Top 10 Cheap Things to Do in Chicago This Summer

Chicago is a city bursting with energy and excitement, especially during the summer. 

With countless budget-friendly activities, there’s no need to spend a fortune to have a great time. 

Let us provide you with my personal top 10.

10. Watch Fireworks at Navy Pier

Best Chicago attractions

Navy Pier is a must-visit destination in Chicago, especially during the summer when the sky lights up with spectacular fireworks displays. 

Every Wednesday and Saturday night, you can witness this dazzling show for free. The fireworks are synchronized to music, creating a magical experience over Lake Michigan. 

On July 4th, Navy Pier hosts a special Independence Day fireworks celebration, which is one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

  • Highlight: Spectacular free fireworks display every Wednesday and Saturday night.

9. Explore Millennium Park

Budget-friendly Chicago activities

Millennium Park is a cultural hub in the heart of Chicago. It offers a variety of free activities and attractions that make it an ideal spot for summer fun. 

The Millennium Park Summer Film Series is a popular event where you can enjoy free outdoor movie screenings on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion’s giant screen. 

The park is also home to the iconic Cloud Gate, affectionately known as “The Bean,” and the interactive Crown Fountain. 

Free concerts are held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, providing a great way to enjoy music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

  • Highlight: Free outdoor movie screenings and concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

8. Take a Neighborhood Tour with Chicago Greeter

Chicago Greeter offers free, guided walking tours of various neighborhoods in the city, led by knowledgeable local volunteers. 

These tours are a fantastic way to explore Chicago’s diverse communities, from the historic architecture of Hyde Park to the vibrant arts scene in Pilsen. 

Each tour is personalized, ensuring that you get an authentic and insightful experience of the area you’re visiting. 

Chicago Greeter tours are perfect for those looking to delve deeper into the city’s history and culture without spending a dime.

  • Highlight: Personalized, free walking tours led by local volunteers.

7. Visit Free Museums

Affordable museums Chicago

Chicago is home to many world-class museums, several of which offer free admission days. 

The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Art Institute of Chicago are just a few examples where you can enjoy fascinating exhibits without the usual entry fee. 

Check each museum’s schedule for specific free days, as they can vary. 

These museums provide a great way to explore art, science, and history, making them perfect for a budget-friendly day out.

  • Highlight: Free admission days at top museums like the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.

6. Enjoy a Day at the Beach

Chicago parks and recreation

Chicago’s location along Lake Michigan means it has several beautiful beaches perfect for a summer day. 

North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach are among the most popular, offering sandy shores and clear waters ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and volleyball. 

The Lakefront Trail, which runs along the shoreline, is perfect for biking or walking, providing stunning views of both the lake and the city skyline.

 Spending a day at the beach is a relaxing and cost-free way to enjoy Chicago’s natural beauty.

  • Highlight: Relaxing at popular beaches like North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach.

5. Attend a Street Festival

Chicago’s street festivals are a highlight of the summer, offering vibrant atmospheres filled with live music, delicious food, and cultural performances. 

Festivals like Wicker Park Fest, Taste of Chicago, and the Silver Room Block Party showcase the city’s diverse culture and community spirit. 

These events are usually free to attend and provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy local arts, music, and cuisine in a lively outdoor setting.

  • Highlight: Vibrant street festivals featuring live music and cultural performances.

4. Explore the Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago summer attractions

The Chicago Riverwalk is a scenic waterfront space perfect for a leisurely stroll. 

It features public art displays, charming riverside cafes, and bars where you can relax and enjoy the view. 

The Riverwalk is also a great spot to watch boats go by or take an affordable Chicago Water Taxi ride for a unique perspective of the city’s stunning architecture. 

The vibrant area is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beauty and excitement of downtown Chicago.

  • Highlight: Scenic Riverwalk with public art and affordable water taxi rides.

3. Visit Maggie Daley Park

Chicago summer activities

Maggie Daley Park offers a range of activities for families and individuals alike. 

In the summer, you can enjoy the mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, and playgrounds. 

The park also hosts various free family activities and events throughout the summer, making it a lively and fun place to spend the day. 

  • Highlight: Free family activities and events throughout the summer.

2. Tour Historic Architecture

Best museums in Chicago

Chicago is renowned for its architectural beauty, and there are many ways to explore this without spending a lot. 

Budget-friendly tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House offer a glimpse into one of the most iconic architectural styles in American history. 

The Chicago Cultural Center, another architectural gem, offers free exhibitions and events year-round. 

These tours and visits provide an insightful look into the city’s rich architectural heritage.

  • Highlight: Budget-friendly tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House.

1. Attend Free Music and Theater Performances

Chicago outdoor concerts

Chicago is a city that thrives on its vibrant arts scene, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy free music and theater performances. 

The Grant Park Music Festival offers free classical music concerts in the picturesque setting of Millennium Park. 

Chicago SummerDance provides free dance lessons and live music in various parks around the city. 

For comedy lovers, free student shows at The Second City offer a chance to experience the city’s famous comedy scene without the usual ticket price.

  • Highlight: Free music festivals like the Grant Park Music Festival and Chicago SummerDance.

The Bottom Line

Chicago’s summer offers an abundance of affordable activities that cater to a wide range of interests. 

Enjoy the best of Chicago without breaking the bank.