Free Fun Things to Do in Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo, located at 2100 N. Clark Street, offers visitors the chance to see more than 800 animals. Established in 1868, the zoo is one of the oldest in the nation and is visited annually by 3 million visitors. The zoo houses more than 150 different species of animals, many of which are rare and endangered. Animals located on Lincoln Park Zoo's 49 acres include penguins, gorillas, giraffes, bears, lions, birds, monkeys and sea lions. A children's zoo, dedicated to North American wildlife, offers the opportunity for youngsters to interact with animals. The children's zoo also has a climbing adventure 20 feet off the ground that provides a feel of what it is like to live in trees. Lincoln Park Zoo is opened 365 days a year and is only closed in instances of severe weather.

Located on more than 24 acres on Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park opened in 2004. The park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy gardens, an open pavilion and a stainless steel sculpture known as "The Bean." A main attraction is the Crown Fountain, a 50-foot tower with rotating faces that spews water. The Crown Fountain generates a cascading waterfall that spills out down the sides and saturates the immediate surroundings. The tower offers an opportunity for kids to cool off by going through the water around the tower. Millenium Park also houses a free public outdoor ice skating rink. The park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Close to Chicago's downtown, Navy Pier is located along Lake Michigan. Navy Pier provides a wealth of attractions, including a 148-foot high Ferris wheel and a 44-foot high carousel that has more than 30 hand-painted animals. Visitors can also check out the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, the first museum in the United States devoted to stained glass windows. During the summer, tourists can enjoy fireworks displays every Wednesday and Saturday night. During the winter, Navy Pier offers ice skating. Many exhibits located inside charge admission. However, walking around Navy Pier and people watching is free.

Located at 2391 N. Stockton Drive, the Lincoln Park Conservatory offers visitors the opportunity to discover tropical plants in the heart of Chicago. The conservatory dates back to the late 1800s and was designed by noted architects Joseph Lyman Silsbee and M.E. Bell. The conservatory is made up of four display houses. The Palm House features large tropical palms and rubber trees. The Fern Room hosts forest plants, mostly ferns. The Tropical House supports flowering trees, vines and bamboo. The Show House features seasonal flower displays. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Located along the Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Water Tower is the second oldest water tower in America. Designed by architect William Boyington, the Chicago Water Tower stands 154 feet tall and was one of the few structures that survived the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The Chicago Water Tower is composed of solid limestone and built in a Gothic architectural style. A national landmark, the Chicago Water Tower has its own museum and visitor center.