Free Admission Days At Chicagos Field Museum Offer The Perfect Time To Explore One Of The Worlds Largest Natural History Museums Without Spending A Dime
Chicago has one of the best collections of museums and attractions on the planet. Visiting all of them can get a little costly, especially if youre taking the family. So its understandable why free admission days generate quite a lot of hype!
Luckily for us, the wonderful variety of museums and attractions in the Windy City love to announce random free days throughout the year offering locals the chance to see some of the worlds most awe-inspiring wonders regularly, for absolutely zero cost.
Free admission days are somewhat of a rarity during the summer months, however, when Chicagos tourism industry is thriving but luckily for fans of Field Museum, the iconic museum has brought back its frequent free midweek days.
Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex: one of the largest, most extensive, and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever found and a permanent feature at Chicagos Field Museum of Natural History.
On both Tuesdays and Wednesdays since August 23 and August 24, Illinois residents have been able to enter Chicagos popular natural history museum completely free and the museum will continue to do so through September, October, and November.
According to the Field Museum website, tickets for Free Days are only available to Illinois residents onsite and cannot be reserved in advance. Please ask a Guest Relations staff member when you arrive at the museum and be ready to show your Illinois proof of residency.
- Illinois student ID with photo
- Illinois utility bill
Public Parks & Beaches
Chicago boasts hundreds of free public parks that cover over 8,000 acres of the city. Many feature wildlife havens like Northerly Island and North Pond Nature Sanctuary incredible landscape designs such as Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and Humboldt Parks prairie river and boathouse and athletic facilities such as the kayak boathouse in Ping Tom Memorial Park. You can also spend the day at one of the free public beaches, open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Various locations
Art Institute Of Chicago Free Days
Free Thursday Evenings Illinois Residents OnlyAdmission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to Illinois residents every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Please verify all details, dates, & rules with this museum before attending. We strive to keep our information up to date but will not be held responsible for any misprinted information.
Read Also: Best Coffee Shops In Chicago
Note: Identification And Proof Of Illinois Residency Are Required For Free Days
Kids Museum Passport
This program, sponsored by the 15 Museums Work for Chicago institutions, allows individuals with a Chicago Public Library card to check out a pass for free general admission to the Art Institute. Please note the new rules regarding the use of the Kids Museum Passport:
- Each pass admits a maximum of four people for general admission, including special exhibitions.
- Each group using a pass must be accompanied by at least one child under the age of 18.
- A maximum of two adults are admitted on one pass.
What Type Of Id Do I Need For Illinois Resident Free Days Or The Chicago Resident Discount
All adults in your party are required to show a photo ID with an Illinois address to receive free admission on Illinois Resident Free Days or a Chicago address to receive the daily Chicago resident price children do not require proof of residency if they are accompanied by a resident adult with the appropriate ID. Current college and university IDs are valid proof of residency for students living in Illinois or Chicago while attending school.
If a residents photo ID does not list their current address in Illinois or Chicago, secondary documentation confirming residency will be accepted, including a utility bill, a bank statement, a lease agreement, a recent pay stub, or other official documentation that lists the residents full name and address in Illinois or Chicago. In this case, a photo ID is still required as well.
You May Like: Chicago Hand & Orthopedic Surgery Centers
Reserve Online In Advance
Illinois ResidentsAdmission was free for Illinois residents on weekdays November 29December 17, 2021, and January 3March 17, 2022. Check back for the announcement of future dates.
To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents must reserve them online in advance. Resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If youre unable to reserve tickets in advance, please stop by the admissions desks for assistance.
Free Things To Do In Chicago
Want to do Chicago on the cheap? There are tons of free museums, cultural attractions, and things to do all over the city. Get a tour from a local, check out cutting-edge exhibits, catch a free classical concert beneath the worlds largest Tiffany dome all for no cost.
Here are 30 free things to do to add to your budget-friendly Chicago itinerary. And dont forget to check out free museum days throughout the year.
Don’t Miss: Aviation Institute Of Maintenance Chicago
Museum Of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, members of the military and police and fire departments and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers.
- Illinois residents receive free admission every Tuesday
To encourage more people to visit and visit often, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy no one will be turned away. They also offer suggested admission of $3 each for up to six individuals when visitors present their LINK Card as part of the Museums for All program.
Summer 2022 Free Museum Days In Chicago
ADLER PLANETARIUM, ChicagoFree days: WednesdaysMuseum entry is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday from 4-10 p.m. . Museum entry provides access to all exhibitions and experiences entry to all sky shows can be purchased at a discounted rate at checkout. All tickets must be reserved online and in advance. Free day savings: $54
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGONo Illinois resident free days currently postedIllinois residents under 14 are always free with an adult. To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents must reserve them online in advance. Resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided.
BROOKFIELD ZOO, ChicagoFree days: August 1-3, for children 11 and underFree general admission for children 11 and under. General admission for adults, parking, rentals, and ticketed attraction fees still apply on these days. Free day savings: $36
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, ChicagoFree days: June 19, July 4, Aug. 23-26, 30-31Illinois residents 18 and under are always free. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Discounts can only be applied on tickets purchased in person. Free day savings: $38
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, ChicagoFree days: TuesdaysAdmission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays, year round. Must have proof of residency. Children 18 and under are free daily. Admission is just suggested the museum does not turn away anyone. More info here. Free day savings: $30
Also Check: Amore Taste Of Chicago Menu
Museum Of Contemporary Photography
The MoCP is CLOSED when Columbia College Chicago is closed, including: Thanksgiving Weekend: Thursday- Sunday Holiday Break and other holidays.
Location: Columbia College Chicago, 600 S. Michigan Ave
Hours:Sunday, 12-5pm
Free Days Chicago Residents Only: The Museum of Contemporary Photography is Free every non-holiday day
Please verify all details, dates, & rules with this museum before attending. We strive to keep our information up to date but will not be held responsible for any misprinted information.
Dusable Museum Of African American History
Admission is FREE to all on each Sunday of the year. They also offer free admission rates to all Chicago Public School students.
Location: 740 East 56th Place, Chicago
Free Days Chicago Residents Only:Admission is FREE to all on each Sunday of the year. We also offer free admission rates to all Chicago Public School students.
Please verify all details, dates, & rules with this museum before attending. We strive to keep our information up to date but will not be held responsible for any misprinted information.
Also Check: City Of Chicago Pilot Program
Adler Planetarium Free Days
The Adler Planetarium is open 10am 6pm during the summer 10am 4:30pm otherwise
Free Days Chicago Residents Only:June: 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, & 12
Please verify all details, dates, & rules with this museum before attending. We strive to keep our information up to date but will not be held responsible for any misprinted information.
Stony Island Arts Bank
This 1923 bank building was deteriorating for decades, until it was radically restored and transformed into the Stony Island Arts Bank, a hybrid gallery, library, and community center. They also offer a regular schedule of free live music, DJs, film screenings, exhibitions and events including readings, talks, and performances. 6760 S. Stony Island Ave.
Don’t Miss: Springhill Suites By Marriott Chicago Waukegan Gurnee
Chicago Public Library: Kids Museum Passport
If youre a CPL cardholder and an adult resident of Chicago, you may check out a Kids Museum Passport at any CPL location. Each CPL location has a limited number of Kids Museum Passports for each museum. Your group must include at least one child under 18 for the Kids Museum Passport to be valid, and a maximum of two adults are admitted with each pass. Once you check out a Kids Museum Passport, please click the link below to reserve your visit date and time. Please show your online reservation and Kids Museum Passport when you arrive at your selected time. No tickets will be available onsite.
Where To Get Free Admission On Museum Day
Cooper Hewitt Museum
Grammy Museum Los Angeles is granting entry to their Grammy Museum, an interactive space where all aspects of music are explored and celebrated, and rotating celebrity musicians host intimate discussions about their current projects.
Museum of Latin American ArtDiscover a collection of over 1,600 sculptures, paintings, drawings, mixed media, photographs, and video art at the pioneering Museum of Latin American Art.
Flight Path Museum & Learning Center at LAXExperience the glamour, adventure, and excitement of aviation and aerospace at the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center, the only aviation and research center housed within a major airport.
Cartoon Art Museum In San Francisco, the Cartoon Art Museum will be participating in free entries. From comic strips, books, and animation to political cartoons, graphic novels, and underground comics, theres something for everyone.
Museum of Craft and DesignThe Museum of Craft and Design is the only museum in San Francisco of its kind and has a goal to make creativity accessible to everyone.
San Jose Museum of ArtGet a surprising and playful perspective on the art and artists of our time at the San Jose Museum of Art.
Chicago:
Visit the nations oldest independent African American museum, the DuSable.
NYC:
To see the full museum lists for your city head to the Smithsonian Museum Day site.
Chicago:
Visit the nations oldest independent African American museum, the DuSable.
NYC:
You May Like: West Loop Chicago Condos For Sale
Museums Across The Us Will Offer Free Tickets For Two On September 17
Back to celebrate art, history, science, and more, Museum Day offers entry for two at participating museums, zoos, and exhibits across the country!
The one-day nationwide event is hosted by Smithsonian magazine and admits visitors for free this Saturday, September 17th. Major cities including New York, LA, Chicago, and San Francisco, known for their world-class art and science museums, are participating.
To get your ticket, head to the event page and enter your zip code.
The website will pull up a list of nearby participating museums for you to choose from. Once youve made your selection, simply enter your name and email address, and your ticket will be generated.
See below for a few museum picks from New York, San Francisco, LA, and Chicago:
Fall 2022 Free Museum Days In Chicago
ADLER PLANETARIUM, ChicagoFree days: WednesdaysMuseum entry is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday from 4-10 p.m. Museum entry provides access to all exhibitions and experiences entry to sky shows can be purchased at a discounted rate at checkout. All tickets must be reserved online and in advance. Free day savings: $54
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGONo Illinois resident free days posted at time of publicationIllinois residents under 14 are always free with an adult. To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents must reserve them online in advance. Resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided.
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, ChicagoFree days: Oct. 10Illinois residents 18 and under are always free. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Discounts can only be applied on tickets purchased in person. Free day savings: $38
FIELD MUSEUM, ChicagoFree days: Sept. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Nov. 1, 2, 8, 9For Illinois residents. Must show proof of residency you can only receive free admission in person. Free basic admission on Illinois Free Days is included discounts are available for upgrades, so free day can be a great time to do the upgraded stuff youve always wanted to do. See the website to plan your trip. Free day savings: $94
Read Also: Fun Cheap Things To Do In Chicago
Shedd Aquarium 1200 S Lake Shore Dr 312
Illinois residents get access to permanent and special exhibits on select days throughout the year. Upcoming free days for 2022 include February 7-11 and 14-18. Advance reservations are required and there is a $3 per order transaction fee for Illinois free day tickets. Educators from Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana receive free admission as well as first responders, active military, veterans, and those receiving Federal food assistance.
Shedd Aquarium Free Days
During Shedd Aquarium Free Days, general admission is free. Wild Reef admission is sold at a reduced rate. The aquarium is open Weekdays 9am5pm and Weekends 9am6pm.
Free Days Illinois Residents OnlyJune: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
Please verify all details, dates, & rules with this museum before attending. We strive to keep our information up to date but will not be held responsible for any misprinted information.
Also Check: Dachshund Puppies For Sale Chicago
No Advance Ticket Required
The following groups are invited to visit our galleries at no cost every dayeven when museum admission tickets are sold out.
In order to receive your free admission benefits, simply show the corresponding identification at the admissions desk in either museum lobby. Free admission benefits are not single useyou are welcome to use them any time you would like to visit.
Kids under 14Admission is always free for children under 14. These free tickets are available online as well as on-site at the admissions counters.
Chicago TeensMuseum admission is free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Glenn and Claire Swogger and the Redbud Foundation. See more opportunities and resources for teens.
Active-Duty MilitaryAs part of the Blue Star Museums program, active-duty service members receive free admission all year long. Plus, from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day, we also welcome service members and their households. Please bring your active-duty military ID to the admissions counter to receive this benefit.
LINK and WIC CardholdersAs part of Museums for All, LINK and WIC cardholders and anyone in their households receive free general admission to the museum and all ticketed special exhibitions. Simply present your card along with a valid photo ID.
Chicago Greeter Neighborhood Tours
The Chicago Greeter program pairs knowledgeable locals with Chicago visitors for an informal, insiders orientation of the city and its many vibrant neighborhoods. Through customized, guided walks you can sightsee all across the city based on your particular interest areas, from public art and architecture to food and films.
Also Check: Chicago Kent College Of Law
All The 2022 Free Days At Museums In Chicago And The Suburbs
How lucky are we to be surrounded by world-class museums, zoos, and gardens throughout the Chicagoland area? While the Kidlist team loves exploring all there is to see at the Museum of Science and Industry, Brookfield Zoo, and more, we cant ignore the fact that the cost of these visits certainly adds up. These institutions have graciously opened their doors with the ultimate family-friendly price free! You wont worry about the price of admission, but make sure to check their websites for additional admission guidelines or restrictions.
This article is sponsored by Corsalus Financial. They feel strongly that talking to your children about money is a great way to encourage a healthy financial future. Click here if you are looking for more tips on how to teach your kids about money and check out all of their family-friendly resources on their Financially Aware Kids page.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Chicago History Museum Free Days
Location: 1601 North Clark Street.
Free Days Illinois Residents OnlyThursday, July 4Tuesday, August 20Thursday, August 22Tuesday, August 27Thursday, August 29
Please verify all details, dates, & rules with this museum before attending. We strive to keep our information up to date but will not be held responsible for any misprinted information.
Read Also: Used Cars Chicago Under 5000
See Chicago’s History Unfold
FREE
Children
Were open and ready to share Chicago stories with you while continuing our health and safety procedures. As of March 1, 2022, Chicago History Museum visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination. While masks are recommended and appreciated, they are no longer required. Learn more.
We encourage visitors to purchase tickets in advance online.Discounts can only be applied on tickets purchased in person.
*Illinois Resident Children 18 and under are FREE
*Non-Illinois Resident Children 12 and under are FREE
2022 Illinois Resident Free Days: January 17 February 14, 9, 21 March 4 June 19, 23, 30 July 4 August 2326, 3031 October 10
Access to the Abakanowicz Research Center is by appointment only. Find more information here.
City of Chicago residents receive a $2 discount
Thank you to Wintrust for sponsoring free Museum admission for Illinois residents 18 & under
It pays to be a member. Admission is free for members of the Chicago History Museum, DuSable Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art, and National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.
Free admission is granted year round to the following audiences :
US Armed Services: All active duty military and all veterans
Chicago Police Department: All active duty
Chicago Fire Department: All active duty
City Colleges of Chicagostudents, faculty, and staff
Illinois Teachers
Park Voyagers: Must show your pass.
Kids Museum Passport Holders: Must show your pass.
Prices subject to change.