The best cheap things to do in Chicago for fun on a budget

For just $10, you take the same ride you'd take on one of the more expensive river cruises for a fraction of the price. There’s no narration on the water taxi, but it makes for a peaceful journey with the same views through the city’s most iconic waterway.

Price: $10

See some 1,100 animals—from apes to zebras to flamingos—at one of the last free zoos in the country. The 35-acre attraction connects visitors with animals from all over the world, and a variety of seasonal events and special programming keep locals coming back again and again.

Price: Free

Chicago is well-known as one of the great architecture cities in the world, but the architecture tours only go so far (specifically, the Loop). Beyond the gleaming skyscrapers, there are other structures that prove that Chicago is rightly-acclaimed for its architecture, including homes designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, especially the Robie House in Hyde Park. Glances of the exterior are free, of course, but tours of the interior of the historic house are only $20, making it a budget-friendly way to explore one of the city’s most creatively-designed homes—an early example of Prairie School architecture.

Price: $24

On any given day at the Chicago Cultural Center, you might find a free classical concert being performed, an art exhibition on display in one of the building’s many galleries or tourists marveling at the world’s largest stained-glass Tiffany dome. Don’t worry about paying for admission—nearly everything that happens in this building is free and open to the public.

Price: Free

As the birthplace of Ferris wheels, it only makes sense that Chicago still boasts a magnificent one. The Centennial Wheel in Navy Pier doesn’t come with the history of the original wheel, built for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, but it doesn’t take away from the great views it offers of Lake Michigan. The current attraction was built in 2016, featuring contemporary luxuries like enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that operate year-round. The wheel lifts riders up 200 feet into the air, giving them not only a great view of the rest of Navy Pier, but a spectacular look at the city’s skyline.

Price: $18–$20

Chicago doesn’t lack for museums and has such a wide variety of them where you can learn about everything from Impressionist art to dinosaurs, but what if you want to learn about the city itself? That’s where the Chicago History Museum comes in. The museum, founded in 1856, is a relic itself and houses more than 22 million artifacts, documents and photos. There are also permanent exhibitions on topics like Abraham Lincoln and his experience in the city, and one where you can hop aboard an early “L” train car.

Price: Free for Illinois residents under 18, $17 for students (13-22) and seniors, $19 for adults

You don’t need a ticket to visit the Obama Presidential Center. You do, however, need a ticket to get into the museum inside the campus’ towering granite building. But there’s a lot you can still do here without having a ticket—and much of it is free. From picnicking on the Great Lawn and taking the kids to the playground to stopping by the Chicago Public Library branch and walking along the wetland, you can easily spend hours here without spending a dime.

Price: Free

One of the best things about Chicago is its location right next to Lake Michigan, and one of the best ways to enjoy the lake is on the Lakefront Trail. The long-winding path is an 18-mile trail that stretches from Edgewater Beach to Jackson Park. If you want to ride along the lake, it’s easy to rent a Divvy bike at a neighborhood station or docks in parks along the lakefront. For a speedier ride, spring for an e-bike, which uses an electric motor to add additional power to your pedaling.

Price: $19.90 for a day pass, which grants unlimited rides in a 24-hour period, up to three hours per ride

As one of the largest cities in the country, it’s almost guaranteed that most musicians will make a stop in Chicago while they’re on tour. Since 1992, the Empty Bottle has been one of the preferred places to catch rising acts, including early shows by bands like The Strokes and The Mountain Goats, as well as rare opportunities to see artists like Jack White in an intimate setting. The small dive bar’s stage offers a great opportunity to see live music up close and personal. All shows are 21 and up, and tickets to most shows are usually affordable. Plus, shows on Monday nights are usually free!

Price: Varies, usually less than $20

Just a bit outside of the city in Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a lush and floral oasis for those looking to escape the urban setting. Stroll through the dozens of exhibits (both indoor and outdoor) that have aquatic flowers, fruits, roses, prairie plants and woodland vegetation. The garden grounds span almost 400 acres, so you'll be sure to have plenty to see during a day trip.

Price: $14.95–$24.95

Some of the country’s greatest writers, and the tools that they’ve used to craft their stories, are on display at the American Writers Museum. The museum houses a wide-ranging collection of exhibits, including virtual exhibits on local writers like Ray Bradbury, as well as important authors such as Frederick Douglass and Hisaye Yamamoto. Don’t miss the Wintrust Chicago Gallery, which highlights some of the city’s most beloved writers and their works, including novelist Saul Bellow and film critic Roger Ebert.

Price: $16 adults, $10 seniors and students, free for children 12 and under

Yeah, we know, Lake Michigan is great, but that’s not the only body of water that the city has to offer—don’t forget about the Chicago River. There are three branches to explore, including a 1.6-mile stretch that takes boaters through the heart of the city’s downtown, passing under the bridges that connect the North Side of the city to the Loop. At Urban Kayaks, which operates out of the Riverwalk, you can rent a kayak and paddle your way past amazing riverside sights.

Price: $25 per hour

Want to spend an affordable day appreciating nature? Head out to suburban Lisle to soak in the 1,700-acre expanses of the Morton Arboretum, home to more than 222,000 live plants from around the world. Explore winding trails and forests or check out the Arboretum's calendar of events, where you'll find tons of nature-related activities and other outdoor programming. Don't forget to secure a reservation from the Morton Arboretum website before you head out to save $2.

Price: Adults start at $18, seniors and children start at $12

Any night can be a movie night at home, but Alamo Drafthouse in Wrigleyville makes movie night into an event. The cinema chain, which has a strict policy on no texting and no talking, has a large number of special screenings and themed events, as well as extensive food and beverage menus. Plus, servers will bring anything you order straight to your seat. 

Price: Varies

Sure, you can sing in your car or in the shower, but it’s fun to belt your heart out to your favorite song on a stage as well. That can happen every weekend at the tropical-themed Trader Todd’s, a karaoke bar in Lakeview. While the karaoke is free (tips to the DJ are encouraged), what’s karaoke without a bit of liquid courage? The bar’s tropical-themed drinks range in price from $10 for the house margarita, which comes in a variety of flavors, to the $10 lemonade sangria. The bar also offers a variety of beers and other libations.

Price: $10-$14 for most cocktails

Sure, you can go on a crime tour and learn about Chicago’s seedy past, but if you want to hear about the good of the city, look no further than Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. The building was originally a settlement house run by Jane Addams that housed and provided employment to immigrants, but it’s now a museum that serves as a memorial to Addams and her work. The Hull-House Museum, located on the campus of the University of Illinois-Chicago, tells the story of the people who utilized the space, and the work they created while living there, including textile pieces and pottery produced by artists living at Hull House.

Price: $5 suggested donation

Sick of playing Monopoly for the millionth time? This Logan Square cafe offers more than 800 board games, and guests are welcome to hang out and play anything they desire for up to two hours for just $7 per person. There's a full food and drink menu, and if you're looking for a partner to play with, Thursdays are mix-and-mingle nights.

Price: $7 game admission

A lot can happen in an hour, and if you’re attending one of the Neo-Futurists’ productions at the group’s Ravenswood theater, that’s undeniably true. Every weekend, Friday through Sunday, the performers and writers of the Neo-Futurists put on 30 plays in 60 minutes, all combined into one show called The Infinite Wrench. Seeing one play downtown is likely to set attendees back a pretty penny, but the 30-play show at the Neo-Futurist Theater costs just $15.

Price: $15

Of course it’s fun when the beloved home teams, like the Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox, are winning throughout the season and heading deep into the playoffs. But it’s not always economically feasible to watch a contender. So if you’re just a fan of going to cheap sports games, root for the teams during their “rebuilding” seasons to score inexpensive seats. Or, if you’re brave enough, head out to a game in rough conditions, like the December 24, 2022 Bears game when the windchill was -11 degrees Fahrenheit but ticket prices were as low as $8 on the resale market.

This isn't where Goose Island got its start (that'd be the original Clybourn brewhouse that closed in 2023) but plenty of beer has been brewed here since the facility opened up in 1995. Learn about the company's history and get a peek behind the curtain with a tour of the brewery. After meeting in the adjoining taproom, you'll make your way through the brew deck, fermentation cellar, packaging line, innovation brewery and barrel-aging program. Beer is being made 24/7, so you're nearly guaranteed to spot some brewers hard at work. You'll also sample a variety of beers during the tour and take home a custom pint glass.

Price: From $15

Founded in 1940, the University of Chicago's single-screen Doc Films theater is on record as the longest continuously running student film society in the country. While it began featuring documentaries, the current screening schedule showcases classic films from a variety of genres, appealing to film aficionados as well as casual moviegoers. Tickets go on sale a half hour before each showing at the door in Ida Noyes Hall, and all screenings are open to the public.

Price: $6

Get your game on at this River North arcade bar, where all the cabinets are free to play. Whether you're a Street Fighter veteran or trying to set a new personal high score at Pac-Man, the more than 70 retro arcade and pinball machines will keep you entertained all night long. And by saving quarters, you can spend your money on drinks and bites.

Price: Beers start at $7

If you're in the Loop and want to visit a museum but you're looking for something a bit smaller (and more affordable) than the Art Institute or anything on Museum Campus, might we recommend the Museum of Contemporary Photography? The relatively compact gallery regularly rotates its exhibits, making it easy to stop by and see some amazing photos when you have an hour or two to spare. 

Price: Free, donations welcome

If you’re coming to Chicago and not getting some sort of sports experience, you’re missing out. The city's various teams have racked up a number of trophies through the years, but getting a glimpse of the teams in action can sometimes get a bit costly. A more affordable option? Paying tribute to Chicago’s best at the Chicago Sports Museum, a wallet-friendly stop that charges just $10 for admission. At the museum’s "Measure Up" exhibit, visitors can compare their jump heights to Michael Jordan’s, or their wingspan to Scottie Pippen’s. It also hosts the “Curses and Superstitions” exhibit, exploring the reasons why some fans believe the Cubs went 108 years without winning a World Series.

Price: $10, or free with minimum purchase at Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch

SSCAC is temporarily closed for construction.

The South Side Community Art Center, the oldest African-American art center in the country, is a constantly evolving exhibition space of seasoned and contemporary artwork. With showcases of Chicago legends and emerging artists, there's always something to learn at this city landmark. On top of an enriching experience, admission is always free, with donations welcomed.

Price: Free, donations encouraged

Explore labor history and more in Pullman, the Far South Side neighborhood that was once home to the infamous Pullman Company-planned community. The Historic Pullman Foundation offers guided tours (featuring attractions like the Pullman National Monument) on the first Sunday of every month from May to October, but visitors are always welcome to take a free, self-guided look around the neighborhood with the help of a walking tour brochure.

Price: $15–$20; self-guided tour is free

Looking for an affordable way to appreciate local artists? Check out the Bridgeport Art Center every third Friday of the month for Open Studios. At the monthly event, artists in the building open up their creative spaces to the public and give art enthusiasts the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you're looking for a new addition to your gallery wall or just want to view some cool art, Open Studios is a great option.

Price: Free

When he founded The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum (formerly the Oriental Institute Museum) more than 100 years ago, University of Chicago professor and archeologist James Henry Breasted insisted that civilization began in the ancient Middle East, rather than in Greece or Rome. This museum has continued to explore the mission set forward by its founder, featuring more than 350,000 artifacts that have been uncovered by the museum’s own archaeologists, including a nearly 3,000-year-old sculpture that previously stood at the entrance of the Kingdom of Assyria’s throne room as early as 700 BC.

Price: $10-$15 suggested admission fee

This cafe-rescue-lounge hybrid is the perfect place for cat lovers on a budget. By reserving ahead of time, you'll be free to hang out with feline friends in the Catcade lounge as they roam freely. Whether you're looking to adopt or just need a friendly pick-me-up, stopping by the Catcade is a great way to support an independent non-profit shelter.

Price: $20 per hour