“Broke College Student” is a tagline that can be read on many student’s social networks. With half of college students employed part-time, and the other half unemployed altogether, having a social experience off-campus can be seemingly impossible. Luckily, being so close to downtown Chicago provides a variety of free (or college affordable) options to choose from. The following are just a few selections from a list compiled by Thrillist that would suit a college student, especially with the dropping temperatures to come.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
Admission Fee: Free everyday.
Parking: First 30min free. 2hrs $20 (+$5 per 30 minutes up to $35).
Hours: 6AM-11PM Year-Round.
In case you’re not from the area, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of two Chicagoland zoos. Open 365 days a year the Lincoln Park Zoo hosts a number of reptiles, birds, big cats, and aquatic animals. Check their calendar of events for special events that they may be hosting.
The DuSable Museum of African American History
740 East 56th Place
Chicago, IL 60637
Admission: Free Sundays. Other days: $5.00 Illinois Resident with Student ID. $7.00 Non-Illinois Resident with Student ID.
The DuSable Museum aims to educate the public about African American history through its numerous exhibits. From African American artwork, the story that lead to racial equality, to African Americans in the Armed Forces, the museum hosts an educational experience that no textbook could ever deliver.
Maxwell Street Market
Due to construction, please check the website for location and directions.
Admission: Free Sundays. Closed all other days.
The Maxwell Street market is a flea market supreme. A Chicago tradition, you can find vendors selling food, clothes, jewelry, and other goods from various cultural background. The free admission gets you into looking at the people of Chicago and their cultures, however, you may want to bring some cash as it’ll be hard to leave empty handed.
Chicago Pedway
Various entry points. Download the map to find an entry point that works for you.
Admission: Free to walk
Hours: 7AM-5PM. Hours subject to change without notice.
Did you know that there is a city under Chicago? A project that began in 1951, the 5-Mile long Chicago Pedway provides pedestrians a safe and convenient means of traversing the Central Business District. The Pedway links the Red and Blue lines, hosts a variety of shops and services, and is an interesting way to look at the city.
Revolution Brewing
3340 N Kedzie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
Admission: (21 and Over Only) Public Tours are Free, limited to 30 people. First Come First Serve.
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 6PM and 7PM. Saturday-Sunday 3PM, 4PM, 5PM, 6PM.
As Illinois’ largest brewery, and one of the youngest, Revolution Brewing offers free tours of its facility. Get educated on how a craft beer is made. Sadly, free samples are not offered, but you can purchase a pint upfront at the bar.
The Whistler
2421 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
Admission: (21 and Over Only) Free. Capacity capped at 74 people.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 6PM-2AM. Friday 5PM-2AM. Saturday 5PM-3PM. Sunday 5PM-2AM.
The Whistler is a bar that hosts live music every night. Each night serves up a different genre from jazz to rock to country. The Whistler also hosts events such as film screenings and gallery exhibitions for artwork.
The Playground Theatre
3209 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60657
Admission: Varies by day.
The Playground Theatre is a community run comedy theatre. Concordia’s own improv team “The Unprofessionals” occasionally perform on Friday nights for “College Improv Night,” which you can catch at 10PM for $5 with a student ID. You can also catch “The Free For All,” a free improv show hosted every Sunday at 7:30, unless otherwise noted.
Closer venues.
As a bonus, there are also affordable options closer to campus.
- Madison Street Theatre (1010 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302) is home to Concordia’s performing arts department, “The Collective.” You can catch their talented plays throughout the semester for $5. Check your e-mails for details.
- Lake Street Theater (1022 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301) is a popular movie theater that hosts $5 movies all day Tuesdays.
- Circle Lanes (7244 Circle Ave. Forest Park, IL 60130) is a family owned bowling alley. With shoe rentals at $2 and game fees under $5, Circle lanes can make for an affordable outing for you and your friends. Check out their website for more details
With so many options to choose from, you’re never far from (nearly) free fun!
