Bouxsein writes At Play in search of help for her daughter, who wants to entertain friends on a budget. “My daughter is hosting some friends this summer and wants to show them the city she loves,” she writes. “Can you suggest some activities that will show off the city [for less than] $10 per person?
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At Play answers: We understand the notion of having a good time on a short budget. We’ll go one better–how about an entire day of sights in Chicago for $5?
All you need is an open Thursday or Friday, and a CTA one-day pass ($5, available at a number of Osco Drugs, Jewel Foods or currency exchanges). Take the Pink Line train around The Loop and to the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum (1852 W. 19th St., 312-738-1503, near the 18th street station), where admission is always free.
On your way back, exit at the Clark station and head one block east to Dearborn. Take the No. 22 bus north and get off at the Newberry Research Library (60 W. Walton St., 312-943-9090). If you’re around the library between July 27-30, check out its 22nd annual book fair.
Then, get back on the No. 22 bus up Clark Street and get off in front of the Wiener Circle (2622 N. Clark St. 773-477-7444). Get playfully berated by the staff, free of charge.
Walk a few blocks south to Fullerton Parkway, all the way east and under Lake Shore Drive until you hit water. Look south for the prettiest ground-level view in Chicago. Walk along the beach and gawk at the tanned volleyball players.
You’ll hit North Avenue a mile later–find Inner Lake Shore Drive and hop on the No. 151 bus heading south. The bus will go down the Magnificent Mile, across the river and eventually stop near the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave., 312-443-3600). Take advantage of free admission on Thursdays and Friday between 5 and 9 p.m.
And there you have it: Chicago in a day for just $5.