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Hanging out in Chicago can get pricey, depending on what you do.

And with pricing rising all over the place, its harder than ever to stretch your dollar.

But if your budget is tight, theres still plenty of fun to be had in the Windy City.

Attendees of a free outdoor concert crowd inside Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois.

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Weve rounded up 44 free things to do in Chicago so you might enjoy yourself while saving money.

And bring a stash of masks, just in case.

Must-See Attractions in Chicago

These top tourist attractions wont cost you a thing.

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Millennium Parkis a 24.5-acre park in the downtown Chicago Loop district.

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Its home to Cloud Gate, the iconic mirrored public art sculpture commonly known as The Bean.

If its your first time in the city, youll want to snap a pic for Instagram.

Other notable features of Millennium Park include the Crown Fountain, the Lurie Garden and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

TheJay Pritzker Pavilionis an entertainment hotspot at Millennium Park.

The outdoor amphitheater hosts free live music concerts and free movie screenings in the summer.

Grant Parkis known as Chicagos Front Yard.

Theres also a skate park, public art and plenty of greenspace.

Its the perfect place to window shop and people watch.

You might also spot some interesting street art along this tourist strip.

Dubbed the Peoples Pier,Navy Pieris a popular tourist destination off Lake Michigan on Grand Avenue.

Check out the giant Ferris wheel and the view of the Chicago skyline.

All summer long, Navy Pier puts on a free fireworks show every Wednesday and Saturday night.

The pier also hosts about 250 free public programs each year.

Enjoy waterfront views of the Chicago River on the 1.25-mileChicago Riverwalk.

Take in the public murals, sculptures and banners along this scenic walkway.

This cultural hub is located in one of Chicagos landmark buildings.

Take a free tour of theChicago Cultural Centerand check out the art exhibits and the stunning stained-glass domes.

The center also hosts free movies, lectures, musical shows and dance performances.

Admission is always free to the public.

The Smart Museum is open Thursdays through Sundays.

The museumis currently closeduntil Sept. 21, 2022 for renovations.

TheNational Museum of Mexican Artshowcases Mexican art and culture from folk art to modern works.

The museum is located in Chicagos Pilsen neighborhood, which is the heart of the citys Mexican community.

It is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is free for all.

TheDePaul Art Museumis located in Lincoln Park on the campus of DePaul University.

TheOriental Institute Museumis part of the University of Chicago and includes a vast collection of ancient Middle Eastern artifacts.

Admission is free but donations are suggested.

Reservations are highly recommended for entry.

The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday.

TheWabash Arts Corridorfeatures over 40 street murals and includes a handful of art galleries and sculptural installations.

While youre there, check out Jacob Watts Moose Bubblegum Bubble mural.

Seedozens of muralsalong the 16th Street railroad embankment.

This is a great place to admire public art from various street artists.

Be sure to snap some pics.

TheHyde Park Art Centeris a hub for contemporary art located on the South Side of Chicago.

Each year the center hosts about 200 free public events.

TheNational Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culturecelebrates the richness of Puerto Rican life and history.

The museum is located in Humboldt Park, which is a hub for Chicagos Puerto Rican community.

TheDesign Museum of Chicagoshowcases design elements across a variety of mediums from architecture to calligraphy.

Exhibits regularly change throughout the year.

City Gallery at the Historic Water Toweris a Chicago landmark, which showcases local art and photography.

The gallery is located along Magnificent Mile.

While admission is free daily, this attraction is currently closed to the public due to the pandemic.

First United Methodist Churchis Chicagos oldest church, founded in 1831.

Its also one of the tallest churches in the world, housed in a 23-story neo-gothic skyscraper downtown.

Tours of the Sky Chapel on the buildings top floor, as well as church services, are free.

TheHarold Washington Libraryis the main branch of the Chicago Public Library System.

The 10-story building includes a maker lab, a winter garden and distinct spaces for kids and teens.

The library also hosts free events and workshops throughout the year.

TheChicago History Museumshowcases the stories of the citys past.

The center features the largest scale model of Chicago and has details about future building projects.

TheMuseum of Contemporary Artexhibits the work of living artists, including new artists.

Admission is also free for Illinois residents every Tuesday.

Check out old currency and see a million-dollar display at the Federal Reserve Bank of ChicagosMoney Museum.

The museum is temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

TheJane Addams Hull-House Museumcelebrates the history and impact of social activist and feminist Jane Addams.

The museum recommends visitors give a $5 donation.

Enjoy Chicagos Outdoor Spaces

Explore Chicagos parks, gardens, trails and more all at no cost.

Lincoln Park Zoois one of the oldest free zoos in the nation.

It is home to about 200 species of animals from around the world.

Lincoln Park Zoo also hosts free events for families throughout the year.

Admission is free, but donations are suggested.

The conservatory also has over 10 acres of outdoor gardens.

Walk-up reservations are prioritized for local residents.

Admission is free but donations are suggested.

Buckingham Fountainis an elaborate fountain in Grant Park.

It is known to be one of the largest fountains in the world.

The fountain runs from May through October with a 20-minute water display at the beginning of every hour.

At night, the water displays are accompanied by music and lights.

Maggie Daley Parkis a great place to visit if youve got young kids.

Theres also space to roller blade or ride on scooters.

Other park features like the climbing wall and mini golf come with a fee.

The park hosts free things for visitors throughout the year.

Humboldt Parkis located on Chicagos West Side and includes various sports fields, tennis courts and playgrounds.

Humboldt Park is also home to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.

Jackson Parktakes up over 550 acres of space in the Chicago neighborhood of Woodlawn in the South Side.

Also, double-check to see Yoko Onos public art installation Sky Landing.

Chicagos waterfront along Lake Michigan includes about two dozen freepublic beaches.

Popular spots dotting Lake Shore Drive include North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach and Ohio Street Beach.

Fullerton Beach is the most family-friendly, being near the Lincoln Park Zoo.

TheLakefront Trailruns for 18 miles along the western edge of Lake Michigan from Ardmore Street to 71st Street.

Its the perfect area to go walking, running or cycling while taking in a great view.

It was formerly an abandoned rail line that was repurposed for recreational use.

Walk, run or cycle along the trail and view the public art installations.

The market is a long-standing tradition, which started in 1912.

This annual music festival features blues legends and up-and-coming artists alike.

TheChicago Blues Festivalis typically held in early June at Millennium Park and venues across the city.

The festival is held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park during the summer.

Neighborhood concerts lead up to the festival, held at locations historically significant to jazz in Chicago.

Free seating is available to the public.

SummerDanceis an annual series of music and dancing events that takes place in Grant Park in the summer.

In 2021, the festival will be held during August and September in parks throughout the city.

Open House Chicagois an annual festival that offers self-guided history tours and architecture trails.

It takes place every October and celebrates historically and culturally significant sites around the city.

It is organized by the Chicago Architecture Center.

Christkindl Holiday Marketis a German-style holiday market held from November through December at Daley Plaza.

See the lights, hear the Christmas carols and get in the holiday spirit.

Nicole Dow is a former senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

Matt Matasci contributed to this report.

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