Free Things to Do in Chicago for Couples with Mobility or Sensory Needs

5 Free Things to Do in Chicago for Couples with Mobility or Sensory Needs 

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If you are traveling across the United States, Chicago should be on your bucket list. This is the third most populated city in the United States with many tourist hotspots. For a honeymoon or romantic getaway,  Chicago is an excellent choice for couples because it has plenty of free things to explore. However, when a couple with mobility and sensory issues visit a new place, it can become challenging , but Chicago doesn’t fall in that bracket. The Illinois city not only offers various no-cost activities but also has accessible places with low-sensory experiences.

Chicago has a picturesque skyline with towering buildings spreading across the city. It also offers nature-rich options— from green and beautiful parks to a stunning river flowing through the heart of the city. Have a look at some free things to do in Chicago for couples with mobility or sensory issues to make your trip memorable. 

1) Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk is one of the must-see attractions of the city. The stunning skyline along with broad and pedestrian-only roads makes it perfect for wheelchair sightseeing. As it’s a no-vehicle zone, the 1.25-mile walkway is ideal for easy strolling, especially in the morning when the crowd is minimal. 

The Chicago Riverwalk connects Lake Michigan with Lake Street and is widely considered the city’s downtown. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, The Mart, Marina City, Trump Tower, Willis Tower— some of the famous architectural landmarks of Chicago— you will notice while walking through the Chicago  Riverwalk. 

ALSO READ: Best Boroughs of New York for Disabled Travelers: An Accessible Ranked Guide

Since the street is adjacent to the Chicago River, you can sit in a quiet place, sip a coffee, and watch boats drift by in a peaceful morning or charming evening. For a great dining experience, you can access the city’s top-rated restaurants located alongside the Chicago Riverwalk. 

Accessibility:

Excellent. The roads are designed for smooth wheelchair ride. Accessible restrooms are available.

Sensory-Friendly:

Good. Visit in the morning or late evening. As it’s downtown, the area remains crowned in the noon, afternoon, and evening. 

2) Lincoln Park Zoo

How often do you see a popular zoo with free admission? Look no further because Chicago has one. In fact, it’s one of the few free zoos in the United States today. The privately owned zoo was founded in 1868, placing it among the oldest zoos in the country. Spread across 35 acres, it is home to a diverse range of animals from big cats and monkeys to reptiles, bears, penguins, and birds. About 200 different species can be found there. 

Not just free, Lincoln Park Zoo is accessible, thoughtfully designed keeping the comfort of disabled travelers in mind. Besides large walking space, it has ramps for wheelchair mobility. Disabled-friendly restrooms are also available inside the zoo premises. It’s a great daytime hangout spot for couples to spend quality time watching and learning about different types of animals from all over the world. 

Accessibility:

Excellent with ramps and wide roads.

Sensory-Friendly:

Average. As one of the top destinations of the city, it gets crowded. Visit before noon for a low-sensory experience.

3) Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool 

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is a hidden gem and must be included in your Chicago itinerary. It’s only a stone’s throw away from Lincoln Park, so you can swing by easily on the same day. Considering this place is not widely known to tourists, visiting the pool would be one of the best free things to do in Chicago for couples with mobility and sensory issues. The greenery and quiet atmosphere of the water area are suited for sensory-sensitive travelers, while the roads are  partially accessible, consisting of a stone pathway with incline and decline. 

ALSO READ: 7 Most Scenic Vacations with Limited Walking in Europe

However, it’s important to note Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is publicly open from April to November only, meaning you can access it during summer and fall and not winter. Its operational hours are between 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The chirping birds, lush greenery amid the Chicago skyline, and carefully preserved trees offer a romantic environment by the natural pool. 

Accessibility:

Below average. With stone roads and no ramps, a wheelchair user must be cautious when visiting Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. 

Sensory-Friendly:

Excellent. It’s the perfect gateway for sensory-sensitive people in the nest of nature surrounded by sky-high buildings. 

4) Chicago Botanic Garden 

Every big city usually has a botanical garden and Chicago is no different. The 385-acre serene green haven is located in Cook County— the United States’ second most populous county. With 27 scenic green gardens spread across 9 islands, the surroundings of this location are peaceful for nature lovers, and it’s perfect for travelers with sensory needs. 

Open from 8 AM to 8 PM; you have all day to explore the beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden. With an outer perimeter walk of 2 miles, the entire garden is inclusive for wheelchair users, including accessible restrooms. If long walks aren’t your thing, the garden also has a tram option showing the most important attractions of the garden.

The Chicago Botanic garden’s entry has no admission fee, but you may need to pay extra parking fees. However, if you take the tram ride, you need to pay a general admission fee. 

Accessibility:

Excellent with wheelchair-friendly wide roads. The botanic garden also offers free wheelchair options. 

Sensory-Friendly:

Excellent. It may get crowded on weekends which is why it’s better to visit on a weekday. 

5) Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Cultural Center, located on Washington Street in downtown Chicago, is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. Built in 1897, this was Chicago’s first-ever public library, but now it demonstrates the city’s art and culture. And there is no admission fee to enter the building and explore the artwork. 

As it opened in the 19th century, the place bears a significant historical legacy in the architecture. It has two giant glass domes with 38 and 40 feet in diameter that would teleport you to the Victorian era. While the admission is free, Chicago Cultural Center also gives free tours in the afternoons of every Thursday and Friday of the week, which you may avail by visiting around that time. In addition, the exhibition gallery includes art from different years, painted by renowned artists from all over the United States. 

Even though it’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, it has been updated with accessibility in mind. The cultural center consists of wheelchair-friendly entrances, restrooms, and seating areas. You can easily find ramps when required, and the elevators are easily accessible. 

Accessibility:

Excellent. Easily navigable for disabled people with ramps and elevators. 

Sensory-Friendly:

Good. Since it’s an art center, the atmosphere is usually calm and quiet— even with a significant number of people. 

ALSO READ: Top 6 Wheelchair Accessible Restaurants in California 

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Avik Das

Avik Das
Avik Das
Avik is a professional content writer with more than seven years of experience, contributing to renowned brands and specializing in a wide range of niches. He holds a Master's Degree in English Literature. He navigates ADHD every day and is committed to empowering the disabled community through his writing and perspective.