Chicago's treat: free admission days at city museums

If you have ever been to one of Chicago’s museums, you know that just one day is not enough to fully appreciate everything they have to offer–especially when you are with young children. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a fun and affordable day out with the family, these free museum days provide the perfect opportunity to dive into the city’s diverse offerings.

You might be familiar with some of these museums while others may be new to you, but each one has something unique and special to offer and what better way to investigate while admission is free to all Illinois residents with a valid picture ID for proof of residency.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Admission is always free. Can’t get to the zoo? Check out their live cams available online 24/7.

Art Institute of Chicago

• Oct. 21, 28: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Nov. 4, 11, 22: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Dec. 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.(Dec. 5 and 12 ‘til 8 p.m.)

Admission is always free to current Illinois educators, teaching artists working in schools, homeschool parents, Chicago Public Library cardholders through Explore More Illinois digital passes, children under 14, teens under 18 with a valid school ID, active-duty military, and LINK and WIC cardholders with a valid EBT card. Valid identification required

Pre-registration for all tickets is required. Link provided above.

Adler Planetarium

• Every Wednesday from 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Tickets must be reserved in advance (click the link above for more information). Admission is always free for teachers with current valid school identification

Chicago Botanic Garden

• Nov. 4-8, 11, 12

• Dec. 9 -15

Free admission not applicable during ticketed events (e.g. Night of 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns, Lightscape, the Orchid Show, Orchids After Dark).

Chicago History Museum

• Oct. 23

• Nov. 5,11, 20

• Dec. 18

Admission is always free for active-duty Chicago police and firefighters, teachers, residents under 18 and all children under 12. Must present proof of employment and a photo ID.

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

• Every Wednesday.

Pre-booking online is required.

Field Museum

• Wednesdays throughout 2024

Tickets are only available online. Must show proof of residence along with e-ticket.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

• Wednesdays until Dec. 18

Advanced reservations online. Present ticket and valid Illinois ID.

Museum of Contemporary Art

• Tuesdays for Illinois residents with valid ID

Free every day for teachers (current valid school identification required), visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active military, veterans, police and firefighters, anyone under age 18 with valid identification.

Shedd Aquarium

• Tuesday evenings 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Reserve tickets by phone at 312-939-2438 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) or online by clicking the link above. (There will be a $5 convenience fee if reserving tickets online.)

Must present valid Illinois identification.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

• Thursdays

Reserve tickets online using the link provided above.

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center

• Last Friday of every month

Tickets are timed entry. Reserve tickets in advance online using the link provided above.

Children’s Museum at Navy Pier

• Free Family Day is on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Advance tickets not necessary

Play for All

• First Saturday of the month (October 2024-June 2025)
• Museum opens at 10 a.m. (open to the public at 11 a.m.) for children and families with disabilities.

This is available to the first 250 children and families who register online (link provided above). Pre-registration required.

Swedish American Museum

• Second Tuesday of every month throughout the year

Other museums to visit

The following museums offer free admission every day:

• National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen

• National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture

• Museum of Contemporary Photography in the Loop

• Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago

• Hyde Park Art Center

• Jane Adams Hull- House Museum at the University of Illinois at Chicago