You don't have to spend a fortune in order to visit some of Chicago's best museums and cultural institutions. If you're willing to plan ahead, you can take in masterpieces at the Art Institute or gaze at tropical fish while strolling through Shedd Aquarium without spending a dime. You'll need to be an Illinois resident to take advantage of many of these offers, but that's just one of the perks of living in Chicago.
As the mercury begins to rise and snow storms become a distant memory, you're going to be tempted to celebrate the arrival of April at a great concert or with a meal at one of Chicago's best restaurants. If you're trying to keep your spending in check, the first full month of spring weather is packed with free events, festivals and exhibits that will keep you entertained without breaking the bank. If you still need more things to do, you can always check out our complete April events calendar. Keep some money in your wallet with our guide to the best free things to do in April in Chicago.
