Dating in Chicago
In shortChicago has lots of free things to do, which helps when you're paying for a sitter. The lakefront parks are easy to reach from much of the city. A daytime date can fit neatly into school hours.
A first date idea
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is free, with no booking needed, and open every day of the year from 10am to 5pm. It's an easy daytime date, and a good family outing later on. ZooLights, the winter light show, needs tickets.
Source: Lincoln Park Zoo, checked 8 November 2026
Spend a free weekday morning at Lincoln Park Zoo while the kids are at school.
WhichDating, our sister review site, has a guide to dating in Chicago.
For more ideas, read finding time and childcare for dates or talking to your ex about dating.
