Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Willowbrook

"Chicago locals and visitors alike always make time for the Shedd Aquarium. This longtime favorite features seven permanent aquatic exhibits of colorful fish and exotic marine mammals from around the world. Enduring favorites include the piranhas and predator sharks, Caribbean turtles and eels, brightly-colored frogs and snakes of the Amazon, penguins, and sea lions!"

"Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is not just a fantastic place to see aquatic animals, it also has a magnificent conservation program. Shedd offers daily free and discounted admission to those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) by simply presenting their EBT card."

"Navy Pier and its surrounding attractions are full of fun activities for kids and adults alike (see above for some more details on all the stuff you can enjoy while there). Take a stroll around the pier, sample some classic boardwalk eats, and take a spin on the iconic Ferris wheel for unbeatable views of the city. Use your Go Chicago Card All-Inclusive Pass to get a 4-Ride pass for Navy Pier attractions, including the ever-popular Centennial Wheel."

"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."

"If you are wondering what to see in Chicago with kids, I would highly recommend the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. This is a landmark in Chicago and while there are several other things to do at the Navy Pier, the Ferris Wheel should be on every tourist’s list. The wheel is 200-feet high and offers an incredible 360-degree view of Lake Michigan and the exciting pier."

"The current building was designed by Loebl, Schlossman and Bennett in 1957, although the Chicago Loop Synagogue was founded in 1929 for Jewish workers downtown and visitors. A must-see here is a wall of stained glass crafted by Abraham Rattner. Open Sunday, October 20, from noon to 5 p.m."

"Thalia Hall is a historic music venue, a massive building along 18th Street in Pilsen, that’s owned by 16” on Center, a company that runs venues like Promontory Hall in Hyde Park and Empty Bottle in Ukrainian Village. The building also houses Punch House, a lower-level ‘70s chic bar where patrons by drinks by the punch bowl. Then there’s Tack Room, a piano bar that dabbles in things like punk rock karaoke."

"The iconic Pilsen hall has punch-filled cocktails in the basement, a beer hall on the main floor, and a music venue upstairs for all your Instagramming glory."

"Polk Bros Fountain and Plaza at the entrance of Navy Pier greets children with an exciting 12,500 square foot signature fountain (during warm weather) with more than 150 programmable jets that mimic the movements of waves, schools of fish and flocks of birds. While at the park, kids will have fun posing with the vibrant “Meet Me at the ‘P’” art installation."

"Located at the entry point of the Pier, I have a love/hate relationship with this fountain. I love how happy it makes my water-obsessed toddler but I hate how long it takes me to coax him into leaving. The 12,500 square foot fountain isn’t just a regular fountain."

"Explore all 60 acres of Chicago’s historic Sherman Park on the city’s South Side. A big, circular ring-like pond encompasses the whole park, so you will never be far from views of the water. This historic park offers multiple baseball fields, a tennis court, and a basketball court."

"The enterprise looks for originality and quality of execution and showcases European and American sculpture and paintings in a range of styles and media. Past exhibits have featured Scott Hill and Robert Erickson. Read more about Addington Gallery →"

"Addington Gallery specializes in featuring mixed-media artworks and paintings made with hot wax. they feature artists creating art from contemporary subjects and mediums. Furthermore, they also host exhibitions with paintings and installations."

"Founded by Columbia College Chicago in 1976, the Museum of Contemporary Photography presents works that reflect a wide range of aesthetics and technologies. It’s the leading photography museum in the Midwest, and is continually searching for new talent to exhibit. The museum is particularly interested in how photography impacts society, culture, and politics."

"Museum of Contemporary Photography dedicates art spaces for photography masterpieces. It is an international hub for all photography artists and enthusiasts Furthermore, various ideas and dialogues are generated and provoked in the gallery. Students, artists, and guests are given the opportunity to experience groundbreaking exhibitions."

"Trust Kohler (maker of sinks, baths and showers) to know a thing or two about hydrotherapy. The company has long operated water-loving spas in the suburbs and recently opened its first Chicago location in Lincoln Park. Spend a day unwinding in the cool plunge or hydromassage pool, only to emerge for a Digital Detox wrap when your fingers prune."

"Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas is a family-owned Chicago-based business offering skin care and spa services in addition to haircuts, styling and color services. Operating in 14 locations around the Chicagoland area, Mario's team has been clipping and styling hair, massaging and treating skin for 40 years. One of the latest options is the RevitaPen facial, a cutting edge service that enhances product absorption for visible, instant results."

"Tucked away on the lower floor of 900 North Michigan Avenue, the cornflower-blue Mario Tricoci Spa team is quietly eradicating stress and defying the ravages of time. Massages are sturdy. Waxing, tanning, and nail services are flawless."

"Hunkered down across from Grant Park, this 110,000-ton granite-and-limestone behemoth was an instant star when it debuted in 1899, and…"