There’s something truly special about revisiting a place that holds so many memories. Chicago was our home for 12 years - 2 of our kids were born there - and this past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to share the city I love with my kids in a way that felt so full circle. It was a trip packed with nostalgia, outdoor exploration, and, best of all, everything we did was totally free! Ok, parking and food were not free but I’ll share my tips on this in the blog post.

1. Millennium Park & Cloud Gate ("The Bean")

No trip to Chicago is complete without visiting Millennium Park. This iconic space in the heart of the city offers plenty of room for kids to run around and explore. The highlight for us? Crown Fountain, where my kids had an absolute blast splashing in the water. They were mesmerized by the massive faces on the LED screens, especially when the faces "spit" water! Watching their anticipation build as they waited for that moment was so fun. The fountain is such a playful spot, and it was the perfect spot for us to cool off on a warm fall morning.

Then it was a short walk over to Cloud Gate—also known as "The Bean." My kids thought their distorted reflections were so funny and we got our quintessential downtown Bean picture as well as #proofofmom. Whether you’re looking for a fun family photo-op or just a beautiful space to relax, Millennium Park is a must-see!

2. Maggie Daley Park & Play Garden

Right next to Millennium Park is the amazing Maggie Daley Park, a massive playground that has something for every child. There are giant slides, climbing walls, and endless pathways for kids to explore. One of the coolest parts? The Play Garden, which is designed for younger kids with tunnels, bridges, and natural elements that keep their imaginations running wild. I loved how the Play Garden had signage with the recommended ages for each play area. It's the perfect shaded, stroller-friendly spot for families looking to burn off energy and still enjoy the amazing city views.

3. Lincoln Park Zoo

On Day 2, we headed over to the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the country—and it’s free! On this particular weekend, they were celebrating their Fall Festival so there were plenty of rides and attractions for my kids to explore. You could easily spend hours wandering the zoo, which features a wide variety of animals, from lions and gorillas to penguins and flamingos. I always find zoo workers and volunteers to be some of the most helpful people - one volunteer tipped us off to “enrichment time” at the polar bear exhibit so off we went. We arrived just in time to watch the polar bears get treated to pumpkins and my kids had a fun time watching the animals have a snack time.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is the perfect blend of outdoor exploration and animal encounters, and the kids absolutely loved it. The zoo is also located near walking paths and scenic views of the lake and city skyline so there’s something for everyone in the family! Looking for a family-friendly place to eat with a stellar view of the city? Head to The Patio at Cafe Brauer - it overlooks the pond at the Nature Boardwalk just south of the main zoo grounds.

4. Local Playgrounds

One of the best parts about Chicago is the abundance of parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the city. After the zoo, we stumbled upon the Cummings Playground - located just west of the Lincoln Park Zoo - where the kids played even more. Chicago’s neighborhood playgrounds are gems, offering free access to swings, slides, and climbing structures, all in beautifully maintained green spaces. You don’t have to go far to find a great spot for kids to burn off some energy.

5. Exploring on Foot

Chicago is a great city to explore on foot, and one of the best free activities is simply walking its streets and taking in the sights. Over the weekend, we walked over 9 miles without a stroller—yup, you read that right! We were able to soak up the atmosphere, from the bustling streets to the quieter green spaces. The city is full of public art, fountains, and waterfront views that make walking a treat in itself. The kids had plenty to look at and explore, and the exercise didn’t hurt either!

Final Thoughts

Chicago offers endless opportunities for outdoor fun, especially for families looking for budget-friendly activities. Whether it's the architectural wonders of Millennium Park, the excitement of Lincoln Park Zoo, or simply discovering new playgrounds, there's no shortage of things to do that won’t cost you a dime.

If you’re planning a family trip to the Windy City, make sure to take advantage of these free outdoor spots. Your kids will love exploring, and you’ll love the memories you make along the way!

Exploring Chicago with Kids: 5 Free Outdoor Adventures You Can’t Miss