Free Things to Do with Kids Across Illinois

Keeping kids entertained is expensive—unless you know where to look.

Free Museums & Attractions

Chicago

• Lincoln Park Zoo - Always free, one of few free zoos in US

• National Museum of Mexican Art (Pilsen) - Free admission

• Smart Museum of Art (Hyde Park) - Free admission

• Chicago Cultural Center - Architecture, exhibits, events

• Navy Pier (outdoor areas) - Watching boats, street performers

Museum Free Days

Many Chicago museums have free admission days:

• Shedd Aquarium: Select dates

• Field Museum: Certain days for Illinois residents

• Art Institute: Thursday evenings (Chicago residents)

• Museum of Science & Industry: Free days quarterly

Downstate

• Illinois State Museum (Springfield) - Free admission

• Krannert Art Museum (Champaign) - Free admission

• Hartley Gardens (Peoria) - Free botanical gardens

Parks & Nature

State Parks (Free Entry)

Illinois state parks don't charge entry fees!

Best for kids:

• Starved Rock - Canyons and waterfalls

• Matthiessen - Less crowded alternative

• Giant City - Sandstone formations, nature center

• Chain O'Lakes - Water activities

Forest Preserves

Every county has forest preserves with:

• Trails

• Nature centers

• Playgrounds

• Fishing spots

City Parks Worth Visiting

• Millennium Park (Chicago) - Crown Fountain splash pad, The Bean

• Centennial Park (Naperville) - Riverwalk, playgrounds

• Washington Park (Springfield) - Carillon concerts

Library Programs

Illinois libraries offer incredible free programming:

• Story times

• STEM activities

• Summer reading programs

• Movie showings

• Craft sessions

• Teen programs

Pro tip: Get a library card immediately—it's your ticket to free entertainment.

Community Events

Year-Round

• Park district events

• Community movie nights

• Farmers market kids activities

• High school sporting events

• Community theater (often low cost)

Summer

• Free concerts in the park (every suburb has them)

• Community pools (free or low cost)

• Splash pads

• Outdoor movie screenings

Winter

• Library events increase

• Mall play areas

• Indoor park district facilities

• Free skate rentals at some rinks

Free Nature Centers

• Willowbrook Wildlife Center (Glen Ellyn)

• Little Red Schoolhouse (Willow Springs)

• Crabtree Nature Center (Barrington)

• Burpee Museum (Rockford) - Low cost

Planning Tips

1. Check event calendars - Park districts, libraries, cities all post

2. Follow local Facebook groups - First to know about free events

3. Library museum passes - Many libraries loan free museum passes

4. Pack picnics - Don't spend at venue concessions

5. Layer activities - Combine free park visit with library trip