Mentioned by 10Best
10 free things to do in Chicago year-round
"Encompassing more than 50 acres (20 hectares) of prime Chicago lakefront territory, Navy Pier is truly a city within the city. With shopping, restaurants, parks and gardens, museums, stages and attractions galore, this Chicago landmark attracts millions every year."
"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"
"Your mouth is sure to drop to the floor the first time you lay eyes on this stunning structure, a nine-sided building that incorporates…"
"While the Chicago Water Tower was really only built to hide a standpipe, its intricate design symbolizes the value of simple things; like water supply. The story behind this structure is the important solution designed by Chesbrough to save the city from the inadequate water supply for the growing population. It is built with a characteristic Gothic Revival style, almost fairytale-like."
"Older school children and some older teens may enjoy the stunning architecture and impressive art collection found here. Located on the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s one of the most easily recognized landmarks was built from 1867-1869 and survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Exhibits change regularly so check the website to see what’s on display before you visit."
"Located within Historic Water Tower, 806 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. This free gallery inside the Historic Water Tower focuses on photography. The City Gallery is currently closed."
"Exposed brick and warm lighting give Komorebi in Wicker Park an inviting vibe, and an emphasis on excellent sushi for an affordable price makes the restaurant even more enticing."
"Nestled in the South Loop is hidden tropical gem Asian Outpost Hawaiian Hideout. This delicious cuisine ranges from East Asia to Southeast Asia and Polynesia. Try some classic favorites like the Asian Feast or a Hawaiian-inspired Poké Bowls while enjoying a hula show."
"Macku Sushi can satisfy your need for a standard spicy salmon roll, but if you want something more adventurous, try the omakase menu. Chef Macku gets very creative not only with his presentations, but also flavor combinations, such as a spoonful of salmon roe with Pop Rocks. Hopefully you won't befall the same fate as Little Mikey from the Life commercials."
"For those who appreciate art as much as their food, Macku Sushi beckons to you. The elaborate embellishments with onion slices, truffle oil, tomato-mushroom puree, and fried garlic look almost too good to eat. However, you can also choose the less extravagant looking dishes that are also very flavorful."
"Bon Appetit called Macku Sushi one of the top 10 sushi spots in the nation, so there's no doubt the Lincoln Park restaurant is a serious contender when it comes to the best sushi i..."
"LakeviewWhile you wouldn't want to lay out here for obvious reasons, your pup will certainly love doing so. Given that this particular doggie haven is small in size and not as busy as others in the city, it’s a good starting point for anyone who wants to test the waters with their pup before letting it loose at a bigger park like Montrose.What to know: This spot, within walking distance of Wrigley, makes for a fine excursion after a Cubs day game. Plus, the lakeside Sydney Marovitz Golf Course, easily the finest public course in the city, is just a stone’s throw away."
"Unlike other dog beaches in Chicago, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach isn’t as crowded. And this beach is perfect to see how the dogs react to the beach for the first time. Nestled just a few minutes' walks away from Wrigley, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach has plenty of spaces for playing around, splashing in the waters, soaking up in the sun, and more."
"The name says it all, and if you don’t have a dog, don’t worry. You can watch the pups play in the water together. It’s a short walk from Wrigley and is a little quieter than Montrose."
"Located at the north end of Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory features four serene greenhouses (Orchid House, Fern Room, Palm House and Show House) all displaying fantastic arrays of flora. During summer, venture outdoors to find a lush, French garden filled with a large variety of plants and flowers, and a beautiful fountain. Many Chicago residents utilize this space to sit and read, toss a football around, let their kids run freely or just take in the beauty of nature."
"The Lincoln Park Conservatory, with its glass walls and exotic plant species, feels like a sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. The Victorian-era building is divided into four spaces: the Fern Room, Orchid House, Palm House, and the Show House. Each houses thousands of plant and flower varieties that thrive in the conservatory’s balmy conditions all year round."