50+ Free Things To Do in Chicago this Summer with Kids

Given the high cost of raising kids these days, you might be surprised at just how much family-friendly summer fun in Chicago is totally FREE. Of course, the city's playgrounds and splash pads are always free, and there are free days at most museums and even a few restaurants where kids eat free. But in the summertime, the free events in Chicago really ramp up.
As you can see from this bursting-at-the-seams list, there's literally something free and fun to do every single day of the summer—so there's no excuse for anybody to be bored. Outdoor movies, summer festivals and street fairs, concerts and performances, public art, cultural celebrations, and picnics–and you can leave your wallet at home for all of it! (In theory, at least. There's always ice cream to buy...)
Looking for more? Our list of 100 Things to Do With Chicago Kids Before They Grow Up will do the trick, and of course, you can always find more daily activities in our Chicago Event Calendar.
Free Things To Do in Chicago All Summer
Free Things to Do in Chicago in June
Free Things To Do in Chicago in July
Free Things to Do in Chicago in August
Places featured in this article:
Merchandise Mart
Naperville Parks
Riverwalk Ampitheater
Riverwalk Amphitheater
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Maryknoll Park
Elmhurst City Centre
The Gazebo at Spring Road
Sunnydale Park
State Street from Madison to Lake
Maryknoll Park
Naperville Community Concert Center
Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park
Rotary Hill
Frontier Sports Complex
Community Square
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn
Parks Citywide
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn
Elmhurst College Mall
Downtown Downers Grove
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Downtown Lockport
Logan Square Monument Park
Downtown Westmont
Southport Corridor
Downtown Glen Ellyn
Churchill Park
Butterfield Park District
Chinatown Chicago
Northbrook Metra Station Parking Lot
Roscoe Village
Westchester Village Hall