There are plenty of budget-friendly activities to do in Chicago and the suburbs, but you just have to find it. Luckily, we’re done that for you. Each activity listed here won’t cost you a dime to attend. You might have to splurge on parking or something you want to purchase at the event, but that’s it! Check back here regularly because we’re always updating events we find. Also, be sure to check our calendar for more family fun.
Free events in Chicago
Fall Fest
Sept. 30-Oct. 30, 2022
- Address: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
This family-friendly harvest celebration features Ferris wheel rides, pumpkin picking, super-sized slide, musical entertainment, harvest maze, pirate ship ride and more.
Pier Pumpkin Lights
Oct. 1-31, 2022
- Address: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
From jack o’lantern towers to light displays, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination will be decked out for fall. Navy Pier will once again transform into an experiential fall spectacle with nearly 1,000 pumpkins for the month of October. Pumpkins are best experienced after dusk.
Día de Muertos, Memories & Offerings
Oct. 14-Nov. 20, 2022
- Address: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
Head to the main gallery to see the museum’s 36th Day of the Dead exhibition to remember the individuals who died from COVID and other tragedies in the last year.
Spooktacular on Lincoln 2022
Oct. 22, 2022
- Address: Lincoln Avenue from Wrightwood to Webster, Chicago
Celebrate Halloween and collect delicious treats while exploring the neighborhood at Spooktacular on Lincoln. Lincoln Avenue businesses will embrace the spooky season and transform into trick-or-treat stops.
Spooky Zoo
Oct. 22, 2022
- Address: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
Spooky Zoo offers a free, safe alternative to trick-or-treating as well as a variety of family-friendly entertainment. Dress up in costume and come to the Lincoln Park Zoo ready for a day full of Halloween fun.
Upside Down Parade
Oct. 22, 2022
- Address: Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago
This event is a “reverse” parade that consists of musical groups, dance performances, circus acrobats, sports mascots and more. Makes sure to wear your costume and pick up your goody bag at the end.
Spooktacular on Clark 2022
Oct. 23, 2022
- Address: Clark Street from Diversey to Armitage, and Diversey, from Orchard to Lakeview, Chicago
Celebrate Halloween and collect delicious treats while exploring the neighborhood at Spooktacular on Clark. Clark Street businesses will embrace the spooky season and transform into trick-or-treat stops.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: State St. moving south from Lake to Van Buren, Chicago
This annual Halloween parade returns to State St. for its 8th year. See unique floats and creative performances along the way.
Day of the Dead Celebration
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: Burnham (Daniel) Park, 1200-5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Enjoy a family-friendly event at Burnham (Daniel) Park to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. There will be dancing, face painting, making native seed balls and more.
Day of the Dead Xicágo
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
Celebrate the remembrance of your loved ones at the Museum and surrounding area this year. On this special day, guests can enjoy ofrendas created by community members, live musical performances, art activities and a large illuminated ofrenda projected outside of the museum.
Dia de los Muertos Halloween Party
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: Time Out Market, 916 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
This Halloween party is Dia de Los Muertos themed. Make sure to wear your costume because there will be a costume contest. Also, a live band, palm readings, DJ, stilt walkers and more.
Halloween Party
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: Commercial Club Playground, 1845 W. Rice St., Chicago
Stop by this Halloween Party at Commercial Club Playground of Chicago to enjoy arts and crafts, games and spooky stories. There will also be a trick or treat parade and other family-friendly fun. The event is co-sponsored by the Commercial Park Advisory Council. For ages 6 and up.
No Tricks, All Treats Halloween Pop-Up
Oct. 30, 2022
- Address: Ainslie Arts Plaza, 4836 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Enjoy family-friendly activities as well as seasonal goods and treats at the Ainslie Arts Plaza. Shop seasonal goods and treats and have fun with activities like Halloween-themed squeegee painting, face painting and henna. Costumes are encouraged.
Dia de los Muertos Printmaking Workshop
Oct. 31, 2022
- Address: Marquette (Jacques) Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
Enjoy a family workshop with artist, William Estrada to use printmaking to explore themes of Dia de los Muertos to honor loved ones. Return to Marquette (Jacques) Park for the celebration on Nov. 4, 2022.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Nov. 4, 2022
- Address: Marquette (Jacques) Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
Enjoy a family-friendly Day of the Dead celebration honoring the lives of loved ones that have passed away. There will be music, games and more.
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration!
Nov. 4, 2022
- Address: Chicago Center for Arts & Technology, 1701 W. 13th St., Chicago
Families and friends are invited to join the Chicago Center for Arts & Technology for a Dia De los Muertos celebration with food, art and festivities. Registration required.
Service Dogs for Veterans: Learn How Canine Companions Serve Veterans
Nov. 10, 2022
- Address: Pritzker Military Museum & Library, 104 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Join the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, the Pets for Vets Chicagoland chapter and the American Veteran Service Dog Academy to learn how canine companions serve veterans and hear directly from these organizations about the impacts of service dogs on their lives. Advanced registration recommended.
Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony
Nov. 11, 2022
- Address: Soldier Field, Gate O, 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago
Honor veterans who served in wars and times of peace. Doors open at 10 a.m., ceremony at 11 a.m.
Ballet 5:8 Presents Ver la Música, Oír la Danza
Nov. 12, 2022
- Address: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
Ballet 5:8 presents Ver la Música, Oír la Danza at the National Museum of Mexican Art on to continue celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month and give back to the community. Ver la Música, Oír la Danza is available one day only with free performances to the public.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Nov. 19, 2022
- Address: Michigan Avenue, Chicago
The annual festival happens a week before Thanksgiving. Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World illuminate more than one million lights on over 200 trees along the route. You can enjoy numerous free family-friendly activities.
Rollin’ With Frosty!
Dec. 16, 2022
- Address: Lake Shore Park, 808 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Families can enjoy a fun holiday roller skating event with Frosty to Snowman. Limited number of skates to borrow.
Free events in North/Northwest Suburbs
Our World of Dumplings: Author Open House with Francie Dekker
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: The Book Stall, 811 Elm Street, Winnetka
Come out to The Book Stall to see children’s author Francie Dekkerto. She will be in the store to meet fans and sign copies of her new book, Our World of Dumplings. The story celebrates the many different types of dumplings and how food brings people and cultures together.
In-Person: Dia De los Muertos for Teens
Nov. 1, 2022
- Address: Niles-Maine District Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles
Grades 7-12 can come to Niles-Maine District Library to make a Dia de los Muertos offrenda. Limited supply. Registration required.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: The Preserve of Highland Park, 1207 Park Ave. West, Highland Park
Come to the Preserve of Highland Park to celebrate the Day of the Dead with music, art projects, face painting, listeria, dancing and more. Bring a picture to the event.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 11, 2022
All are welcome to see the ceremony put together by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3579.
Veterans Day Observance
Nov. 11, 2022
- Address: Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
Join the New Trier VFW Post #4831 to honor United States war veterans at Community House Winnetka.
Clayson’s Kids Days
Nov. 13, Dec. 11, 2022
- Address: Clayson House Museum, 224 E. Palatine Road, Palatine
Join Clayson House on the second Sunday of every month for a fun event for children. There will be a drop-in craft and you’ll be able to visit with their mascot, Clayson, the Family Dog. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For ages 4-12.
Free events in South Suburbs
Trunk or Treat
Oct. 22, 2022
- Address: Heritage Park, 14110 W. 151st St., Homer Glen
Children can wear their costumes and browse through the decorated vehicles picking up candy along the way.
Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead
Oct. 27, 2022
- Address: Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York St., Blue Island
- Cost: Free
Head to Blu Island Public Library for a Day of the Dead celebration featuring special guest, Rita Arias-Jirasek. Make a craft to take home. Registration required.
IPO Presents: Milo Imagines the World
Oct. 27, 2022
- Address: Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Hwy., Homewood
Come out to Homewood Public Library to see Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s musical storytime of Milo Imagines the World. For Grades PreK-5.
Veterans Day Parade 2022
Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: Village of Richton Park, 4455 Sauk Trail, Richton Park
Come out to the Village of Richton Park for their annual Veterans Day Parade. Immediately following the parade, there will be a commemorative ceremony in the Metra Commuter Lot.
Veterans Day Event
Nov. 11, 2022
- Address: Palos Heights Public Library, 12501 S. 71st Ave., Palos Heights
Veterans, family members and patrons are invited to Palos Heights Public Library for their annual reception. Meet local veterans afterwards at City Hall. Light refreshments will be served.
Free events in Western Suburbs
Sugar Skull City
Oct. 15-Nov. 6, 2022
- Address: Downtown Aurora
Aurora Downtown is honoring Day of the Dead, the beloved Mexican cultural tradition, with Dia de los Muertos art, activities, specials, videos, shopping and more.
Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, Celebration & Parade
Oct. 25, 2022
- Address: Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Drive, Woodridge
Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos at Woodridge Public Library with dancing, a children’s parade and traditional Mexican music. Children of all ages are welcome. Registration required.
BatFest
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: Downtown Batavia
The annual Halloween-themed family event features trick-or-treating, Mothers’ Club Parade, pumpkin bowl, contests, stories and games.
FREE Halloween Movie: Addams Family 2
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: North Riverside Park Mall Classic Cinemas, 7501 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside
Come out to Classic Cinemas for a screening of the movie, The Addams Family 2. Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited and registration does not guarantee a seat unless tickets are picked up in advance.
Halloween Ghost Hunt
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: North Riverside Park Mall Classic Cinemas, 7501 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside
Find 20 ghosts hidden throughout the mall. Turn in your completed clue sheet to the Customer Service Center and get a Halloween treat bag.
Special Spaces Trunk or Treat
Oct. 30, 2022
- Address: Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora
Come out to their first Annual Trunk or Treat and enjoy a music party, costume contest, jumpy houses and face painting. Costumes are encouraged.
Dia De Los Muertos Community Offrenda
Oct. 31, 2022
- Address: Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Road, Darien
Stop by the Indian Prairie Public Library to leave a picture or momento of a loved one at their offrenda, located on the second floor.
Spooktacular Fun Night
Oct. 31, 2022
- Address: Westmont Community Center, 75 E. Richmond St., Westmont
Ages 2-10 and their families can enjoy a safe, Halloween night trick or treating through the Community Center. There will be crafts, games, photos and silly fun and games from Wacky Drag.
Trick-or-Treat
Oct. 31, 2022
- Address: North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside
Join North Riverside Park Mall for a mall-wide Trick or Treat event. Also, kid’s costume contest and costume parade.
Veterans Day Observance
Nov. 4, 2022
- Address: Bulger Park Veterans Park District, 1601 W. Hirsch St., Melrose Park
Commemorate Veterans Day with a ceremony attended by community members, friends, employees, local schools, churches and war heroes.
Day of the Dead Celebration
Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
Participants will take part in a procession around the museum campus accompanied by mariachi musicians and learn about the Day of the Dead altar. Families can participate in a craft activity in the Education Center and explore the exhibits in the museum. No registration required.
Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: Hillside Commons, 4950 Washington St., Hillside
The parade begins at the St. Domitilla Church parking lot and proceeding south on Hillside Ave. to Butterfield Road. East on Butterfield Rd to Wolf Rd. North on Wolf Rd. to Washington Street and west on Washington Street past the Hillside Veteran Memorial.
Aurora Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
Nov. 11, 2022
- Address: Corner of Benton and Broadway, Aurora
The parade steps-off at the corner of Benton and Broadway and ends at the G.A.R. Memorial Hall, where the “Serving Our County and Community” ceremony takes place. The ceremony includes a military rifle salute by veteran organizations at 11 a.m.
Naper Lights
Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 2022
- Address: Downtown Naperville
Put on a pair of 3D glasses and enjoy a magical holiday lights celebration, presented by Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Santa will be available to take pictures. Bach to Rock will be providing music on Dec. 17-18.
Tree Lighting
Dec. 1, 2022
- Address: Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
Kids can visit with Santa while enjoying games, photo opps, holiday music, food trucks and more at this holiday season event.
Santa’s Workshop
Dec. 3, 2022
- Address: Wilder Mansion, 211 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
Bring your children to Wilder Mansion to their gift shop where kids can purchase inexpensive gifts for mom, dad, teacher, friends and more. Items are kid-priced and kid-friendly.
This post is updated regularly.
