Attractions

See a free water display every hour at the Buckingham Fountain from mid-April to mid-October. The best time to go is between dusk and 10 p.m. when the fountain's 134 spouting jets are accompanied by a music and light display.

As a verifiable entertainment hub, Chicago's Navy Pier is not to be missed. This 3,000-foot-long (914-meter) playground offers myriad attractions—from a Ferris wheel to a winter ice-skating rink to two children's museums. Although most of the indoor attractions charge a fee, some offer free admission, including the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows. Many people enjoy walking around the pier, which doesn't cost a thing. Also, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, visitors can watch a free fireworks display every Wednesday and Saturday night.

Head to the underwater viewing area to catch a glimpse of swimming sea lions or take a guided tour of the hundreds of species on view at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission to the zoo is free seven days a week.

Millennium Park incorporates art, music, architecture, and landscape design. This 24.5-acre (9.9-hectare) sanctuary, located in downtown Chicago, boasts the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the interactive Crown Fountain, and a popular sculpture designed by British artist Anish Kapoor. Free programs—such as Music Without Borders and Home Cooked Jazz—are held in the park throughout the year.