Washington Park
Free things to do in Washington Park 4 places
This South Side community area surrounds its namesake Olmsted-designed Washington Park and is home to the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. With sweeping open lawns, a lagoon, and cultural landmarks near the University of Chicago, it's rich in free green space and Black history.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Museums · Garfield (Green)
The nation's oldest independent museum dedicated to African American history, art, and culture, set in a Washington Park building. Rotating and permanent exhibits cover the Great Migration, civil rights, and Black art. Time your visit for a free Wednesday or Sunday.
Fountain of Time
Landmarks · Cottage Grove (Green)
Lorado Taft's monumental 1922 concrete sculpture stretches 126 feet, depicting a procession of 100 figures marching past the hooded figure of Time. It anchors the western end of the Midway Plaisance in Washington Park and is free to visit around the clock. A haunting, one-of-a-kind Chicago landmark.
Washington Park Outdoor Pool
Sports & rec · Garfield (Green)
A free outdoor pool inside historic, Olmsted-designed Washington Park on the South Side. Open-swim sessions cost nothing and the surrounding park offers plenty of green space to spread out. A solid free option in Hyde Park's backyard.
Washington Park
Parks · Garfield (Green)
A free 367-acre Chicago Park District park in Woodlawn. It features a lagoon, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a splash pad. Open daily and free to enjoy.
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