Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in West Chicago

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in West Chicago from other articles such as explorest.com, 48 hours in downtown Chicago: Day 2, Tripadvisor's Top Things to Do.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in West Chicago

Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium
4.6 (25232 ratings)4 (9031 ratings)
State-of-the-art indoor aquarium, famous for its variety of habitats & views of Lake Michigan.
1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
AquariumZoos & AquariumsHistorical landmarkLearning center
Mentioned by Happy Mom Hacks
8 Best Museums in Chicago Including Cool Children's Museums
"This is where you visit to see fish, dolphins, whales, penguins, and more amazing sea life. When visiting, you will get to see incredible fish from around the world and also learn about local fish from Lake Michigan. Kids can jump, play, and explore in the kid’s areas around the penguin and beluga whale exhibits."
Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
11 Entertaining Things to Do in Chicago with Toddlers
"A visit to Shedd Aquarium is also one of the best things to do in Chicago with toddlers. As one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, Shedd Aquarium is home to everything from penguins to stingrays!. And, the engaging and immersive layout of the aquarium captivates visitors of all ages."
Mentioned by citypass.com
Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Chicago
"With more than 2 million guests every year, John G. Shedd Aquarium is Chicago’s most visited cultural attraction. The aquarium is conveniently located in Chicago's Museum Campus, right next to the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium."
Millennium Park
Millennium Park
4.8 (58155 ratings)4.5 (22489 ratings)
24.5-acre green space with a video display, the reflective "Bean" sculpture & an outdoor theater.
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Navy Pier
Navy Pier
4.6 (50660 ratings)4 (13593 ratings)
Former Navy training center draws crowds with carnival rides, restaurants, shops & fireworks.
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Sights & LandmarksAmusement centerCultural centerEvent venuePiers & BoardwalksTheme Parks
Mentioned by citypass.com
Things to do with Kids in Chicago | CityPASS Scrapbook
"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."
Mentioned by Upstairs Downstairs Cleaning Service
75+ Delightful (& Affordable) Things to Do in Chicago with Kids
"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."
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory
4.8 (6118 ratings)4.5 (719 ratings)
184-acre park with a swimming pool, fishing lagoon, athletic fields, tennis courts & more.
300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624, USA
ParkSights & LandmarksBotanical gardenHistoric SitesGardens
Grant Park
Grant Park
4.7 (16394 ratings)4.5 (854 ratings)
319-acre centerpiece of Downtown housing some of the city's busiest attractions.
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
City parkNature & ParksPark
Sherman Park
Sherman Park
4.2 (527 ratings)
An oasis known as one of the nation's first urban parks, with a lagoon, fishing & wildlife.
1301 W 52nd St, Chicago, IL 60609, USA
Park
Mentioned by Do312
The Best Parks In Chicago
"Explore all 60 acres of Chicago’s historic Sherman Park on the city’s South Side. A big, circular ring-like pond encompasses the whole park, so you will never be far from views of the water. This historic park offers multiple baseball fields, a tennis court, and a basketball court."
The Merchandise Mart
The Merchandise Mart
4.5 (2056 ratings)4 (133 ratings)
Huge building featuring high-end home design & furniture showrooms, plus a lineup of trade shows.
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Historical landmarkShoppingArchitectural BuildingsShopping Malls
Ping Tom Memorial Park
Ping Tom Memorial Park
4.5 (2065 ratings)4.5 (22 ratings)
Chinatown park on the Chicago River with Chinese-style landscaping, a playground & kayak rentals.
1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Memorial parkNature & ParksPark
Chicago Loop Synagogue
Chicago Loop Synagogue
4.8 (41 ratings)5 (10 ratings)
16 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
SynagogueSights & LandmarksSacred & Religious Sites
Mentioned by Curbed Chicago
The best churches, temples, synagogues to see at Open House Chicago
"The current building was designed by Loebl, Schlossman and Bennett in 1957, although the Chicago Loop Synagogue was founded in 1929 for Jewish workers downtown and visitors. A must-see here is a wall of stained glass crafted by Abraham Rattner. Open Sunday, October 20, from noon to 5 p.m."
Northerly Island
Northerly Island
4.5 (75 ratings)3.5 (116 ratings)
Lake island & park, home to Huntington Bank Pavilion amphitheater, nature trails & skyline vistas.
Chicago, IL 60605, USA
IslandNature & Parks

Top Rated Parks to Visit in West Chicago

Midway Plaisance Park
Midway Plaisance Park
4.6 (611 ratings)
Green stretch of parkland with an outdoor ice-skating rink, soccer field & volleyball court.
1130 Midway Plaisance, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Park
Mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler
21 Best Things to Do in Chicago
"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."
The Water Plaza - Chicago Riverwalk
The Water Plaza - Chicago Riverwalk
5 (5 ratings)
Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Park
Mentioned by Busy Tourist
51 Best & Fun Things To Do In Chicago (Illinois)
"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?"
Big Marsh Park
Big Marsh Park
4.6 (289 ratings)
280.13-acre open space with an off-road bike park, nature areas for bird watching & hiking trails.
11559 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60633, USA
ParkNature preserve
Mentioned by Curbed Chicago
14 secret parks and gardens in Chicago
"At 280 acres, Big Marsh certainly lives up to its name, but this far southeast side public park—opened in 2016 in the Calumet Area Reserve—is still a relative secret to most locals. The park includes 45 acres of recreation areas designed specifically for mountain and BMX biking and casual trail riding. The rest (234 acres) is a nature preserve great for hiking and bird-watching."
Mentioned by Do312
The Best Parks In Chicago
"Whether you want to relax with a nature walk or go on an adventurous hike, this park is a great place to check out. Forty-five acres of the park are dedicated to more intense endeavors, such as hiking, adventure courses and off-course biking. The other 235 acres is devoted to more passive activities like bird-watching and nature walking."

Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in West Chicago

Ohio Street Beach
Ohio Street Beach
4.5 (74 ratings)4 (113 ratings)
Sandy, accessible pocket of urban beach on the lake backed by parks & high-rise buildings.
Illinois 60611, USA
BeachNature & Parks
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront Trail
4.5 (2244 ratings)
18.5-mi. mixed-use trail along Lake Michigan, with multiple parks & city skyline views.
Illinois, USA
Nature & ParksBiking TrailsHiking Trails
Mentioned by Chicago 3 days itinerary
Chicago – The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers
"Chicago’s Lakefront Trail I promised we’d do a lot of walking today, so next, head back towards Lake Michigan and enjoy the lakefront trail, a nearly 20-mile stretch of paved walkway that meanders down the city’s coastline. The views are spectacular and it’s a great way to see the city’s skyline from a distance. If you’d prefer to bike the trail (highly recommended!), check out the city’s bike-sharing system, Divvy, where you can grab a bike for a 24-hour rental period from one of the city’s many stations"
Montrose Beach
Montrose Beach
4.6 (192 ratings)4.5 (92 ratings)
Seasonal sand beach offering an enclosed dog area, water sports & a festive bar/restaurant.
Illinois, USA
BeachNature & Parks

Best & Cool Bars in West Chicago

D4 Irish Pub & Cafe
D4 Irish Pub & Cafe
4.4 (1428 ratings)
Local hangout with an Irish & American menu, cozy corners & a fireplace.
345 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Irish restaurantBarBrunch restaurantFamily restaurantPubRestaurant
The Beacon Tap
The Beacon Tap
4.3 (664 ratings)
Casual hometown sports bar with 25+ TVs, a beer garden & a lineup of pub-food options.
1374 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60018, USA
BarCatererRestaurant
Late Bar
Late Bar
4.1 (136 ratings)
Late-night bar/dance club serving fine wine & drinks until 4 AM & offering rotating nightly themes.
3534 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
Night clubBarCocktail barLounge
Mentioned by Trip101
9 Best Nightclubs In Chicago, Illinois
"Late bar is a fantastic nightclub situated in a beautiful neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. The establishment has a relaxed ambiance with alternating disco lights and a cozy seating arrangement. The marble-topped bar contains a variety of cocktail drinks, wine, beers, and whiskey."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near West Chicago

4.2 (136 reviews)
Hilton Garden Inn Naperville/Warrenville
Hotel
$110 /night
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4.1 (1055 reviews)
Sheraton Lisle Naperville Hotel
Hotel
$95 /night
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Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Naperville/Warrenville
Hotel
$141 /night
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