56 Free Things To Do in Chicago This Summer With Kids
![56 Free Things To Do in Chicago This Summer With Kids It's a block party on State Street with Sundays on State. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance](https://static.mommypoppins.com/styles/image960x650/s3/sundays_on_state_chicago_loop_alliance.jpg)
Having free things to do in Chicago will keep kids busy and happy throughout the summer without taxing your wallet. And you might be surprised at just how many family-friendly summer events in Chicago cost absolutely nothing. Of course, the city's playgrounds and splash pads are always free, but it's in the summertime that free things to do in Chicago really ramp up.
As you can see from this bursting-at-the-seams list, there's almost something fun and free to do every single day of the summer—so there's no excuse for anyone to be bored. Outdoor movies, summer festivals, 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 find all the summer fun in our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide.
More Free Things To Do in Summer in Chicago
Free Concerts | Free Outdoor Movies
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Places featured in this article:
Merchandise Mart
The Gazebo at Spring Road
Cantigny Park
Naperville Parks
Riverwalk Ampitheater
Riverwalk Amphitheater
Maryknoll Park
Elmhurst City Centre
Naperville Community Concert Center
Cantigny Park
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
State Street from Madison to Lake
Maryknoll Park
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn
Rotary Hill
Community Square
Elmhurst College Mall
Downtown Lockport
Loyola Beach
Downtown Geneva
Downtown Downers Grove
Downtown Glenview
Villa Park Prairie Path
Eldridge Park
Logan Square Monument Park
Community Park
Downtown Westmont
Southport Corridor
Downtown Glen Ellyn
Churchill Park
Butterfield Park District
Chinatown Chicago
Northbrook Metra Station Parking Lot
Roscoe Village