Inexpensive things to do in chicago

It's interesting:
"Paul is caring, he's generous, he's sensitive… in fact I don't even know him anymore. Linda has changed my best friend. Actually, I should thank you Linda. You've done in 18 months what I couldn't do in 18 years."

Chicago is truly a cultural haven that offers visitors a wealth of inexpensive entertainment options. Thanks to numerous low-cost attractions and free museums, travelers on a budget won't miss out on what the Windy City has to offer. Whether you want to experience art, listen to music, learn about the stars or observe animals, you can do it in Chicago and still have a few bucks left over for a slice of the city's famous deep-dish pizza.

1. Art

   • If you want to see an array of visual arts at little or no charge, Chicago has several options. The Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission on Thursday and Friday evenings after 5 p.m. Discounted rates to seniors and students are available at all times. This world-class museum is home to a diverse collection of modern art, paintings, sculptures, textiles, photography and more.

     The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, which is free on Tuesdays, is located in downtown Chicago and showcases a variety of contemporary art, including photography, sculpture and paintings.

     If you are interested in Mexican culture, be sure to stop by the National Museum of Mexican Art, the largest Latino arts institution in the United States. Admission to the National Museum of Mexican Art is free at all times.

     If sculpture is your passion, then you'll enjoy Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park. This attraction, a two mile long park adjacent to the Chicago River, features more than 60 sculptures and is open year-round. It is free at all times.

   Zoos and Parks

   • Those who want to soak up some nature or see a few animals without shelling out cash are also in luck. The Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free for the public, is home to more than 1,000 animals. Spend an afternoon wandering the zoo's exhibits. You'll see everything from snow leopards, to camels, penguins, gorillas, sloths, rattlesnakes and much more.

     If you enjoy being surrounded by vegetation, visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory. This free attraction is home to tropical gardens, beautiful flowers and rare plants.

     The Garfield Park Conservatory is another must-see for the garden lover. This free conservatory has various horticultural displays, including a desert house, a fern room and a palm house.

     If you want to enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out Millennium Park. This 24.5 acre park features a sophisticated outdoor pavilion for concerts and theater, as well as sculptures and gardens. There is no admission fee to get into the park.

   Other Attractions

   • The budget-savvy traveler who wants to take in visual or performing arts at little or no cost should check out the Chicago Cultural Center. The Cultural Center, also the city's official tourism hub, features a wide range of visual or performing arts programs, including dance, film, music and poetry.

     The Adler Planetarium is essential for the tourist who is interested in space and science. Here, you can explore the galaxies, learn about gravity, and examine constellations. Admission to the planetarium is free for all on select days: visit Adlerplanetarium.org for a schedule of those days. Even if you're not able to make it when admission is waived, regular ticket prices are only $10 and even less for children.

     Another budget friendly attraction is the DuSable Museum of African-American History, which is free on Sundays from noon to 5.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: which free, arts little, Cultural Center, free times, Inexpensive things, Inexpensive things chicago