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The Best Cheap Things To Do In Chicago

February 15, 2024 Published by AI

Chicago Botanic Garden Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Sandeep Pawar

Enjoy the city without spending a ton of cash by searching out cheap things to do in Chicago.

Between the best restaurants to try, swankiest bars to visit and events to attend, having a good time in Chicago can be expensive. However, there are still plenty of options for fun on a budget. Chicagoans have access to affordable museums around the city, creative activities that don’t break the bank and even a cat cafe. Here are some of the best cheap things to do in Chicago for under $25. And for even more cost-effective options, check out the best free things to do in Chicago.

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Cheap things to do in Chicago

1. Catch a show at the Empty Bottle

As one of the largest cities in the country, it’s almost guaranteed that most musicians will make a stop in Chicago while they’re on tour. Since 1992, the Empty Bottle has been one of the preferred places to catch rising acts, including early shows by bands like The Strokes and The Mountain Goats, as well as rare opportunities to see artists like Jack White in an intimate setting. The small dive bar’s stage offers a great opportunity to see live music up close and personal. All shows are 21 and up, and tickets to most shows are usually affordable. Plus, shows on Monday nights are usually free!

Price: Varies, usually less than $20

2. Explore architectural history on a Frank Lloyd Wright tour

Chicago is well-known as one of the great architecture cities in the world, but the architecture tours only go so far (specifically, the Loop). Beyond the gleaming skyscrapers, there are other structures that prove that Chicago is rightly-acclaimed for its architecture, including homes designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, especially the Robie House in Hyde Park. Glances of the exterior are free, of course, but tours of the historic house are only $20-$30, making it a budget-friendly way to explore one of the city’s most creatively-designed homes—an early example of Prairie School architecture.

Price: $20-$30

3. Catch a student show at the Second City

For comedy fans,

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The Ultimate Guide To Having Fun In Chicago Without Any Booze

January 16, 2024 Published by AI

Still reeling from eggnog-induced holiday hangovers? You’re not alone. Following a season of merry excess, the new year brings new opportunities for a reset—and a more balanced approach to mulled wine, perhaps. Dry January or not, it’s an apt time of year to reassess one’s relationship with alcohol, whether that means cutting it out entirely, simply cutting back, or taking more of a Damp January approach.

Across the US, the non-alcoholic landscape has evolved substantially in recent years. Nowadays, non-alcoholic wines and beers are a booming business, major airlines are offering more booze-free alternatives, and the condescending term “mocktail” is a thing of the past, reserved for cloying Shirly Temples, while zero-proof cocktails have become as impressive and innovative as their boozy counterparts. They even come in canned form now.

All over the country, from Denver to Boston, sobriety isn’t just a buzz word or a fleeting flirt with Dry January, it’s a way of life—and an enriching, fulfilling one at that. Chicago is no exception. While much has been made of the city’s myriad craft breweries and award-winning cocktail bars, this is a world-class city with a proven penchant for hospitality, and truly something for everyone.

No matter how wet or dry your January may be, or where you land on the “new year, new me” mood board, there’s plenty to do, see, and drink in Chicago—without a drop of alcohol. In bars and beyond, from indoor pickle ball courts to outdoor slopes, there are endless entertainment options to be had beyond a boozy bar crawl. Here is the ultimate guide to having fun in Chicago while sober.

Non-Alcoholic Food and Drink Things to Do in Chicago

Zero-proof cocktails

Non-alcoholic cocktails have come a long way from soda water and juice. Lately, bartenders and mixologists have been pouring as much diligent effort and thought into zero-proof cocktails as they do their alcoholic offerings, enabling customers to savor the same craft without the hangover—and often at a lower price point.

This means that some of Chicago’s most revered cocktail bars, like Billy Sunday and Kumiko, offer elaborate mixed drinks that are well-balanced, flavorful, and Insta-ready, without an ounce of alcohol.

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Memorial Day Weekend In Chicago | Fireworks, Things To Do, Events & Parades

January 15, 2024 Published by AI

Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer in Chicago, and the city knows how to celebrate. Each year, Chicago comes to life with spectacular fireworks displays, buzzing rooftop bars, sunset kayak tours, fun neighborhood festivals, waterfront restaurants with unforgettable views, and so much more. Here’s our roundup of some of the top things to do in Chicago for Memorial Day weekend.

In this article

See the Chicago Memorial Day fireworks

One of the city’s top attractions is Navy Pier, a waterfront stretch of rides, restaurants, entertainment, and more. The Pier is known for its spectacular summer fireworks displays, which kick off with the Memorial Day fireworks show.

While you’re there, take a spin on the iconic Centennial Wheel, grab a drink at Offshore (the largest rooftop bar in the world), and check out more things to do at Navy Pier.

Hit the beachPhoto by Miguel Ángel Sanz

Chicago has more than two dozen free public beaches, and they officially open for the summer season on Memorial Day weekend — so make sure to pack your swimsuit. Swim, tan, play volleyball, or head to a nearby beachfront bar to enjoy a cold drink with your toes in the sand.

Some of the city’s popular beaches include North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, 31st Street Beach, Montrose Beach, Hollywood Beach, and South Shore Beach. Check out our guide to Chicago beaches for more of the best places to soak up the sun along the city’s 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Celebrate summer at a festivalSueños Music Festival

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of festival season in Chicago. Check out some of these cool festivals, events, and markets happening over the holiday weekend.

Suenos Music Festival: Chicago’s reggaeton fest takes over downtown Grant Park with a lineup of Latin hitmakers.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest: The waterfront Lakeview neighborhood plays host to this Memorial Day festival, with tribute bands, artisans, and beer and wine vendors.

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6 Of Chicago’s Best Interactive Museums To Explore With Kids

November 28, 2023 Published by AI

What do optical illusions, immersive art, ooey-gooey slime and global flavors of ice cream have in common? Answer: You’ll find them all represented in Chicago’s interactive (and sometimes unconventional) museums. These six spots throughout the Windy City combine hands-on fun with education, and several feature rotating exhibits to keep you coming back for more. Tuck these ideas into your back pocket for dreary days when the kids (and you) need an imaginative escape.

Courtesy of Color Factory Chicago Color Factory

Head to the bottom of the Willis Tower to taste, listen and jump your way through Color Factory with joy. This exuberant art museum provides an in-depth look at color and how it impacts our perception of everything around us. Each room is a unique concept designed by a different artist or partner, with plenty of Chicago-specific details and of course, interactive photo ops. A few rooms change out seasonally, too.

Courtesy of Museum of Illusions Museum of Illusions

Everything may not be as it seems in this museum by Millennium Park, but your family will have a ton of fun exploring mind-bending illusions and learning the mechanics behind what makes them so fascinating. Enter the human kaleidoscope, pass through the vortex tunnel and climb the walls in the rotated room. Bonus: Your friends won’t believe some of your pictures (no need to reveal the museum’s tricks!).

The Museum of Illusions also has a Kansas City, Missouri location, as well as a Mall of America location. Museums are expected to open soon in Cleveland and St. Louis.

Museum of Ice Cream

The prospect of unlimited ice cream may sound entirely too good to be true under many circumstances—but it’s no gimmick at Museum of Ice Cream. When you’re here, you can indulge in as much of the cool treat as you desire, taste a Chicago ice cream hot dog (yes, it’s a thing), play carnival games and minigolf, and, cherry on top: slide into a giant pool of colored sprinkles. If your sweet tooth hasn’t been satisfied by the end of your visit, swing by the onsite cafe for more ice cream, milkshakes and cocktails (for the grown-ups).

Kirsten Miccoli WNDR Museum

Even if you’ve already visited WNDR Museum, you certainly won’t have the same experience twice.

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Pumpkins, Sanctum, And Lowriders – Chicago Reader

October 20, 2023 Published by AI

It’s scary how much fun stuff is happening right now! Spooky season never misses.

It Takes a Village (ITAV) Pumpkin Patch
Sat 10/21, includes a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, food, games, and a train, 4020 W. Division, free to attend, all-ages. Reservations required events.eventnoire.com/e/itav-pumpkin-patch-2023

For a classic autumn adventure appropriate for the whole family, look no further than the annual It Takes a Village (ITAV) Pumpkin Patch. Happening on Saturday, October 21, this free event includes a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, food, games, a train, and—oh yeah!—a pumpkin to take home and carve. ITAV is converting the parking lot of their Division Street location (4020 W. Division) into a pumpkin patch, but the fun sprawls across the block. The event happens from 10 AM-2 PM. Reservations are required to guarantee a pumpkin.

Sanctum Dark Music Festival
10/26-10/28, various locations, various ages, tickets start at $40. Full details and tickets at sanctumfest.com

Does a four-on-the-floor beat bring out your devilish side? Sanctum Dark Music Festival might be for you. Now in its second year, this festival is a celebration of macabre club culture, and it provides a reliable sampling of the hottest established and emerging acts in synth pop, darkwave, and electro-industrial. Running from Thursday, October 26 to Saturday, October 28, the fest opens with a lower-key “pre-party” at Epiphany Center for the Arts (201 S. Ashland) featuring Bestial Mouths, Un Hombre Solo, Blood Handsome, and Replicant. Things really heat up the next night at Thalia Hall and the adjoining Tack Room (1807 S. Allport) with Friday’s talent featuring Kontravoid, Buzz Kull, Tempers, Debby Friday, Madeline Goldstein, and Panic Priest. Saturday is also at Thalia Hall, and features performances by the Soft Moon, Geneva Jacuzzi, Pelada, Spike Hellis, SDH, and Conjunto Primitivo. Events at Thalia Hall are for those 17 years old and up, and Tack Room and Epiphany events are 21+.

If you check out our music section, you’ll see my impassioned plea to experience Geneva Jacuzzi, but every night promises at least one act that will delight you, if you’re into music you can dance to in black latex. Speaking of which, this year’s master of ceremonies—er, sacrilege—is Chicago’s favorite rubber-clad naughty feline Wildcat Shadow. Tickets start at $40 and go up based on the night with two- and three-night passes available.

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The Best Things To Do Indoors In Chicago

October 4, 2023 Published by AI

People celebrating while playing darts Photograph: Courtesy of Flight ClubThe best things to do indoors in Chicago

When it’s pouring rain, snowing or disgustingly muggy, escape the weather with these fun indoor activities in Chicago.

The Windy City is filled with beautiful parks, bustling shopping districts and dramatic outdoor art installations, but when it’s raining or snowing, you shouldn’t let it ruin your day. There are world-class museums where you can explore everything from dinosaurs to modern art, relaxing spas for self-care, plus active fun to be had like bowling, bouldering and table tennis. So don’t let the weather get in the way of having a great day and stay warm and dry by enjoying some of the best things to do indoors in Chicago.

Catch a matinee at Music Box Theatre

You could spend an afternoon sitting in the dark at a variety of Chicago movie theaters, but the Music Box caters to anyone with a preference for independent films, foreign cinema, vintage movies and documentaries. Have a drink in the lounge before taking your seat in the ornate main theater or the smaller screening room—and don’t forget to ask for butter (the real deal, not the pungent fake stuff) on your popcorn.

Take a dip at Aire Ancient Baths

If you’re going to spend some time indoors, you might as well make it a luxurious, relaxing experience. Inspired by Greek and Roman bath houses, Aire squeezes six thermal baths into a River West building that once housed a factory. Guests get 90 minutes to take a dip in as many of the baths as they like, though you can extend your stay by indulging in a massage or a variety of spa treatments (they call them “rituals”).

Visit your favorite exhibits at Art Institute of Chicago

No matter how many times you’ve visited the Art Institute of Chicago, it’s nice to come back and see some of your favorite works on display. While some gravitate to Sunday on La Grande Jatte or the New Contemporary collection in the Modern Wing, it can be equally fun to venture to the museum’s Medieval and Renaissance Art galleries or explore the art of ancient Egypt in the basement.

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September 2023 Events Calendar For Chicago

August 30, 2023 Published by AI

September might be here, but don’t despair—summer in Chicago isn’t over yet! From Labor Day weekend festivities to summer festivals (including Riot Fest), we’ve still got plenty of warm weather fun to take advantage of before the leaves start to turn and the temperature drops. Soak up the sun at the best Chicago beaches and rooftop bars, or spend your weekends checking out the end of festival season at events like the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Printers Row Lit Fest or ARC Music Festival. And if you really can’t wait for fall to arrive, might we suggest some early leaf peeping? Whatever your mood, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep busy with our roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this September.

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35 Best Things To Do With Kids In The Chicago Suburbs (2024)

August 27, 2023 Published by AI

One of the best parts about living in Milwaukee is having easy access to the world-class popular attractions in Chicagoland (without the daily traffic!).

Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg Chicago Chicago’s suburbs are packed with family-friendly attractions and activities.

Whether you’re planning an easy day trip from Milwaukee, a full weekend of fun, or just wondering what to do while you visit relatives, we found 35 of the best things to do with kids in the Chicago suburbs.

Read on for the best kid-friendly activities in the suburbs of Chicago, organized by region.

North Suburbs of Chicago Schuamburg

In the North Suburbs, Schaumburg takes the lead for the most family-friendly activities.

Bison’s Bluff, Photo from parkfun.com

Enterrium: For a giant hangout space with bowling alleys, ping-pong tables, and arcade games, head to the Enterrium at Woodfield Mall, formerly known as Pac-Man Entertainment.
Legoland Discovery Center: One of the main attractions in this suburb is the Legoland Discovery Center, a must-visit for lego-lovers with giant lego displays, amusement park rides, a 4D theater, and kid-sized lego worlds to explore.
Bison’s Bluff: Nearby Bison’s Bluff is one of the area’s best nature playgrounds with a large bison, waterfall, multi-tiered tree house, art area, music area, climbing walls, indoor nature center, and slides leading to the base of the bluff.
Challenge Course at Meineke Park: Also in Schaumburg is the free Challenge Course at Meineke Park, with an extensive ninja warrior course complete with ramps, vault wall, floating boards, ropes, and climbing walls. Digital timers even allow them to score their performance.
Peppa Pig World of Play: The Peppa Pig World of Play has 14 themed areas including Peppa Pig’s Treehouse, Miss Rabbit at the Supermarket, and George’s Fort.
Medieval Times: Travel back in time where knights in shining armor battled for honor on their horses. Medieval Times is an immersive experience for the whole family.
Pilot Pete’s: For a restaurant that will delight your kids, check out Pilot Pete’s, an aviation themed eatery. It has airplanes hanging from the ceiling, and you can watch the real airplanes at the neighboring Schaumburg Flying Club from your table!

Hotels in Schaumburg Skokie

Further easy in Skokie,

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August 2023 Events Calendar For Chicago

July 27, 2023 Published by AI

It’s the last full month of summer in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean the fun is stopping anytime soon! From the annual Chicago Air and Water Show along the lakefront and Bud Billiken Parade in Bronzeville to summer festivals like Lollapalooza, Ruido Fest and Ribfest Chicago, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep busy in the hazy late summer heat. Plus, don’t forget to plan a couple of languid afternoons at the best Chicago beaches—Lake Michigan’s often frigid water is at its warmest this month. Looking for even more ways to fill your summer days? Scroll through our list of the best things to do in Chicago this August.

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How Cities Are Celebrating Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Stops

July 19, 2023 Published by AI

City officials have been pulling out all the stops to welcome the superstar.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift performs onstage for the opening night of “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at State Farm Stadium on March 17, 2023 in Swift City, ERAzona (Glendale, Arizona). John Shearer/GI for TAS Rights Management

Taylor Swift‘s The Eras tour is making its way across North America, and city officials have been pulling out all the stops to welcome the superstar to their stadiums.

The friendly competition between cities to one-up the royal treatment has led to all types of exciting photo ops for Swifties and honors for Swift herself. From making Swift the honorary mayor of the day and giving her the key to the city to renaming stadiums, streets and even cities themselves, The Eras tour is certainly making an impact on every location it visits.

We’ve compiled all the fun ways cities have been welcoming The Eras tour, and we’ll be updating it as Swift continues her string of performances. See below.

Glendale, Ariz.
Mayor Jerry Weiers of Glendale, Ariz., officially renamed the city to honor The Eras tour kickoff on March 17.

“And now therefore, I, Jerry P. Weiers, mayor of the city of Glendale, on behalf of our city council, do hereby proclaim that on March 17 and 18, 2023, the city of Glendale will be renamed Swift City,” he said in a ceremonial press conference to share the news before sneaking in a couple of lyrical references. “And all Swifties are encouraged to share their smiles that could light up this whole town on all the social media platforms because the best people in life are free.”
Las Vegas
Sin City lit up their Gateway Arches every night ahead of Swift’s shows on March 24 and 25, representing all of the singer’s albums.
Arlington, Texas
In celebration of the the three shows at AT&T Stadium from March 31 to April 2, Arlington went all out with fun attractions and events, from a new street called “Taylor Swift Way” to a pet adoption spree. They even gave Swift a key to the city.
Tampa, Fla.
Tay enjoyed her time in Tampa from April 13 to 15 as mayor of the city.

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Tag: fun

The Best Cheap Things To Do In Chicago

The Ultimate Guide To Having Fun In Chicago Without Any Booze

Memorial Day Weekend In Chicago | Fireworks, Things To Do, Events & Parades

6 Of Chicago’s Best Interactive Museums To Explore With Kids

Pumpkins, Sanctum, And Lowriders – Chicago Reader

The Best Things To Do Indoors In Chicago

September 2023 Events Calendar For Chicago

35 Best Things To Do With Kids In The Chicago Suburbs (2024)

August 2023 Events Calendar For Chicago

How Cities Are Celebrating Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Stops

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