10 Things to do for $10 or Less!
-Kanye West
“I’m lucky because I’m from Chicago… Someone from Chicago is very sincere. They got their heart like that.”
I am starting my blog where I started my life: Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is gorgeous city that offers the best of all four seasons! We have the best festivals in the summer, the best hayrides in the fall, tons of snow in the winter, and beautiful rainbows in the spring. Chicago has found a way to be one of the major cities of the world, yet be surrounded by states full of forests and agriculture. We also have plenty of options for broke travel. Did you know that many of Chicago’s attractions cost $10 or less? Check out my 10 favorite places to visit for under $10 in Chicago!
1. Lincoln Park Zoo – FREE!
Located at 2001 N Clark Street, the Lincoln Park Zoo is free to attend and open 365 days a year! The zoo has indoor houses for all of the animals who aren’t used to the cold winters in the windy city! Not only do animals like lions and gorillas stay warm, but so do you!
2. The Chicago Riverwalk – FREE!
The Chicago Riverwalk is located on the south bank of the Chicago River, and is 1.25 miles of pedestrian fun! There are plenty of food and drink options, as well as optional boat tours. However, no money is necessary to experience the gorgeous Chicago skyline over the river.
3. DuSable Museum of African American History – $10
Located at 740 E. 56th Place, the DuSable museum offers 15,000+ pieces of art including sculptures, paintings and historical memorabilia. It is $10 to the public, $7 for students and seniors (with ID) and $3 for children 6 to 11 years old, and free to all children under 5 years of age. Military personnel receive free admission with ID. There is special pricing for Chicago residents and the museum also offers free days on Tuesdays!
4. The National Museum of Mexican Art – FREE!
In this museum located at 1852 W. 19th Street, you can find a free museum full of Mexican art that will blow you away! My favorite part of this museum is the way that it truly immerses visitors into the Mexican culture. It is in the heart of the historic Pilsen neighborhood, so after viewing the art, you can treat yourself to some delicious and authentic Mexican food from either a restaurant or (cheaper!) a food truck!
5. Margie’s Candies – Up to you!
Margie’s Candies is a candy and ice cream shop that has pretty much become a local landmark. It was famously visited by The Beatles after they performed in Caminsky Park, and years later by The Rolling Stones because they wanted to sit at the same booth as The Beatles. Margie’s offers ice cream, fudge, and caramel that are all made freshly in the store. There is often a line out the door, but it is always worth the wait! Prices will depend of you order a single scoop of ice cream or a 1/2 gallon sundae (yes that is an option on the menu!) but generally can be kept under $10/person.
6. Walk, run, or bike the 606 – FREE!
The 606 is a gorgeous train track that was converted into a trail (modeled after the Highline in NYC) so that you can actually enjoy some fresh air above the city. It is kid-friendly and dog-friendly, and includes art along the way. The trail is a total of 2.7 miles but there are also plenty of exits along the route, so if you get tired or would like a snack break, you can always exit and visit one of the many restaurants and/or bars!
7. Cupcakes, Cupcakes, & more Cupcakes – $3+
Chicago has so many places to satisfy your sweet tooth! Looking at this description I almost think I could write a while post just on cupcakeries. Sprinkles may be the most famous, located at 50 E. Walton Street. With their Cupcake ATM, you can save time by not even having to go into the store! Simply choose a cupcake, insert your card, and a freshly made cupcake will appear! If you’d like to go local, I’d suggest Molly’s cupcakes. The original location is at 2536 N. Clark Street, but there is also a location at 419 E. Illinois Street. Molly’s is famous for winning Cupcakes Wars on TLC, and they deserve it! Their cupcakes are filled with deliciousness, my favorite being the Blueberry Cheesecake, which is filled with actual cheesecake and topped with fresh blueberries! They also have flavors like “Cookie Monster” filled with raw cookie dough and “The Ron Bennington” which is filled with peanut butter and topped with chocolate ganache and crushed butterscotch! You can enjoy your cupcakes while sitting on their indoor swings. I also recommend Sweet Mandy B’s, which is original to Chicago with only one location: 1208 W. Webster Avenue. They offer a variety of cupcake flavors which change frequently, as well as many other sweet options. Might as well add a side of cookie to your cupcake!
8. The Signature Lounge – $9+
This lounge is on the 96th floor of the famous John Hancock building, located at 875 Michigan Avenue. It is actually free to get in, so you will only have to pay for drinks (which start at $9 so sip slowly!). I recommend going just before sunset. This way you can snag a table by the window and take both daytime and nighttime photos!
9. Comedy Shows – $10
The website Goldstar has an entire section dedicated to shows for $10 or less! The most famous comedy club in Chicago is Second City, but there are so many others to choose from! Scroll through and you will be able to see all of the different topics/themes and choose a show based on your interests! The website also offers tickets to other events such as theater and classes!
10. Street Festivals & Farmers Markets – Varies
There is no place like Chicago in the summer! Locals know that there are only a few months of the year that can truly be enjoyed outdoors, so we go all out! Every weekend there are multiple festivals to choose from. I love The Tequila & Sangria Festival, The Taste of Chicago, and all of the local farmers markets. I lived in Logan Square once, and The Logan Square Farmers market there is full of local food and drink vendors, but my favorite thing to buy are the flowers! Farmers Markets are free, as well as some of the street festivals. Some have fees but include discounted merchandise once inside. It is s totally up to you how much to spend!
