Free Things To Do in Chicago Northwest

Are you looking for budget-friendly (but engaging) ways to spend your time in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs? These activities highlight the area’s natural beauty, family-friendliness, and more!

Free Outdoor Adventures

Between our lakes and extensive trail networks, Chicago Northwest is a prime location for enjoying the great outdoors without spending a dime. 

Lake Arlington in Arlington Heights features a 2-mile walking trail and plenty of birdwatching spots. Canoes and kayaks are welcome, and rentals are available at a reasonable price.

Disc golf continues to grow in popularity across Chicagoland, and the Chicago Northwest suburbs have several well-kept courses to check out. Clark Park Disc Golf Course in Elk Grove Village features nine holes and remains open throughout the year, even in cold weather. Goose Lake Disc Golf Course in Roselle is another easy go-to for locals and visitors, and their challenging (but fun) layout has proven to be a hit.
Frontier Park in Arlington Heights is another standout spot for free recreation. It offers tennis courts, public pools, and even outdoor movie screenings!

Other places for free outdoor fun include:

• Busse Woods – Elk Grove Village: A massive forest preserve with free walking/biking trails, picnic groves, fishing, and elk viewing
• Volkening Lake & Trail – Schaumburg: Offers a scenic walking path around the lake, free fitness stations, and space to relax outdoors. In the summer, you can rent paddleboats.
• North Salk Park – Rolling Meadows: Features open fields, walking paths, and playgrounds — ideal for a peaceful, no-cost outing.
• ​Mallard Lake Forest Preserve – Roselle: Explore miles of scenic trails, paddle or fish, picnic, and spot wildlife in this 948-acre preserve.

Budget-Friendly Family Fun

The Chicago Northwest suburbs welcome families of all kinds, making it easy to find free activities. Meineke Park Challenge Course in Schaumburg gives active kids space to move with ninja steps, floating boards, and a traverse wall that help build coordination and confidence. 

Nearby, Spring Valley Nature Center invites visitors to explore quiet trails, stop by the nature center for hands-on learning, or step back in time at the Volkening Heritage Farm, where 19th-century farming life comes into focus!

Affordable Date Night Ideas

Dating in metro Chicago doesn’t have to be expensive—there are plenty of creative ways to spend time together without breaking the bank. Art lovers can stroll through the 20-acre Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park in Schaumburg, where more than a dozen large-scale works are on display. Pack a picnic to enjoy with your sweetheart, then take a short wal up to Vintage Cafe for a coffee nightcap!

For something more active, Busse Woods in Arlington Heights offers miles of forested trails and a peaceful lake where visitors can bring their own kayak or canoe and skip the rental fees.

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Ready for more? Check our events calendar for the latest information on free activities around Chicago Northwest!