Mentioned by Thrillist
Every Free Museum in Chicago
"Over 480,000 square feet of exhibition space dedicated to all things natural history. Also big at The Field Museum is the newest addition to step into the building; welcome the largest dinosaur ever discovered when the 122-foot-long tyrannosaur makes its way here in summer 2018. The museum’s most famous resident, Sue the “largest and most complete specimen of Tyrannosaurus rex,” has been a fixture in the grand central hall but you’ll find Sue in a new suite upstairs starting in 2019."
"If it’s your first time visiting Chicago, I’d recommend my two favorites: The Field Museum and the Art Institute. You can certainly pick between the two, but they’re both just THAT GOOD – that you should try to squeeze both in if you can!"
"Watch sharks feed, sea otters swim, stingray glide, and dolphins play at Shedd Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Although not strictly a museum, Shedd Aquarium is part of Chicago’s Museum Campus, along with the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium — so think of it more as a living museum filled with exotic aquatic life. The views are spectacular, stretching across Lake Michigan."
"The adults will be able to appreciate the splendor of the Beaux-Arts building, while the kids will be absolutely mesmerized by the marine life. The Amazon river tanks are an especially big hit with the younger lot. The reef exhibits also put up an incredible display of colorful coral."
"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)."
"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is certainly not your average pier. Stretching over 3,000-feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is packed full of entertainment, offering 50-acres of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Centennial Wheel that stands prominently in the middle of Pier Park, and there’s often live music, art exhibitions, and firework displays throughout the summer."
"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and one of the most popular destinations in the Midwest. While there are fees at many of the attractions at Navy Pier, there are some that are free. One of the best reasons to visit is the view, which is (of course!) free!"
"Celebrate the maritime pride of Chicago at this landmark pier on Lake Michigan. Featuring fun things to do all year long, enjoy waterfront attractions, sightseeing cruises, art, theater, and the Centennial Wheel. Category: Activities, Attractions, Family / Kids"
"Located in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Marquette Park is the largest park on the southwest side totaling 323 acres. In addition to two gymnasiums, an auditorium, woodshop, Martin Luther King, Jr. kiosk and multi-purpose rooms, it's also home to one of the most affordable 9-hole golf courses in the city. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a community garden, rose garden, prairie and 500 newly planted trees."
"Chicago Lawn is home to this huge 323-acre park, featuring two gymnasiums, an auditorium, four sports fields, a nine-hole golf course, fishing area, running paths, and a community garden. Don’t miss seeing the rose garden, prairie, and lagoon. A Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sculpture and an Art Deco Darius and Girenas Memorial are worth viewing as well."
"The Almost Famous Brunch at the industrial-chic 80 Proof Restaurant is a true original. An all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, The Almost Famous Brunch offers a well-stocked butcher shop with a wonderful choice of juicy carved meats. There’s a fabulous Nutella crepe station and Eggs Benedict and omelet station."
"Looking for another one of the best brunch buffets in Chicago?. Go no further than 80 Proof, Chicago’s best late bar by night and best brunch buffet by day. The brunch buffet costs just $40 and it’s all-inclusive of their amazing brunch menu."
"The Wooden Pavilion at the Lincoln Park Zoo’s South Pond is a fantastic way to frame Chicago’s skyline around the John Hancock Center. Additionally the structure itself is fun to photograph and a fun spot for portraits. South Pond on Google Maps"
"Exit Millennium Park via the BP Bridge, a 925-foot-long winding bridge that provides incomparable views of the Chicago skyline, Grant Park and Lake Michigan. On the other side of the bridge sits Maggie Daley Park, a spectacular green space with massive rock climbing walls, mini golf, picnic groves, and an amazing play garden for children."
"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Bridgeport. The aroma of fresh waffles pervades the air of this Bridgeport parlor, evidence of the signature house-made waffle cones. Dipped in chocolate and adorned with brightly colored candies, these deep cones are indulgent carriers for both types of chocolate ice cream on offer (though our preference is for the darker variety)."
"Restaurants Ice cream parlors East Village. After peddling her gelato all over town to the city's best chefs and markets, Jessica Oloroso found a fitting home for her first storefront in Ukrainian Village. There, she lures folks with boundary-pushing scoops of gelato such as avocado-cinnamon and sesame-fig-chocolate chip."
"Ukrainian Village, West Loop, & Logan SquareThis tri-location neighborhood gem starts with traditional Chicago-style gelato made with fresh local ingredients, then spices things up with modern medleys like mango hibiscus, goat cheese cashew caramel, and malted vanilla pretzel."
"Black Dog offers some of the most unique gelato flavors in Chicago. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the only gelato place to go."