During the holiday season, the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago offer visitors a number of free things to see and do. The best part is that visitors do not have to be residents of the State of Illinois or the city of Chicago to enjoy them.
Holiday Flower Show
Until January 10, 2010, the Holiday Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory is an excellent place to enjoy indoor greenery. Many Chicago families come to the Conservatory to enjoy the massive display of poinsettias.
Chicago Sports Fest
Chicago sports fan will enjoy the fun interactive exhibits and the biggest indoor gym at the Chicago Sports Fest. Volleyball players can enter their team in the two-day tournament for $295. Activities visitors can try include wall climbing, football, golf, skateboarding, badminton, boxing, tumbling, and fencing. Best of all admission is free at McCormick Place from December 27 -28.
Polar Adventure Days
The fifth annual Polar Adventures Days on January 23 and February 20 on Northerly Island is a free event where family can come to enjoy winter activities such as trying out snowshoes or watching artist carve sculptures out of ice. Everyone can learn about arctic survival from camping to meeting Alaskan Iditarod dog sled racers. The first 500 visitors will received a free Polar Adventure Day mug filled with body warming hot chocolate. This great event even offers free parking.
Free Coffee
The Illinois Tollway and its Tollway Oases partners are offering free coffee at all of the Illinois Oasis stops. Illinois bases McDonalds Restaurant and ExxonMobil wish Illinois Tollway drivers a “Happy Holidays” by offering a cup of coffee from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. For drivers on the Illinois Tollway this is a great time to visit one of the following oasis stops:
The DesPlaines Oasis located on the I-90 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. The Belvidere Oasis located which is also located on the I-90 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway.
Drivers on the Tri-State Tollway will be able to visit the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis on I-90. Located on I-294 visitors can grab a cup of coffee at the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis, the Hinsdale Oasis, and the O’Hara Oasis. I-94 drivers can stop for a cup of java at the Lake Forest Oasis, while those driving the Reagan Memorial Tollway on I-88 can stop at the DeKalb Oasis.
To get your free cup of coffee make sure to stop between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Christmas Eve or New Years at the McDonalds or the Exxon Mobile.
Even in the winter, there are great and fun things to do in Chicago and the best part is that they are free to the public.
Event Information:
Holiday Flower Show
Nov. 28 – Jan. 10
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily; 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesdays
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave., 312-746-5100
all ages, admission free
Chicago Sports Fest
McCormick Place – Halls A & B
Saturday-Monday, Dec. 27-28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Dr.
All ages, admission free
Polar Adventures Days
Northerly Island
1400 S. Lynn White Dr., on the Museum Campus
