Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Park Ridge

"$39.95, $29.95 ages 3-11, special rates for Chicago residents, free members; timed ticket or registration required. Kids can touch aquatic animals or see them up close at one of the daily presentations. Exhibits include fish, sharks, penguins, dolphins, sea lions and other water animals in their regular habitats, showing life in rivers, streams and different ocean environments."

"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."

"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."

"This iconic Chicago attraction is bursting with attractions. However, many of them charge a fee. Believe it or not, though, there are several free things to do in Chicago at Navy Pier."

"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."

"Officially known as a “pedestrian pathway system,” the Pedway is actually more of a sprawling underground network of halls, tunnels and corridors that connect different streets in Chicago. You can enter and exit at various points to get back to the world above, but since lots of businesses have set up shop in the Pedway, it’s become a destination in its own right. Stores are available for shopping."

"Under the city streets and spanning more than 40 blocks north to south, Chicago has a vast network of pedestrian tunnels, as an answer the vicious winter weather and to provide easy links between “L” stations. The oldest sections, between State and Dearborn streets date back to before the Second World War. The rest of the network was begun in the 1950s and expanded in the 60s and 70s."

"West Loop’s Union Park, located on 13.46 acres in the Near West community area, is the site for two of the city’s biggest music festivals: Pitchfork and North Coast Music Festival. The park has several large fields, often used for various outdoor sports. The history of Union Park is also quite remarkable—it’s the site of several political protests and demonstrations since the early 1900s, most notably the Great American Boycott and the 2006 Immigration Reform protests."

"Union Park is a 13.46-acres park created in 1853 and became well known between the 1920s and 50s for cultural and social events. Today, the park features a field house with a theater room with stage, and a building with a gym, fitness center, and locker rooms. Outside facilities include tennis courts, swimming pool, playgrounds, an athletic field, and more."

"With the look and feel of an authentic Parisian bistro, it’s easy to imagine yourself in the City of Light at Bistrot Zinc. Take a culinary trip overseas with classics like escargot, mussels steamed with white wine, salade Lyonnaise, steak frites, and roasted chicken. On the weekends, start the day off right by cozying up at the zinc-topped bar and ordering sweet or savory crepes for brunch."

"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)."

"LaSalle St.Architects: Daniel Burnham & John Root/Frank Lloyd Wright. On the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Chicago Landmark in 1972, The Rookery is located in Chicago’s downtown Financial District. It was constructed during a transitional period in architectural history, using both load-bearing masonry and a skeletal frame, which are distinguishing elements of the Chicago School of Architecture."

"The original design was by the legendary firm of Burnham & Root from the 1880s and an interior lobby renovation was then executed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. This early skyscraper is notable not only for its architectural pedigree, but also for being the oldest surviving high-rise in Chicago. Take a tour with the Chicago Architecture Center and get a glimpse of the landmark’s 11th-floor architects’ library."

"Source: Photo by user Esther Westerveld used under CC BY 2.0. One of the finest building in the United States, the Rookery Building is an absolute architectural treat. The interior light court maximizes the natural light entering the building."