Free Things to Do While You’re in Town for a Chicago Trade Show

When you travel to a big city like Chicago, there are probably a lot of places you want to visit and sites you want to see during downtime from your . And unlike some other large metropolises, the Windy City offers plenty of great spots and attractions that don’t cost a dime. Here are a few ways to enjoy Chicago any time of year.

Free Outdoor Activities to Check Out During Your Chicago Trade Show

Chicago is an amazing place to visit any time of year—but it really shines during the warmer months. Chicagoans love to show off their city, so they make many of their outdoor attractions free to both residents and out-of-town visitors. Here are a few can’t-miss spots when you’re in town for a trade show during the spring, summer, or fall.

Public Beaches

The shores of Lake Michigan are stunning. If you visit Chicago between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can take advantage of the gorgeous beaches, which are free to the public every day. So pack your bathing suit, pick up a beach umbrella, and check out one of these awesome locations:

Oak Street Beach, with breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline
Rainbow Beach, part of the massive Rainbow Park that features public gardens and the Rainbow Beach Dunes
North Avenue Beach, where you’ll enjoy the large beach house and sand volleyball courts as far as the eye can see
Montrose Beach, which is home to an open-air restaurant, a world-renowned bird sanctuary, and a beautiful butterfly garden

Lifeguards are on duty from 11am to 7pm every day, so you can jump in the lake or have a relaxing lie on the beach just about any time you arrive.

The Riverwalk

If you prefer a scenic stroll to lakeside recreation, check out the Chicago Riverwalk. It’s free to the public and offers stunning views of Downtown Chicago on every step of its 1.25 miles. You’ll be treated to public artwork, world-class architecture, and plenty of dining opportunities during your visit.

If you want to spend a little cash while you explore the city, hop on the commuter-friendly Water Taxi and check out the architecture up and down the Chicago River. There are several routes to choose from, you can opt for the all-day pass for unlimited rides if you have trouble deciding. The taxi will take you to a variety of neighborhoods, and you can hop off the boat and into a restaurant for a quick bite before you head back to the show or your hotel.

Millennium Park

During your trip to Chicago, you might enjoy the dining, shopping, and architecture of Michigan Avenue (known to tourists as the Magnificent Mile). If you find yourself on Michigan between Randolph Street and Monroe Street, head into Millennium Park, a sprawling area that’s open to the public.

Here are a few features you’ll find inside the park:

Cloud Gate, a bean-shaped reflective sculpture perfect for photo ops
Crown Fountain, an interactive water fountain between two 50-foot towers that showcase images of Chicago residents
BP Pedestrian Bridge, a 925-foot long stainless steel walkway
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, an innovative music venue where you can enjoy free concerts and films

And that’s just the beginning. Millennium Park also offers gardens and sculpture parks throughout its campus. Even taking a relaxing stroll through the park, you’ll be surrounded by local culture.

Winter Attractions to Check Off Your Chicago Bucket List

Winters in the Midwest get cold—and this is where the “Windy City” nickname really comes into play! When the freezing gusts pick up, it might be time to head inside. Fortunately, there are free indoor things to check out if your Chicago trade show takes place during the colder months.

Chicago Cultural Center

Chicagoans tend to be obsessed with their city’s history and traditions, and it’s all on display for free at the Chicago Cultural Center. In addition to temporary exhibits that change throughout the year, here are a few sites you can see inside this stunning building:

Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Hall and Rotunda
Preston Bradley Hall’s Tiffany Dome
The Learning Lab
Claudia Cassidy Theater

After even a short one-hour visit to the Cultural Center, you will have learned enough about the city to feel like a true Chicagoan.

Navy Pier

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Navy Pier originally opened to the public in 1916. Although it’s delightful to stroll down the pier during the summer, this Chicago landmark also has a huge indoor area with shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. While you’re there, grab tickets to a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater or check out the interactive Chicago Children’s Museum, which are both onsite at Navy Pier.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Most people think of a zoo as a warm-weather attraction. Since Chicago’s temperature can go from subzero to over 100° Fahrenheit, its Lincoln Park Zoo is set up to welcome visitors all 12 months of the year and is open to the public with no admission fee.

During the winter, you’ll see polar bears, snowy owls, and other cold-weather animals taking advantage of their outdoor habitats (but don’t worry—they also have indoor areas to warm up in). You can also step inside to warm up and check out the indoor exhibits in the Helen Brach Primate House, the McCormick Bird House, and the Regenstein African Journey.

Let Us Handle Your Chicago Trade Show Exhibit While You Check Out the City

Most cities are expensive to hang out in, but Chicago invites its visitors to enjoy its beauty and culture for free. Regardless of what time of year you visit, you’ll have a long list of fun sites and attractions to check out that don’t put a dent in your wallet. While you’re out and about enjoying everything Chicago has to offer, we’ll take care of the booth and show services for you at any local venue, whether you’re exhibiting at McCormick Place, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, or any of the city’s event-hosting hotels.