Free things to do in Chicago 4 places

Chicago Botanic Garden

Parks · Linden (Purple)

A 385-acre garden of 27 display gardens and four natural areas spread across islands and lakes north of the city. Highlights include the Japanese Garden, rose garden, prairie and a bonsai collection. Admission is free; the only cost is parking, so arriving on foot, by bike or by Metra keeps a visit fully free.

57th Street Beach

Beaches · Cottage Grove (Green)

Hyde Park's main beach, sitting directly across from the Museum of Science and Industry with a handsome beach house and concessions. It draws a friendly, family and university crowd and stays lively but rarely overwhelming. Good swimming and long stretches for walking the lakefront path.

Foster Beach

Beaches · Berwyn (Red)

A lively, diverse Edgewater beach with volleyball courts, a snack bar and grassy picnic areas backing the sand. It gets busy and festive on summer weekends with a strong neighborhood and family vibe. Distant downtown skyline views open up looking south along the shore.

Kathy Osterman Beach (Hollywood Beach)

Beaches · Bryn Mawr (Red)

A curving, scenic beach at the north end of Lincoln Park where the shoreline bends, backed by dune grasses and a nature area. It's known as a welcoming, LGBTQ-friendly spot with a mellow, sociable crowd. Sweeping views south toward the skyline make it a favorite for sunset walks.