Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Oak Brook

"South LoopGo under the sea at a world-class aquarium Joining The Field Museum and Art Institute as great Chicago institutions in 1930, Shedd Aquarium is one of the oldest museums in the city, and the building itself is an ode to all things aquatic -- from fossils in its floors to Neptune’s trident atop its dome. About 32,000 animals call Shedd Aquarium home, and you can see them all: penguins, turtles, whales, otters, good old-fashioned fish, and more. What to know before you go: Shedd Aquarium is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends during the fall, and 9am to 6pm daily June 11-August 19."

"The adults will be able to appreciate the splendor of the Beaux-Arts building, while the kids will be absolutely mesmerized by the marine life. The Amazon river tanks are an especially big hit with the younger lot. The reef exhibits also put up an incredible display of colorful coral."

"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."

"Play and learning are bridged together at this museum, where kids can: tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking — qualities that are inherent to childhood — excavate dinosaur bones, explore the way water moves through pulleys and pipes, pretend to fight fires, and discover how our skyline full of buildings is created through architecture and engineering."

"There is no admission fee to enter the Navy Pier, which offers free fireworks shows throughout the year and hosts a lineup of free entertainment and music each season. Head to the Navy Pier to see local arts and crafts vendors presenting their wares and to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan."

"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and one of the most popular destinations in the Midwest. While there are fees at many of the attractions at Navy Pier, there are some that are free. One of the best reasons to visit is the view, which is (of course!) free!"

"Tucked away at the edge of Lincoln Park that juts out into Lake Michigan, the Montrose Bird Sanctuary is a 15-acre wooded respite that features a few peaceful mulch-covered hiking trails to stroll through. What was once a site of Army barracks from the ’50s to the ’70s is now one of the best places in the area to spot a few of the tens of thousands of migratory birds from more than 300 different species that reportedly stop for some green space along their trek along the lake. Within the sanctuary, a 150-yard stretch of honeysuckle bushes has been nicknamed “The Magic Hedge,” because it attracts an especially high number of migratory birds."

"UptownThis more laid-back section of Montrose Beach is both a dune habitat and a bird sanctuary, as well as one of the best spots for trail hiking in the city with killer skyline views. If that’s not enough, there’s also a beach bar. And a damn fine beach bar at that."

"Known simply as the Midway, this mile-long natural stretch on the South Side connects the east end's Washington Park to Jackson Park on the west. Once the site of amusements during the 1893 Columbian World's Exposition (AKA World's Fair), the Midway is flanked by Hyde Park's noted gothic architecture, particularly the University of Chicago campus, and tree-lined boulevards, as well as outfitted with an ice skating rink and other facilities to keep folks visiting year-round."

"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"

"Polk Bros Fountain and Plaza at the entrance of Navy Pier greets children with an exciting 12,500 square foot signature fountain (during warm weather) with more than 150 programmable jets that mimic the movements of waves, schools of fish and flocks of birds. While at the park, kids will have fun posing with the vibrant “Meet Me at the ‘P’” art installation."

"Located at the entry point of the Pier, I have a love/hate relationship with this fountain. I love how happy it makes my water-obsessed toddler but I hate how long it takes me to coax him into leaving. The 12,500 square foot fountain isn’t just a regular fountain."

"It doesn’t get any more old school than Chicago’s oldest family-owned bakery, which has been servicing Humboldt Park sweet tooths since 1911. As a specialty, Roeser’s offers low-glycemic options for birthday boys and girls who could benefit from reduced sugar, carbs and calories. Follow the bakery’s iconic neon sign to find cakes baked using recipes perfected over 4 generations with culinary skills to decorate to any theme you could possibly imagine, including a wide variety of licensed character cakes."

"Restaurants Bakeries Humboldt Park. One of Chicago’s oldest family-run businesses has operated out of the same storefront, distinguished today by its vertical neon sign and quaint painted lady facade, since its establishment in 1911. Today it’s a good all-arounder, with doughnuts and danish for breakfast, and a wide selection of cake slices and cookies (many in Chicago sports team motifs) for dessert."

"A staple of Chicago’s Humboldt Park for over 100 years, this Roeser’s Bakery celebrates true vintage fashion by selling incredible baked goods for cheap. This bakery in Chicago features custom cakes, tortes, and cookies and more, making Roeser’s Bakery everyone’s go-to place for amazing quality sweets."

"When the doughnut craze hit the city, there was one ring to rule them all: Do-Rite Donut’s Buttermilk Old Fashioned Donut. This treat is the one thing folks always leave our Gateway to the West Loop Food Tour raving about. Crunchy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and coated in a vanilla-bean glaze, this doughnut reaches perfection when dunked in coffee."

"A photo posted by Chicago Foodie @ UVA (@biteee_meee) on Sep 29, 2016 at 7:44am PDT. Do-Rite has some of the best donuts in the city, but most people don't know that they also have dank fried chicken sandwiches that rival Chick-fil-A. The original chicken sandwich, which comes with lettuce, pickles, and mayo, will only set you back $4.99."

"Vegetarians need not worry about where they can find pizza in Logan Square. The kitchen creates a brand new specialty vegetarian slice every single day!. And there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the regular menu."

"A conversation about perfect patios in Logan Square isn’t valid until Boiler Room enters the discussion. Pizza by the slice and boozy ice cream cones make for the perfect Sunday (or Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday….) funday."

"The heated, covered patio at this Logan Square restaurant is decorated with string lights and leafy plants for an enchanting effect. When it gets cold, a gas-powered fireplace will keep things toasty."

"Photos from any of the three locations of this taco gem look great in just about every Instagram filter, thanks to rustic wood furnishings, chalkboard menus and thoughtful details like striped paper straws, mason jars and chewing-gum freebies. Then, of course, there's the Midwest Mexican fare, from chili cheese curds ($9) with tortillas and cilantro to garlic shrimp tacos ($9) with fried kale, elote-style cauliflower and avocado salsa."

"Hip tacos have become a nationwide phenomenon and can usually be pretty disappointing; besides being great for pictures, Antique Taco's food happens to be actually great. The Crispy Fish Taco possibly tops the list with the best fish taco I have ever eaten. They don't over-do their food and choose each topping thoughtfully and elegantly."

"Each location of Antique Taco is cleverly decorated with cool, unique antiques, but even with the décor, the tacos stand out, with fillings of seasonal farmers’ market finds, like elote-style cauliflower. Kids are always warmly welcomed, and can order their own pork carnitas taco or quesadilla. A horchata milkshake to wash it down?"