Have fun around town without breaking the bank

Western Suburbs | Chicago

WESTERN SUBURBS

Cantigny Park (Wheaton)

Formal gardens, picnic areas, golf courses, museums. Attend a variety of programs including evening music performances.

Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe)
Free admission. Open from 8:00am to sunset.

Coral Cove Water Park (Carol Stream)
Park district water park with pool and water play areas.

Cosley Zoo (Wheaton)
Free admission. Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

DuPage Children's Museum (Naperville)
Visit the exhibits or attend a program.

Graue Mill and Museum (Oak Brook)
The only operating waterwheel gristmill in Illinois. Also watch demonstrations to learn about life in the late 19th century.

Kline Creek Farm (West Chicago)
Experience what life was like on a DuPage County farm in the 1890s. Free admission. Open Thursday through Monday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Lynfred Winery (Roselle)
Attend a wine tasting.

The MAC: McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn)
Features a full summer lineup of performances.

Mayslake Peabody Estate (Oak Brook)
Tours are held on Wednesdays and Sundays. Also host classes and programs.

The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
Open daily. Discount on Wednesdays.

Naper Settlement (Naperville)
Living history museum open Tuesday through Saturday. Costumed interpreters share experiences of daily life in the 19th century.

Paradise Bay Water Park (Lombard)
Part of the Lombard Park District.

Phillips Park Zoo (Aurora)
Free admission. Open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm.

SciTech Hands On Museum (Aurora)
Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Lists of Local Events

Burr Ridge Downtown Events
Click on "Downtown Events" for information on Summer on the Green, a classic car show, Summer Concert Series, Farmers' Market, and Art Fair

Darien Park District Special Events (pdf)
Includes Concerts in the Park and Movie in the Park.

Darien Recreation Calendar
From the City of Darien. A chronological listing of events in and around Darien.

Naperville Calendar of Events
Month by month display of events in Naperville.

Naperville "Staycation" Activities
Discover attractions and events close to home.

On the Go (Suburban Life)
Blog from a local newspaper "focuses on the active lifestyles of residents in our communities." Area events are highlighted.

West Suburban Living Editor's Picks of Upcoming Events
Check out the magazine in print at the library or go to the website for a list of events throughout the summer.

Willowbrook Guide
View the park district guide to browse the special events happening in Willowbrook.

CHICAGO

Best Chicago Beaches
Check out this About.com article for the best Chicago beaches to visit this summer.

Buckingham Fountain
Runs from 8:00am to 11:00pm daily from April to mid-October. Every hour on the hour, there is a 20 minute major water display. Beginning at dusk, the major water display is accompanied by lights and music.

Millennium Park
FREE. Open daily from 6:00am to 11:00pm.

Navy Pier
From fireworks to shows and concerts, plenty of free entertainment.

Lists of Chicago Events

Chicago Festival Guide 2011

From Metromix Chicago. Check out more than 80 festivals happening this summer (also find out which ones are free).

More Chicago Attractions that are FREE Everyday

Museums

Art Institute of Chicago
FREE admission on the first and second Wednesdays of the month.

Chicago History Museum
FREE admission on Discount Days.

Field Museum
FREE admission on Discount Days.

Lincoln Park Zoo
FREE admission every day.

Museum of Contemporary Art
FREE admission on Tuesdays.

Walking Tours (all FREE)

Chicago Greeter Tours
Take a personalized guided walking tour. Choose from more than 40 special interest areas and over 25 Chicago neighborhoods. Advanced registration required.

Chicago InstaGreeter
One hour walking tours every Friday to Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Learn about Chicago history, architecture, the Chicago River, and the lakefront.