Chicagoland Parents Are Obsessed with These Free Family Spots

The Chicago area offers so much family fun ranging from amazing museums, thrill-seeking attractions and unique desserts. But when going out with kids, we know some of these excursions can get really expensive and we’re always Googling “free things to do with kids near me.” 

Sometimes we want to visit a kid-friendly place without spending a dime. Lucky for us, Chicago and the surrounding suburbs offer some great, free options for families. We gathered some of our favorite free things to do in Chicago with kids — both indoor and outdoor!

And if you’re looking for more budget-friendly ideas, find free local events in our online calendar and save the dates for these upcoming free museum days.

Best free things to do with kids in Chicagoland

Chicago Cultural Center

• Address: 78 E. Washington St., Chicago

Exploring in this grand old building can be a ton of fun on its own (it’s home to the world’s largest Tiffany stained glass dome). There are also free art exhibits, dance events and concerts.

Lincoln Park Zoo & Lincoln Park Conservancy

• Addresses: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago and 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago & 

Located steps away from the free Lincoln Park Zoo, this conservatory brings fresh, green foliage and plants to a Victorian-style Glass House. Stroll through a Palm House, an Orchid House, a Fern Room and an impressive show house. On warm days, be sure to take a walk through the manicured lawn and nature spaces that surround the green house.

See all the lions and tigers and bears you want, for free! The zoo is open 365 days a year. Plus, there are plenty of kid-friendly spots to explore there like the Farm-in-the-Zoo and the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo.

Mindworks: The Science of Thinking

• Address: 224 S Michigan Ave., Chicago

Discover how your mind works at this behavioral science lab and museum ran by the University of Chicago. Explore interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on research studies and earn prizes. 

National Museum of Mexican Art

• Address: 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago

Head to Pilsen to see the 10,000-piece permanent collection showcasing Mexican art and culture. Take a gallery tour or stop by at one of their special events.

Pullman National Historical Park

• Address: 610 E 111th St., Chicago

This National Park is the first in Chicago and preserves the story of one of the first planned industrial communities in the U.S. Stop by the visitor center when entering and to ask staff members your questions and hear the best ways to visit the National Landmark. 

Smart Museum of Art

• Address: 5550 S Greenwood Ave., Chicago

The Smart Museum of Art, the fine arts museum of the University of Chicago, is always free.  Our favorite time to visit is Family Day, usually held monthly.

Homewood Railroad Viewing Platform

• Address: 2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood

For kids who love trains, you can hang out at Homewood’s Rail Park to wave at the trains traveling down the rails.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park

• Address: 1 University Drive, University Park

Here’s another sculpture park that’s completely free! At Governors State University, you can walk up to 100 acres to find 30 of their sculptures.

Elmhurst History Museum

• Address: 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst

The free history museum has great special exhibits throughout the years with themes like trains, roller skating and even Snoopy.

Kline Creek Farm

• Address: 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago

Kline Creek Farm presents themselves as a living history museum with 19th century farm activities and special programs throughout the year. 

Oak Park Conservatory

• Address: 615 Garfield St., Oak Park

The botanical garden showcases their finest plants and flowers in three indoor rooms with the following themes: Mediterranean, tropical and desert.

Phillips Park Zoo

• Address: 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora

If you’re looking for a smaller zoo to visit, this animal park features more than 40 mammals, reptiles and birds.

This article was recently updated on April 24, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina. Questions? Please reach out to katina@chicagoparent.com.

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