Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in DuPage County

"Just as the name suggests, the scales and tales travelling zoo are exactly what it sounds like. The zoo and the animals on exhibit aren’t constrained to just one single place, but the same wanders around. The zoo is primarily based around the S Racine Avenue but is on the constant move."

"If you have started visiting museums in Chicago, you should definitely come here. Aquariums exist in many cities, but most are not that big. You will enjoy a lot while visiting this aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world."

"A few of the highlights of your tour include the Museum Campus, Navy Pier, Water Tower Place Mall, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), and more. You’ll be able to disembark at most landmarks, so it’s easy to use this your to further your itinerary (although traffic can be a factor, so don’t rely exclusively on this for transportation)."

"Probably the most iconic part of Navy Pier is the Centennial Wheel, a large ferris wheel. It’s open year round, weather permitting. Towards the end of the pier, you can also get a really good view of the city. It also holds several free events from time to time, so make sure to check the calendar before you go."

"In any case, there is something magical about having the Ferris wheel or the Pepsi Wave Swinger in the backdrop of a photo, even more so in the evening when the pier is fully lit up. As Chicago’s second-biggest tourist attraction it’s not just an iconic landmark but also full of photo opportunities."

"The Riverwalk is exactly what it sounds like: a pedestrian trail that stretches alongside the Chicago River. It’s 1.25 miles, so it doesn’t require a punishing amount of exercise, but it’s long enough to offer a wide range of events and activities for visitors of all types. Are you feeling peckish?"

"Illinois might not seem like a hotbed of mob activity, but Chicago is the exception. It was famous during the Prohibition era as the central headquarters for Al Capone, Bugs Moran, Baby Face Nelson and many other mafia legends who made names for themselves with everything from bootlegging to gunrunning. Not surprisingly, you’ll find lots of “mob tours” in the city that are designed to satisfy curiosity about these famous figures."

"The Alarmist Brewing taproom, near Albany Park and West Ridge, is different for a reason. The family-owned spot wanted to create a community space where people could come together (which is why you won’t see any TVs in the taproom). It’s also super family-friendly, welcoming kids with snacks and juice boxes."

"Swing buy and shop for some brews, or order online for curbside pickup. Either way you get a top-notch drink!"

"One of Chicago’s best craft beer stores moved into a larger space in Roscoe Village and recently began food service. While Bitter Pops’ ownership stressed that it will be a taproom first, its chef wants to push the boundaries of pub food. They’ve brought over spice bags from the U.K., stuffing them with seasoned fries and peppers."

"Lincoln Park/Wrigleyville Most hipsters may have abandoned Goose Island since it “went mainstream” with its much-maligned sale to InBev in 2011, but the brewery that basically started the Chicago craft beer scene continues to make high-quality beers worthy of your attention. Founded in 1988 and shut out of the Great America Beer Festival for the first time last year (it is no longer considered “craft”), Goose Island continues to forge ahead by opening new brewpubs across the globe in addition to its two Chicago locations. 312 is the beer most locals know best, but Goose’s food-focused offerings like Sofia and Matilda are steadily increasing in popularity."

"Goose Island brews are well known throughout Chicago and the country and some folks have scoffed at the mainstream reach since the 2011 sale of the company to InBev. Since 1988, however, this beer company has consistently produced high-quality, great-tasting beers, and while it’s no longer considered a craft brewery by any stretch of the imagination, Goose Island’s beers are still striking and delicious. Visit the Goose Island taproom on Fulton Street or the one on Clybourn Avenue and order a 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Goose IPA, Green Line Pale Ale, or a Ms Brightside."

"Goose Island Beer Company may have multiple locations in the U.S., but John Hall opened the first brewery in Chicago after returning home from a trip to Europe that inspired him to bring good beer to the states. The brewery has separate rooms for innovation programs and yeast propagation units. Barrel-aged beers have a 143,00 square foot barrel warehouse and dedicated stockroom."

"If you’ve ever read the ingredients label on your lotion and felt slightly freaked out, head to this green boutique spa. For hair removal, they do sugaring. Their nail services use only 5- to 10-free polishes (meaning they’re free of harsh chemicals)."

"Located in the Peninsula Hotel, The Peninsula Spa draws inspiration from Ayurvedic and Asian healing therapies, including a variety of Ayurvedic massage techniques and hot stone treatments. Check out the Sleep Support Therapy for help getting a good night’s rest when you’re experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.If you book two or more hours of treatments, you’re free to explore other hotel amenities – but leave your phone beyond, as this is a technology-free zone. Go for a swim in the spacious pool and enjoy a view from the surrounding city through floor to ceiling windows, relax by the fireplace in the lounge, or enjoy a yoga session in the fitness center."

"With an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, cozy lounge by the fireplace, fitness center, and yoga room, The Peninsula Spa offers a wide range of amenities. They even carry an extensive menu of both current and classic treatments, from Hot-Stone to Bamboo massages. And they’re highly skilled and attentive, making sure that you leave totally revived."

"The Peninsula Chicago has maintained its Forbes Five-Star rating for 17 years. Among the many perks for guests, the spa, spanning the 19th and 20th floors, is a 15,000 sq.ft. oasis in the middle of the Mag Mile."

"Peeled is proof that here in Chicago we do choose healthy options (sometimes.) The best way to start your day or end a workout is a Peeled smoothie or açaí bowl."

"Formerly known as Loving Hut, Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen is part of an international chain of vegan franchises owned by Supreme Master Ching Hai that serve delicious vegan and vegetarian cuisine in a sleek, minimalist setting. The creative menu features a variety of healthy dishes, ranging from pesto quinoa with shiitake mushrooms and Taiwanese-inspired eggplant with San Bei Ji sauce. Signature plates include pan-fried or steamed dumplings with tofu, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and broccoli, and a good Won Ton Soup filled with tofu, vegan ham, onions, garlic, leeks, carrots and sesame oil."

"Veganism supports a more ethical and sustainable world, and Alice & Friends Vegan Kitchen in Chicago, IL embody just these principles!. You’ll find delicious food from around the world, and what’s even better is that their menu is seasonal. That means you’ll know that your purchase doesn’t have to be flown from across the world to make it to your plate."