Chicago’s museums are world-class, but all those bones, weather simulators and rides in Chicago’s first El train car don’t come cheap. Throw in parking, special exhibits and the gift shop, and it adds up fast.
But in the philanthropic spirit of our fine city, most museums offers admission that’s free for Illinois residents on certain days. As much as I love free museum days in Chicago, be prepared for big crowds! I suggest arriving early and checking ahead if you can reserve your free ticket online to avoid lines.
Here’s a complete calendar for the next few months for museum free days in 2024. You’re on your own in the gift shop. Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Chicagoland? Check out our weekend picks!
This article was recently updated on Oct. 10, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Free Museums Days Chicago
Adler Planetarium
- Free on Wednesdays 4-10 p.m.
On Wednesday evenings, Illinois residents (proof of residency required) can enjoy free admission at Adler Planetarium. The planetarium also participates in Museums for All and Bank of America Museums on Us. Note: Free admission is not included for their Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon fulldome show.
Find more things to do with kids with our Adler Planetarium family guide.
Art Institute of Chicago
- October 2024: 21, 28
- November 2024: 4, 11, 22
- December 2024: 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13
Throughout the year, kids under 14 and Chicago teens under 18 are always free. The museum also participates in Museums for All and Bank of America Museums on Us.
Plan the best kid-approved visit with our Art Institute family guide.
Chicago Children’s Museum
- October: 24
Chicago History Museum
- October 2024: 14, 23
- November 2024: 5, 11, 20
- December 2024: 18
Illinois residents can enjoy free admission days throughout the year. Chicago History also offers free admission for Illinois residents under 18 and all children under 12.
DuSable Museum of African American History
- Free for Illinois Public School students in grades K-12
DuSable Museum offers a variety of free admission options for Chicagoland families. Admission is free every day for Illinois Public School students in grades K-12. The museum also participates in Museums for All and Bank of America Museums on Us.
Field Museum
- October 2024: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- November 2024: 6, 13, 20, 27
- December 2024: 4, 11, 18
The Field Museum offers Free Wednesdays for Illinois residents. They also participate in Museums for All.
Lincoln Park Zoo
- Always free
Did you know that Lincoln Park Zoo has always been free since they opened in 1868? Note: Some special events might include a paid admission.
Plan a Lincoln Park Zoo family day with our guide.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Free on Tuesdays for Illinois residents, kids 18 and under are always free.
MCA Chicago offers free admission to all children. The art museum also participates in Museums for All and Bank of America Museums on Us. During the year, they also offer free admission for their Family Days, usually on Saturdays.
Museum of Science and Industry
- October 2024:1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16
MSI Chicago offers free admission days throughout the year. The museum also participates in Museums for All and Bank of America Museums on Us (Sundays only). Note: Free admission does not include costs for special exhibits and experiences.
Get kids curious on their next visit with our MSI Chicago family guide.
National Museum of Mexican Art
- Always free
In the heart of Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art offers free admission all year round. Check out their calendar for upcoming special events, including many events geared for families.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- Free on Thursdays
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers free admission for Illinois residents every Thursday for weekly donation days. $10 optional donation suggested. They also participate in Museums for All.
Shedd Aquarium
- October 2024:1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- November 2024: 5, 12, 19, 26
- December 2024: 3, 10, 17
Illinois residents can enjoy free admission on Tuesdays evening from 5-9 p.m. The aquarium also participates in Museums for All.
Check out our tips when visiting Illinois Resident Free Days at Shedd Aquarium!
Free Museum Days Suburbs
Chicago Botanic Garden
- October 2024: 1, 2, 14
- November 2024: 4-8, 11, 12
- December 2024: 9-15
Chicago Botanic Garden offers free admission days to Illinois residents, pre-registration is required. Note: Free admissions are not applicable during ticketed events.
Explore nature with our family guide to Chicago Botanic Garden.
Elmhurst History Museum
- Always free
The Elmhurst History Museum offers free admission to all. Families will enjoy checking out their special exhibits.
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
- October 2024: 25
- November 2024: 29
- December 2024: 27
The museum also participates in Museums for All and Bank of America Museums on Us.
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Arts
- Free on Wednesdays
The museum offers free admissions on Wednesdays and for kids under 7.
More free museum admission opportunities
Bank of America Free Days
Have a Bank of America card? Simply present your card on the first full weekend of each month and get free admission to various Chicago area museums. One per cardholder, so it won’t be free for the entire family (unless each of your children has a credit card), but a free adult admission is nothing to sneeze at.
Museums For All Initiative
A fun day out at the museum isn’t always super fun for your wallet. Through Museums for All, families that receive food assistance can take advantage of free or significantly discounted admission for up to four people when they present their SNAP EBT card. With more than 40 participating museums in Illinois, there’s no shortage of exciting discoveries to be had.
Chicago Public Library Museum Passes
Chicago Public Libraries’ museum passes are now digital and can be used across Illinois! The passes include museums, historical societies and more. Visit chipublib.org/digitalpasses to log in with your card details and make reservations.
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