Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

Attractions & Museums

Guide to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Guide to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Where: 2430 North Cannon Drive, 773-755-5191. When: Free day (suggested donation) is Thursday for Illinois residents. The museums mission is to teach the importance of nature and science."At 73,000 square feet it's much smaller and more manageable than … [Read more...] about Guide to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Here’s the deal on free day at Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Here's the deal on free day at Museum of Science and Industry.  Here's what you get (and don't get) at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr., 773-684-1414 on free day.  All free museum days. CTA 10 bus Every year the CTA 10 bus begins service from Michigan Avenue to Museum of … [Read more...] about Here’s the deal on free day at Museum of Science and Industry

Visit Chicago Botanic Garden on the cheap

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Visit Chicago Botanic Garden on the cheap. The Chicago Botanical Garden (1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, (847) 835-5440) offers activities and programs year round.  Walk through the beautiful scenery throughout the 385 acres, including 26 gardens, four natural areas, including prairie and … [Read more...] about Visit Chicago Botanic Garden on the cheap

Discount admission American Writers Museum

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Discount admission American Writers Museum Where: 180 N. Michigan, 2nd Floor (312) 702-7407. The excellent American Writer's Museum covers the history of writers in America and has interesting and interactive exhibits throughout. There is also a children's room. Hours of Operation: Monday … [Read more...] about Discount admission American Writers Museum

Free museum: Federal Reserve Money Museum

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Free museum: Federal Reserve Money Museum. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago operates a small but interesting museum about the history of money and the work of the Federal Reserve. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 S. LaSalle Street The exhibits cover a mix of academic, hands-on, and … [Read more...] about Free museum: Federal Reserve Money Museum

Art Institute Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Deal

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Art Institute Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Deal The Art Institute of Chicago and Navy Pier Ferris have created a joint ticket deal. For $35 adults get General Admission to the Art Institute and a ride on the Ferris Wheel Deal. Navy Pier has also extended it's free trolley to run to the Art Institute of … [Read more...] about Art Institute Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Deal

Here’s the deal for Chicago Museum Week

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Chicago Museum Week is an approximately week long event where area museums and the Lincoln Park Zoo offer a few discount admission and other deals and special events. When:  January 18–26, 2018 Here are all 2018 Free Chicago Museum Days. Adler Planetarium (All Museum Week activities are free … [Read more...] about Here’s the deal for Chicago Museum Week

Things to do at Navy Pier Chicago

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Things to do at Navy Pier Chicago. Chicago's Navy Pier is undergoing a transformation in anticipation of it's 100th birthday in 2016.  It's slowly  converting from a "cheesy mall-by-the-sea" into something that may attract residents to visit on occasions other than taking their out-of-town guests … [Read more...] about Things to do at Navy Pier Chicago

Discount admission to Adler Planetarium

Chicago on the Cheap participates in affiliate programs. That's how the bills get paid! Though the site earns some revenue if you buy a deal through one of our affiliate links, Chicago on the Cheap retains full editorial control over the deals posted. It limits the use of affiliate links to the types of deals routinely posted on the site. Thank you! Read full disclosure here.

Discount admission to Adler Planetarium. Regular basic general admission to the Adler Planetarium is $8. This includes access to the regular museum exhibits but excludes all the sky shows.  The museum offers limited free days to Illinois residents during the year. Free museum days are listed … [Read more...] about Discount admission to Adler Planetarium

Chicago History Museum: History Happy Hour Series

Chicago History Museum History Happy Hour Series. When: Tuesday, May 23, 2017 5:30PM-7:30PM Where: 1601 N Clark St., 312-642-4600 General admission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesday evenings; purchase a ticket to History Happy Hour to include the booze. Each month History Happy … [Read more...] about Chicago History Museum: History Happy Hour Series

Tour Rick Bayless’ Organic Garden

Tour Rick Bayless' organic garden.  Rick Bayless' organic gardener Bill Shores leads tours on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in Rick Bayless' backyard. The cost is $25. Available dates are:  May 31, July 5, Aug 23 and Sept. 6. Register  here. Your payment will be processed via PayPal. If … [Read more...] about Tour Rick Bayless’ Organic Garden

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

Chicago on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

Living on the Cheap in the media