Chicago on the Cheap

Deals, discounts and free events in Chicago

Attractions & Museums

Guide to Chicago History 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 Chicago History Museum. The Chicago History Museum is free to Illinois residents every Tuesday from 12:30pm–7:30 p.m. Regular General Admission: Adults: $16 with audio tours, Seniors (65+): $14 with audio tours, Students (13–22 with ID): $14 with audio tours, Free for children (age 12 … [Read more...] about Guide to Chicago History Museum

Seated: Earn Gift Cards Dining Out plus $5 to sign up

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.

Earn Gift Cards Dining Out plus $5 to sign up.  What is Seated? Seated is an app that you use to make reservations at select restaurants. Each restaurants offers a reward of a percentage rebate per dine (8%-28%) that you can accumulate and then apply to receive gift cards such as Amazon, … [Read more...] about Seated: Earn Gift Cards Dining Out plus $5 to sign up

MSI After Hours

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.

MSI After Hours When: May-Dec 2019 from 7 to 11 p.m. Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive. Admission is $30. Tickets include free parking, a complimentary drink, light bites and access to exhibits.. A cash bar will also be available. The MSI offers an after hours … [Read more...] about MSI After Hours

Broadway in Chicago $25 on the 25th

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.

Broadway in Chicago $25 on the 25th. On the 25th of each month, beginning at 12:01AM CST until 11:59 p.m. CST BIC offers $25 tickets for usually one show only. You will end up purchasing the tickets through Ticketmaster so additional ticketing fess apply. The deal is only visible if you "Like" BIC … [Read more...] about Broadway in Chicago $25 on the 25th

Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA

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.

Attend a free live jazz concert every Tuesday on the Terrace at the MCA. When: Every Tuesday June 5–September 26, 2018 5:30PM-8:00PM Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago Avenue, 312-280-2660.  In case of rain, the event takes place inside the MCA Café. Free Tuesdays at the … [Read more...] about Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA

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

Art Institute After Dark

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 After Dark When:  Friday, April 12, 2019 9:00PM–12:00AM Where: Art Institute of Chicago, Modern Wing, 159 East Monroe Street Admission:  $35 adults, $25 members and students, $15 Evening Associates This event is neither free nor cheap.  In theory you may be able to check out … [Read more...] about Art Institute After Dark

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