6 free, family-friendly things to do in Chicago in August to savor the lingering moments of summer
School will be back in session soon — Chicago Public Schools students head back on Aug. 18 — but there is still plenty of time to take advantage of summer activities.
Whether you're looking for ways to keep the kids busy until they're back in class or you're looking to close out the summer without breaking the bank, here are our picks for free and family-friendly fun this month:
Free museum days
Looking to escape the heat? Find air-conditioned refuge in Chicago's cultural institutions.
With proof of residency, Illinois residents can take advantage of free admission at the following museums this month:
- The Art Institute of Chicago: The Art Institute has an exhibition of impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte’s work, plus you can peruse the museum's expansive collection of modern artwork and historical artifacts. Illinois residents can visit for free from 5-8 p.m. Thursday through Sept. 25.
- Adler Planetarium: Immerse yourself among the stars, check out the Gemini 12 spacecraft (from NASA's Project Gemini in the 1960s) and see parts of meteorite fragments collected throughout the years. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission from 4-10 p.m. every Wednesday.
- Chicago Botanic Garden: The north suburban nature conservatory offers a variety of daily activities, classes and walking tours. The botanical garden is offering free admission Tuesday and Thursday. Nonmembers must register online ahead of their visit.
- Chicago History Museum: Free days for Illinois residents (with proof of residency) at Chicago's top history museum are scheduled on Aug. 13 and 28. Through November, a special exhibition on protest art from the 1960s and 1970s features more than 100 posters, fliers, signs and more.
Millennium Park summer series concerts
On Monday, Orchestra Resavoir, the large, jazzy and soulful ensemble led by Chicago producer and composer Will Miller, headlines a free concert at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The night also includes performances from Isaiah Collier and DJs Sonny Daze and King Hippo.
Caramelo Haze performs at the Pavilion on Thursday as a part of the Ten City: Grammy Legacies and Looking Ahead event. DJ Emmaculate will also spin a set at the last free concert at Millennium Park for the season.
Millennium Park summer workouts
Every Saturday through Aug. 30, you can bring your workout mat to Wrigley Square on the Millennium Park Great Lawn from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
The city is offering a variety of free 45-minute workouts, including yoga, Pilates, cardio kickboxing and Zumba.
Enjoy brunch afterwards at the Double Clutch Plaza restaurant, just underneath the Bean, and get a free mimosa (with the purchase of an entrée) when you show the staff your workout mat.
Free walking tours
Learn about Chicago history and architecture with free, self-guided walking tours through different neighborhoods, including Pilsen, Little Italy and Chinatown, to learn about each area's rich food and cultural history. If you're willing to spend some money, you can book a downtown audio tour for $3.99 or learn about haunted history and ghosts in the city with a guide for $29.99.
Movies in the park
The Chicago Park District offers free movies in the park each month at various locations. From Hollywood classics to family-friendly films like "Moana 2" and "Mufasa," there's a movie for everyone.
All the movies begin at dusk through Sept. 13. Check out the online schedule or call 312-742-1134 for listings and weather-related changes.
Fishing on the Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Park District offers a free fishing program at The Jetty, at Wacker Drive between Wells and Franklin streets, every Thursday through Saturday through September. There's plenty of fish in the river, including yellow perch, carp, bluegills, rock bass and more.
The Chicago Park District will provide all of the fishing gear needed, including poles, bait and instruction for fishers of all ages and skill.
There are also plenty of other spots to fish in Chicago’s waterways, including at Navy Pier and the various lagoons all around the city, but a valid license is required.