As the Windy City, Chicago has its fair share of attractions. Furthermore, if you’re searching for a cheap city to stay and play without having to pay very much, Chicago scores at the top of the list. Here are some of the highlights of things to do in Chicago that are perfect for active adults who are trying to save money.
The Parks
Chicago is well known for its many parks as noted by the nation’s largest park district, The Chicago Park District. You’ll need a map and a plan to get you through as many of the 552 parks covering 7,300 acres. Don’t miss Lincoln Park and Northerly Island. Additionally, Millennium Park has some of the best views in the city, along with some of the best sculptures!
The Modern Art Sculptures
The “Bean,” created by British sculpture Anish Kapoor is a 110-ton, 33-foot-high elliptical sculpture with a mirror-like surface that allows passersby to take some amazing and interesting photos of themselves with the Chicago cityscape. Technically called “Cloud Gate,” the Bean got its nickname from it’s lumpy shape. Also at Millennium Park, you’ll discover a pair of 50-foot-tall glass towers by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa that project video images on LED screens underneath tall water fountains. It operates from mid-spring to mid-fall. The screen images are on display all throughout the year. Best of all, Millennium Park, home to both, is free!
Maifest
This summer, get ready to play outdoors at a very reasonable price. During Chicago’s 19th annual Maifest, you can experience Chicago in German fashion. Throughout the first weekend of June, visitors can overcome their cabin fever with what has been nominated as the best festival in Chicago for 3 years straight. Enjoy samplings of German food and lager along with live music as you are gathered under enormous tents. Located in Lincoln Square, the Maifest event features free admission. Don’t forget to stop by the arts and crafts vendor tables as you saunter through the festival tents chugging pints of Pilsner, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, Spaten Oktoberfest and Einbecker Ur-Bock.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
For the celebration of Cinco de Mayo, a decidedly American take on the Mexican Independence Day that is celebrated on May 5, Chicago offers a wealth of options. Start the three-day event with a free parade in the historical Pilsen neighborhood. Continue the party with free admission to walk among art displays featuring everything from canvas art to sculptures. The food, however, is to die for. Imagine all of the outstanding, authentic Mexican dishes that will be devoured along with bottle after bottle of cerveza.
If you are looking for more things to do while on a budget in the Windy City, check with Choose Chicago. You’ll find an up to the minute calendar of events of the latest and greatest happenings in Chicago. The Deals section is an excellent place to find discounts and deep savings for individual travelers, as well as for groups. Surprise yourself by finding high end dining and accommodations for low-end prices at the site, all the more reason to visit Chicago.