Get Your Entire Family Into Your Favorite Chicago Attractions For Free On Specific Days This Fall
Do you love visiting museums? Do you love visiting museums for free? Weve put together our list of special days when we know Chicago museums offer free admission this fall, from September through December of 2022.
Tip: Plan ahead January and February usually bring the most free day opportunities for Chicago museums. For more budget-friendly fall activities, .
Check for any COVID-related protocols before your visit, including whether masks are required or recommended, whether timed entry reservations are required, whether tickets are sold online only or also at the door, whether coat checks are operating, or whether concessions are open or closed.
The days listed below are mostly free for Illinois residents. That means you must provide valid Illinois proof of residency a drivers license or state I.D. usually suffices.
Weve also included the average free day savings for a family of four so you can see how beneficial these are to your family budget. For many museums, the kid price applies to children 3-11, but sometimes its 13 and under. Always look at the fine print.
Many of these free days happen on certain dates or days of the week. Remember, you might have the ability to go to a museum any day of the week and get a great discount, if you have a museum membership. Always ask about reciprocal agreements, such as the Nationwide Museum Passport Program.
And finally, another option to save money on your Chicago visit avoid parking charges and take the train.
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.
Museum Of Science And Industry Free Days
If you want to learn about some of the most interesting scientific feats in the history of our country or discover how the industry has developed over the years, this museum is definitely worth a visit.
Thankfully, if youre an Illinois resident, youll have an opportunity to get free admission on several days each month.
The Museum of Science and Industry also offers residents, students, and seniors a discount of $3 no matter when they choose to come.
In addition, educators from Illinois can receive a complimentary pass when registering online.
Hours
Learn more about free museum days at the Field Museum of Natural History for Illinois residents.
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The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Is An Accessible And Affordable Family Destination Located In The Heart Of Chicagos Lincoln Park Neighborhood
Read through the details below to help you plan your visit, or jump to a specific section.
Jump To: Hours | Admission | Safety Precautions & Protocols | Amenities | Museum Store | Accessibility
Hours
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum building is open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm, with the exception of select holidays. The Nature Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day ,
Purchase AdmissionAdmission tickets may be purchased in-person at the Nature Museum front desk, or may be purchased in advance online here. Groups of 10 or more people receive discounted admission to the museum when registering at least two weeks in advance. Click here to register your group.
Suggested Donation DaysWe are pleased to offer Suggested Donation Days as part of our fall/winter schedule. You can view upcoming dates below.
Illinois residents can enjoy free admission during these Suggested Donation Days, or support us with a $10 suggested household donation at the time of admission.
Discounted AdmissionsWe are also happy to offer discounted admission to Illinois teachers, active military members, and more. Read on for details.
What to Expect: Safety Precautions & Protocols
- Masks are recommended for guests during drop by programs under 30 minutes, but are not required.
- Eating is permitted only in designated eating areas: Natures Lunchbox and the Ravine .
- Social distancing is encouraged throughout the building, during programming, and on the Museum grounds.
Museum Store
Amenities
Oriental Institute Of The University Of Chicago
This is yet another great museum to visit in Chicago.
But, its worth noting that while they dont technically offer free admission, they do accept donations of just about any amount.
The Oriental Institute has permanent galleries focused on ancient Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia, Nubia, Syria, Anatolia, and other ancient Near East locations.
As with most museums, they also provide limited exhibits that rotate every few months, each devoted to subjects related to ancient Eastern culture.
Hours
- 10 am – 4 pm | Tue-Sun
- Closed on Monday & major US holidays
The suggested donation amount is $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12.
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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.
Always Free Museums In Chicago
1. National Museum of Mexican Art
This is one of the greatest free museums in Chicago. This place accepts free admission. I would have to say this place was amazing. The art was so beautiful and I would say the artist extremely talented. Its a beautiful museum that discusses and shows the beauty and story of Mexican culture.
Came here on a field trip and had a tour guide walk us through the art. Its very colorful, the exhibits are eye-catching, and youll leave with a little bit more knowledge.
Address: 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Timing: Tuesday Sunday
Its a must-see for someone who loves photography and is in Chicago. Amazing museum with very interesting exhibitions. Great free exhibition and the collection is well prepared and the message is clear and strong. Highly recommended.
Address: 600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Timing: Monday Saturday, Sunday
3. National Veterans Art Museum
It seems little is known about these wonderful free museums in the northwest side of the Chicago city, at Irving Park & Cicero, but its definitely worth visiting. As you can imagine, the artwork is powerful & moving, no matter what your views or experiences are related to war, service, or being a veteran.
First-class museum with knowledgeable staff. This place isnt just a stuffy museum. Theres modern artwork that is done by great artists.
Address: 4041 N Milwaukee Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60641
Timing: Tuesday Saturday
4. The DePaul Art Museum
6. Smart Museum of Art
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Active Military And Veteran Discounts
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, active Military personnel and their families get free admission with valid ID.
Even if you dont plan on visiting during that time, it should be noted that all active military personnel and veterans get free admission for themselves when they present a valid ID any day of the year.
The only difference is that your family can join for free during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Spend An Afternoon With Free Street
Looking to experience Chicagos performing arts scene without paying Theater District prices? Free Street has been around for 51 years, organizing community arts events, educational talks, workshops, and yes, amazing performances. Deeply rooted in the citys history and branded as Theater for people who hate theater, Free Street endeavors to tell all the hard, wonderful, complicated stories Chicago has to offer, while providing workshops and collaborative spaces for artists to hone their craft as wellall on a pay-what-you-can pricing plan.
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Other Guided Tour Options
The following combo deals include both tickets to the Louvre and a guided tour of the museum. This is a great way to pay for everything all at once and avoid any hassle.
Skip-the-Line Tickets + Guided Tour in English
- 66/Adults | 61/Children
Skip-the-Line Tickets + Highlights Tour in English
- 72/Adults | 52/Children
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Can I Reserve Free Day Tickets For Family Or Guests Who Are Visiting But Do Not Live In Illinois
Our Illinois Resident Free Days are only available to residents of the state of Illinois and does not apply to any guests from other states, even when they are visiting with an Illinois resident. Proof of residency, such as a state ID/drivers license, will be required at the time of arrival for all adults in your party .
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Harold Washington Library Center
This is one of the largest public libraries in the world, filling a whole city block and housing more than 13-million published works. Check out the sun-filled Winter Garden and explore the art collection that features over 50 local and internationally known artists displayed throughout the halls and reading rooms. 400 S. State St.
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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.
Museum Of Science And Industry Tickets
Cant make it on those dates?
Chicago residents save $5 for adults and $3 for children . Everyone saves $2 if they purchase their tickets online.
If youre not a Chicago or Illinois resident, you can get discounted admission to the Museum of Science & Industry and four other top attractions with CityPass. Save at even more attractions with the Go Chicago Card.
There are also free days at the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History, and Adler Planetarium throughout the year. Check out our free museum days guide, which is updated as soon as dates are available.
The Museum of Science and Industry is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive.
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Be Inspired And Intrigued At The Western Hemispheres Largest Science Museum Completely Free
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 free days throughout the year offering locals the chance to see some of the worlds most awe-inspiring wonders regularly, for absolutely zero cost.
In addition to the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium Chicagos Museum of Science & Industry is one such museum that has a habit of offering free admission to Illinois residents.
This May the museum is offering free entry on the 2nd, 4th, 9th, 17th, and 18th of May.
May Illinois Resident Free Days
for the full schedule and details.
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Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Dr 312
Illinois residents receive free basic admission and discounted passes to explore ticketed exhibits on selected dates throughout the year.
Upcoming 2022 free dates for Illinois residents include Aug. 23, 24 and 30, 31 Sept. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Nov. 1, 2, 8, 9.
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Ukrainian National Museum Of Chicago 2249 W Superior St 312
No free days. Adult admission $10 Senior and Student admission $5.
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.
Museum Of Science And Industry Announces September Free Days
- Herald staff report
The Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
- Heidi Peters, courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
The transportation gallery at the the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
- Heidi Peters, courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
The Museum of Science and Industry has set Sept. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30 as free admission days for Illinois residents.
Advance ticket reservations for a time to visit are required, with booking online at www.msichicago.org/tickets. New visit procedures and safety details can be found at www.msichicago.org/welcome. All guests two years old and older must wear a face covering.
Starting Sept. 9, MSI, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, is also extending its Thursday hours to 6 p.m.
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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:
Museums That Offer Free Days In Chicago
8. DuSable Museum of African American History
This place is amazing! It was very informative with regards to the black soldiers during the war & their contributions. The DuSable Museum has jazz in the park and there was plenty of jazz lovers there. The bands were fantastic and the weather was great.
There is free admission on every Tuesday.
Address: 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
Timing: Tuesday Saturday, Sunday
9. Chicago Childrens Museum
This place is renovated and the new exhibits are so cool. There is one that has to make music but they have ordinary things to make music like things we use every day and its so cool for kids. It is so interactive and yet simple yet intriguing.
Here the kids whose age is 15 or under are offered for free admission on every first Sunday of the month. Kids whose age is 1 and under are always free.
Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Timing: Friday Wednesday, Thursday
10. Brookfield Zoo
Nice Zoo! However, for the admission, they should include some sort of souvenir or discount gift for next visit. On another note, the Zoo is pretty big and the parking lot is conveniently close by. Admissions process on a weekend was pretty quick.
Brookfield Zoo is free on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month of February.
Address: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
Timing: Monday Friday, Saturday Sunday
11. The Field Museum
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Timing: Monday Sunday
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