10 free things to do in Chicago this February

You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations, flower shows, free museum days, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures with these free things to do in February 2024.

1. Celebrate the Lunar New Year

Welcome the year of the dragon with two colorful Lunar New Year parades. The Uptown neighborhood will welcome the new year with its annual Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 17, featuring a parade of community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers. Then, head to Chinatown for the Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, Feb. 18, featuring traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, and marching bands.

2. Admire the first blooms of spring

It might be cold outside, but it’s always springtime in the city’s indoor conservatories.

Named the best garden in North America, Garfield Park Conservatory will be hosting its spring celebration from Feb. 14 through May 12, 2024. This year’s theme “What’s in a Name?” will explore the history and science of plant naming. Book your free reservations online in advance.

At the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the annual spring show will be called “Sweet Gnome Chicago” and run from Feb. 13 through May 12, 2024. See if you can spot nearly 300 gnomes of all sizes located throughout the botanical displays. Book your free reservations online in advance.

3. Visit the Chicago Architecture Biennial

Chicago Architecture Biennial, The Black Girlhood Altar by a Long Walk Home at the Chicago Cultural Center; photo by Tom Harris

It’s your last chance to see the largest architecture and design exhibition in North America! The Chicago Architecture Biennial features projects created by contributors from around the globe at free exhibits and events throughout the city.

The event is centered around the Chicago Cultural Center, plus a variety of CAB City Sites with related exhibitions and programming in neighborhoods all across the city. The Biennial will run through Feb. 11, 2024.

4. Enjoy the winter weather during Polar Adventure Days

Make the most of the wintry weather during Polar Adventure Days, a free outdoor program from the Chicago Park District. Held at Big Marsh Park, the event features activities like guided hikes, encounters with birds of prey, demonstrations from husky sled teams, winter crafts, live music and hot cocoa, and more. Polar Adventure Days will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

5. Get free admission at Chicago museums

Science Storms @ The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, provocative contemporary art, and galaxies far, far away.

Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago during February 2024 for Illinois residents:

Museum of Science and Industry is free on Feb. 5 – 8, 11 – 15, 20 – 22, 26 – 29 Shedd Aquarium is free on Feb. 1, 6 – 8, 13 – 15, 20 – 22, 27 – 29 Field Museum is free on Wednesdays for Illinois residents Art Institute of Chicago is free on weekdays through March 12 Chicago History Museum is free on Feb. 1 – 2, 6 – 9, 13 – 16, 19 – 23, 27 – 29 Adler Planetarium is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday from 4 – 10 p.m.

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is free for all every Wednesday. You can also visit one of the city’s always-free museums, like the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Hyde Park Art Center.

6. Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden

Malott Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Located just outside Chicago, the sprawling Chicago Botanic Garden is offering various free admission days this winter. This month, the gardens are free to all on Feb. 4 – 9 and 19. Explore the snowy grounds then warm up inside the tropical greenhouses. Tickets are free but pre-registration is required.

7. Go ice skating in Millennium Park

Nothing says “winter in Chicago” like gliding around on one of the city’s magical ice skating rinks. One favorite spot is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which is now open for its 21st season through March 3, 2024. This free-admission rink in Millennium Park is located in the heart of Millennium Park surrounded by the glimmering lights of Michigan Avenue. Note that free online reservations are required, skate rentals are available for a fee.

Explore more: Check out these free neighborhood ice rinks around Chicago.

8. Discover the Chicago Cultural Center

A landmark attraction in the Loop, the Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning public space featuring art exhibits, fascinating history, a local makers market, and soaring architecture — including the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome. Make the most of your visit with the free guided tours that meet every Thursday and Friday afternoon year-round.

This February, honor Black History Month at the Freedom Square: The Black Girlhood Altar exhibit. Free programming tackles topics including protecting Black women and girls, honoring missing and murdered indigenous women, and more

9. Visit a historic zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo; Abel Arciniega, @tequilagraphics

Lincoln Park Zoo is Chicago’s free zoo and one of the oldest in the country. It’s open all year long, including throughout the winter. Stroll through the snowy grounds, where you can watch polar bears, penguins, and snow monkeys play outside. And warm up inside the animal houses, where you can meet penguins, gorillas, lions, and more.

10. Explore the Poetry Foundation

Poetry Foundation; photo by Diana Solis

Come explore a Chicago hidden gem, the Poetry Foundation, which houses a massive library, an exhibition gallery, a tree-lined courtyard, and a performance space. Visitors will find an array of events that are free and open to the public, from readings and lectures to workshops and discussions. Come hear an up-and-coming poet, catch a film screening, or just find a moment of tranquility.

Bonus! Discover a new neighborhood

Photo by Lucy Hewett

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover in Chicago. Get to know a new neighborhood on a free Chicago Greeter tour, led by a friendly local who will show you each neighborhood’s landmarks, hot spots, and hidden gems.

Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.