Free Museums in Westmont

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago — better known as the MCA — is a triple threat. There’s a constant rotation of thought-provoking works and artist retrospectives in the galleries; a cutting-edge mix of dance, music, and theater on the stage; and a menu of seasonal cuisine from a top Chicago chef in the kitchen. If you can visit in the warm-weather months, alfresco concerts and outdoor installations add to the mix."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art provides free museum days in Chicago every single Tuesday for Illinois residents. Always free for those under 18, MCA members, or who are members of the military, police, or fire department. And here’s a secret: year-round general admission is suggested."

"The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is home to more than 5,000 pieces by Mexican, Latino, and Chicano artists. It is considered the largest Latino cultural institution in the United States and the only Latino museum to have received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. The National Museum of Mexican Art is perhaps best known for its annual Día de los Muertos exhibit."

"Located in Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art is the only museum dedicated to Latino culture that’s a member of the American Alliance of Museums. The museum has over 9,000 examples of Mexican art from ancient Mexico to the present as well as special exhibitions. While technically free, they do ask for a donation if you can spare it."

"Located in Lincoln Park, the Peggy Notebaert Museum is dedicated to expanding knowledge of nature and environmental science. While this might sound advanced for a young child, the museum is actually very toddler-friendly with numerous hands-on exhibits. From an up close visit with critters to an obligatory “burn some energy” play space, the Peggy Notebaert is a gem in the city."

"Chicago's Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is operated by the Chicago Academy of Sciences. The museum highlights Chicago's natural history. It is best known for its live butterfly house, which is both an exhibit for visitors and a laboratory that studies how to best preserve the region's population of butterflies."

"This center dedicated to the famous artist is located in Jefferson Park, and with its bright mural you can’t miss it. You can check out an iPod at the front desk for a self-guided tour, or visit the first Thursday of the month at 2pm for a thirty-minute guided tour."

"Another one of the free things to do in Chicago is touring the Smart Museum of Art. This University of Chicago Art Museum houses over 15,000 objects. Each is dedicated to Asian art, European art, modern art and design, and contemporary art."

"5550 S Greenwood AveHours: Galleries are closed for reinstallation until September 11th, 2015. Regular hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-3pm; Sat-Sun, 11am-3pm) resume September 12th."

"At Blaze, you can completely customize your pizza and have it cooked in under three minutes. The build-your-own pizza options offers unlimited toppings free of charge, so if you’re really adventurous you can add every single topping on the menu. However you eat your pizza, you’re sure to have it your way at Blaze."

"Located in the South Loop in a building that was once home to a printing press and then a bank before it became one of the city’s favorite diners, Eleven City Diner is a traditional Jewish deli that serves a variety of deli-style fare in a casual diner setting. Boasting neon lights and the crackle of WWII-era tunes, the diner takes patrons back in time to the 1940s and 1950s with leather-button booths where bowls of matzoh ball soup and latkes can be enjoyed. The deli serves a variety of deli-style fare such as gargantuan gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, mac and cheese, melts, and Reubens along with drinks from an authentic soda fountain, house-brewed root beer, and floats."

"Inspired by the nostalgia of trekking across the States and stopping into roadside diners full of charm along the way, Eleven City has that classic, old-school atmosphere you want to go with your burger and milkshake. Here, breakfast is served all day, including a make-your-own omelet bar, but don’t you dare sleep on their loaded mac-and-cheese either. Needless to say, Eleven City Diner has it all and more."

"The 1923 neoclassical London Guarantee Building reopened as the 452-room LondonHouse hotel in 2016 with a glamorous new glass tower overlooking the Chicago River. The restoration was impressive, full of subtle details like jazz-themed motifs that pay homage to the building's former life as a 50s music club and custom artwork and monogrammed duvets in guest rooms. Not so subtle is the gold-leaf ceiling in the rotunda or LH, the city’s first tri-level rooftop bar that serves retro cocktails and small plates against a backdrop of skyscrapers."

"Once the iconic London Guarantee & Accident headquarters, LondonHouse is now in the 1923 building renowned as one of the “Big Four” skyscrapers walking distance from Millennium Park and Magnificent Mile shopping. Enjoy Chicago’s only three-level rooftop bar with amazing views of the river and cityscape. Additionally, Land & Lake Kitchen provides an upscale take on authentic midwestern comfort food."

"Despite the name, there’s nothing British about this downtown hotel, but it’s Chicago royalty for its trendy rooftop bar with some of the city’s best views, plus its ideal location and contemporary-vintage style."

"Edgewater & Rogers ParkIf you couldn’t tell from the name, Lickity Split Frozen Custard & Sweets serves frozen custard, sundaes, candy, and other local treats in enchanting old-world digs. You could go “my way” with your choice of flavor and one topping, or opt for a mix of cupcakes and custard in the Crazy Cake concrete. Even better is the “OMG,” a concoction of frozen custard, brownies, hot fudge, and peanut butter that’ll have you exclaiming its moniker with every bite."

"Everyone in the Midwest knows that Frozen Custard is the best summer treat. Lickity Split offers dessert bliss with their Crazy Cake Concrete which blends custard with your cupcake of choice and then tops it off with candy sprinkles."

"All Loyola students know that this is the place to get your ice cream fix when school starts. While their custard is amazing on their own, you have to try one of their concretes."

"While the crostini toppings may vary from season to season, they never disappoint. Plus, not only are all their dishes Instagram worthy, but the restaurant itself is just as picture perfect. #SpoonTip: When it’s warm out make sure to request to dine outside on their Oak Street patio."

"They are a New Zealand roaster that set up shop in Chicago as their first USA location. They have a few cafes all around the loop area serving hand-crafted New Zealand-style coffee. We visited LaSalle St (linked in the title) and ordered vanilla lattes and a flat white."

"If you are looking for something more in the downtown core, then this would be one of the best places to eat in Chicago. They have two branches around town and offer an amazing breakfast. What I really enjoyed most about this place was the effort they made for Pride Week in Chicago."

"Not only is Goddess and the Baker an Instagram-worthy spot, the desserts are to die for. Your family will be happy with everything from cinnamon rolls and cookies to mini pies. And parents, you can grab some needed caffeine!"

"Goddess and the Baker is casual Chicago café chain with iconic and colorful baked goods. The bistro features breakfast and lunch, as well as delicious baked goods."