts, and homemade green ginger pesto."

"Loving Heart offers nothing but vegan cuisine|© Loving Heart. This postage-stamp-size café is 100 percent vegan. Using organic products, the kitchen transforms simple ingredients into wheat wraps rolled with sweet potatoes and black beans and summer rolls jammed with ginger pesto, avocado, spinach, seaweed and roasted peanuts."

"This cute Uptown cafe is perfect for a vegan meal when you're on the go. Place an order without feeling the instant regret that traditional fast food brings."

"Plant Based Junkie takes your favorite burgers and other fast food and adds delicious plants to the mix. The "Chicken" sandwich comes in mild or spicy and their vegan cupcakes are the talk of the town!"