Guide to Cheap Summer Fun Around Chicago

Mar 9, 2011
Chad Merda

There are a number of free and cheap summer activities in the Chicago area. - By FatBusinessman (Flickr)

Save some money and check out these free or cheap events throughout the Chicago area to keep your clan entertained this summer.

Note: This current list is for events with free or discounted admission taking place in summer 2011.

There is no shortage of free or extremely cheap activities you can take advantage of this summer throughout the Chicago area. Whether you're simply looking for something to do for one day, or want to string together a bunch of local outings for a staycation, these suggestions are sure to be a hit.

Free Summer Events in Chicago

Nothing beats the freedom of not having to fork over a bundle of cash to have fun, and there's no shortage of freebies this summer.

Take the Metra into the city for the Chicago Air and Water Show on the lakefront, which runs is Aug. 20 to 21. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and features the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. If you take Metra on the weekends, up to three kids ride free with one fare-paying adult, and that adult can get a $7 weekend pass that is good for unlimited rides that weekend.
Don't want to go downtown but still want to see some big birds flying overhead? Then head out to the Gary South Shore Airshow, which is held July 15 to 17 at Marquette Park Beach in Gary, Ind. Featured acts include the Lima Lima flight crew, the same Thunderbirds that appeared at the Chicago Air and Water Show.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is free every day. The zoo, which is located just off the Fullerton Parkway exit on Lake Shore Drive, has more than 1,200 animals on display in addition to a children's petting zoo. One word of caution though; while the zoo is free, parking is not. The zoo is easily accessible from the Brown and Purple lines, both of which stop at the Armitage station.
There are numerous cruise nights and car shows throughout the Chicago area during the summer. If you're only going to visit one, check out the 43rd Annual Father's Day Classic Car Show at Oak Brook Terrace on June 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There's always a wide variety of unique classic cars and you'll usually see some rare ones, such as a Ford Edsel that was there last year.
If you have kids, score some free tickets to a Chicago White Sox game by signing them up for a Kids Club Slugger membership. It's free to join and with that membership, you'll get a bunch of stuff, but the real gem is two game ticket coupons. If you have two kids, that's four tickets, meaning you can drag the whole family along. You'll still have to pay for parking, but tailgate before the game so you don't have to pay for a meal inside the park.
The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, located at 9800 Willow Springs Road in Willow Springs is always free and features a large indoor nature center with live animals and exhibits. There also are walking paths on the grounds.
The Museum of Science and Industry has free general admission on June 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
If fish are more your thing, the Shedd Aquarium has free general admission June 12 to 16. You'll be able to see the original galleries, but the Wild Reef, Oceanarium and Polar Play Zone will cost you.
Take a short drive to the Long Grove Strawberry Fest, which is held June 24 to 26 in Long Grove. There's music, food and of course, strawberries.

Cheap, But Not Free Summer Events in Chicago

You're pocketbook will be a bit lighter after paying admission for these events, but you'll still get significant bang for your buck.

Head out to the 49th Threshing Reunion, Antique Tractor, Gas Engine and Car Show, which is held July 21-24 and is run by the Will County Thresherman Association. The event is held at the Dollinger Family Farm at 7502 Hansel Road in Channahon. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. There are live wheat threshing and corn shelling demonstrations, hay rides, tractor pulls and kiddie train rides. You'll also find a wide variety of antique steam engines in operation, plus tractors and antique vehicles on display. The farm also has a children's play area with forts, houses and slides to keep them entertained for hours.
Keep the bets to a minimum, or don't bet at all, and an afternoon at Arlington Park can be a cheap, fun-filled day for the family. Check their Web site for race times and schedules, as they do change. Admission costs $4 to $10, depending on the day and discounts are available when you buy them online. One of the great advantages of spending the day at Arlington is that you can bring one 50-quart cooler per adult, as long as it's not loaded with booze or glass containers. Expect coolers to get inspected. There's ample picnic tables up close to the track, which gives the kids a close-up view of the horses both when they are showcased before the race and as they come barreling around the corner.
Can't afford to go see the Cubs or White Sox? Then head out to see the Windy City Thunderbolts, who play at Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood. Tickets are as cheap as $7. They also have regular food and drink promotions, including "Thirsty Thursday" during the 7:05 p.m. game on May 19, where all domestic draft beer is only $1.
Get in touch with nature with a visit to Cantigny, located in Wheaton. Admission fee is $5 per car during the day, but if you go after 5 p.m., it'll only set you back $2. You can stroll the grounds and take in many of their different gardens. There are also two museums at Cantigny, the Robert R. McCormick Museum and the First Division Museum.