We live 45 miles away from the beautiful city of Chicago, yet most of us don’t take advantage of all of the wonderful events, and opportunities that the Windy City has to offer. Inspired by the Chicago Sun-Times article, “Chicago Bucket List,” I’ve selected the ones I’ve experienced myself, and have created a list of the best things to do only in this city—the obvious and not-so-obvious—and some are even free.

Purely Summer Fun

Everyone knows about the Brookfield Zoo, but have you been to the Lincoln Park Zoo? Free of charge.Party with Chicagoan Puerto Ricans at one of the largest summer festivals in town, Fiestas Puertorriquenas. June 15 through 20th in Humboldt Park. Free.

Be amazed and walk to the end of Navy Pier, for free.

While you’re there, see the city and lake by riding the 150-foot high Ferris Wheel which was modeled after the first Ferris wheel, built for Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. $6.

Run or walk a 5K race. There is a race almost every weekend, in neighborhoods throughout the city. Best part? It’s not about winning. You’ll feel good about yourself, and people will clap for you regardless. Free.

Picnic at Blues Fest, June 11 through 13 in Grant Park. Free. It’s a good time, even if you don’t like Blues.

Taste all of Chicago in one day, or a week straight by eating too much at Taste of Chicago, June 25 through July 4. Twelve tickets cost $8.

Take the water taxi on the Chicago River. $2 – $4 one way.

Bike, rollerblade, run or walk on the lakefront trail. Free.

Picnic in Grant Park during the summer music festival. Free.

Anytime

Take a picture at the infamous Jordan Statue at the Bulls Stadium. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Free.

Be eaten by a dinosaur. Just kidding. Look at Sue at The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. $16-$29, depending on age and Chicago residency.

Eat at Margie’s Ice Cream and Candies, 1960 N. Western Ave. Twenty-five scoops of ice cream will cost you $49.95, so go with your entire family, and take friends too.

Watch the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers dye the Chicago River green, and then stick around for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Free.

Visit Obama! Just kidding, but get as close as you can to his home before the White House: 5046 S. Greenwood Ave. in Kenwood. Free.

See your reflection in The Bean, at Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph avenues. Don’t forget to post the pictures on Facebook. Free.

Window shop on Mag Mile; being with friends in the city beats the Joliet Mall any day. Free.

By doing these things, even just a few of them, you will realize that you’ve been missing out, and what great experiences Chicago has to offer. Hop on a train or fill up the gas tank, because Chicago is where the fun is at. If not, there’s always bowling in Joliet. You decide.