Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Hometown

"Many of these great kid friendly attractions are available on the Go Chicago® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top Chicago attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 25% off."

"Built in 1930, more than 80 different habitats are represented. There are also live shows featuring dolphins, penguins, and even Beluga whales. Shedd Aquarium offers free days for Illinois residents as well as participating in Museums for All."

"Chicago residents are admitted for 50% off throughout the year, and in addition, Illinois residents are admitted free on select days throughout the year. Proof of residency is required."

"Navy Pier is a Chicago landmark and the perfect place to spend a day with a family—no matter what you're looking to do. Be sure to check out the "today's events" section of the Navy Pier website for a complete listing of the many unique current and upcoming events at the Pier. Kids will enjoy: Riding the 1920s style carousel at Navy Pier Park or a visit to the Chicago Children's Museum."

"Located at 800 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611 is one of the most popular places in Chi-Town for residents and visitors, chances are high that you’ve been to Navy Pier a few times. Don’t discard it when you’re looking for ways to keep the Chicago children active. There’s plenty to do here, and as often as you may visit, there’s always something new to see."

"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."

"This park is a 119-acre, man-made peninsula with excellent spots for fishing and walking paths. This urban nature sanctuary has prairie grasslands, a five-acre pond and walking paths for wildlife watching. Northerly Island is also home to 12th Street Beach and Huntington Bank Pavilion."

"I think all of Chicago was pumped when the cubs won the World Series (probably more than just Chicago, and pumped is probably an understatement). But other than our beloved Cubbies, Wrigley’s savory snacks make us fly the W. Nachos do taste better in a Cubs hat, actually."

"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."

"London House Chicago is another spot that offers terrific panoramic views of Chicago. Though this time the elegant tri-level rooftop bar of the lavish hotel looks out over the Chicago River and the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue. There is often something special going on up on the London House rooftop but at any time the few down the river is astounding."

"Located at the start of the Magnificent Mile, LondonHouse Chicago offers modern chic rooms with full amenities. Some rooms have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river. Don’t forget to check out the lobby bar or rooftop restaurant with views of the river."

"Lincoln ParkThe views don’t get much better than Theatre on the Lake, where your outdoor table is parked just steps from the softly crashing waves of Lake Michigan. With seating for 80 and a focused selection of entrées from chicken tinga tacos to brisket dip, Theatre on the Lake continues to serve as something of a mental health break come to life. Stop by for weekend brunch served from 10 am to 3 pm.How to book: Reserve via OpenTable."

"Douglas Park While Lagunitas isn’t exactly a “Chicago brewery,” the native California craft behemoth continues to operate the largest facility in Chicago at its gigantic 300,000-square-foot Douglas Park location, which opened in 2014. Since then Lagunitas has been fully acquired by Heineken (in 2017) and Illinois’ largest brewer is planning to open a second California brewery near Los Angeles this fall in addition to the original Petaluma location, which opened in 1994. History and expansion aside, Lagunitas remains a favorite in Chicago thanks to its famously laid-back 420-friendly vibes and ever-popular ales including Lagunitas IPA and Little Sumpin’ Sumpin."

"We know that Lagunitas is technically derived from California, however, this brewery operates a mammoth 300,000 square-foot facility in Chicago’s Douglas Park. Acquired by Heineken in 2017, Lagunitas is a popular Chicago beer staple. Order a Lagunitas IPA, Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’, or a Dogtown Pale Ale at Illinois’ largest brewer."

"Entering the facility feels like walking through a Willy Wonka-style light show, but things mellow out once you reach the 300-seat tap room. California-based Lagunitas Brewing Companyserves up their classic brews, plus live music, munchies, and tree tours every day."

"As bourbon drinkers, we are always ready to compare everything we taste to the best of what Kentucky has to offer. 18th Street's Rye and new 3 year Rye..."

"A post shared by elly’s (@ellysbrunchcafe) on Nov 18, 2019 at 5:02pm PST. Do not come here if you don’t plan on ordering the oven-baked pancakes. That’s not to say there’s no other reason to visit—it’s to say you’d have regrets for daaays."