At the beginning of each year, Chicago area museums announce their free days for Chicago residents for the year. With Chicago offering some of the best museums in the world, this is not something you want to miss out on. World class exhibits at these amazing institutions can get a bit pricey. So, that is why it is a great idea to take advantage of museum FREE days. Many do not offer FREE days in the summer as it is prime visiting and tourist season but some still do. Here is what is offered in the summer at some of the best museums in Chicago. So, make sure to head out with the kiddos and enjoy some culture and enrichment!
Shedd Aquarium
FREE Days:
On 52 days throughout the year, Illinois residents with a valid ID receive free general admission or discounted upgraded admission to the aquarium.
Three options are available on your Illinois Resident Discount Days visit:
General admission: Free
Available for on-site purchase only
Includes Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World and Amazon Rising
Shedd Pass and Total Experience Pass are also available for discounted prices.
Available for on-site purchase only
When:
June 6, 7, 13, 14
Location:
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Adler Planetarium
What: Illinois Illinois residents can enjoy complimentary general admission on Illinois Resident Discount Days. A valid ID with an Illinois address is required for these special admission prices.
When:
June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 in 2016.
Cost: FREE
Location:
Adler Planeterium
1300 S Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-922-7827
Museum of Science and Industry
When:
Illinois residents receive free Museum Entry at MSI on the following Summer dates in 2016:
June 1-3, 6-8
Location:
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
Chicago Children’s Museum
FREE Days:
Sponsored by Target, FREE days at Chicago Children’s Museum is available throughout the year for kiddos and families to enjoy. Please bring Illinois ID to show proof of residency.
When:
Target Free Family Night is every Thursday evening from 5 – 8 PM. On Thursday, FREE admission is for everyone, adults and children. Groups of 18 or more must register by calling 312-464-8249.
In addition, the First Sunday of every month is also FREE. However, FREE admission is for ages 15 and under only.
Location:
Chicago Children’s Museum
700 E. Grand Ave at Navy Pier
Chicago, IL 60611
www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
FREE Days:
Every Thursday in 2016 is FREE general admission at Peggy Notebaert
Location:
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Dr.
Chicago, IL 60614
Art Institute of Chicago
FREE Days:
General admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to Illinois residents every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Please bring valid Illinois ID.
Location:
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
Museum of Contemporary Art
FREE Days:
General admission at Museum of Contemporary Art is FREE on Tuesdays for Illinois resident. Please bring a valid Illinois ID.
Location:
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
DuSable Museum of African American History
FREE Days:
Admission to DuSable Museum is FREE to everyone on each Sunday of the year.
Military Admission:
All Military Duty Personnel, all Branches, receives complimentary admission. Personnel must show ID or be in uniform. Active or Non-Active Duty Personnel/ POW’s (Illinois Residents); receives complimentary admission. Must show VA ID w/POW status on front.
Location:
DuSable Museum of African American History
740 E. 56th Place
Chicago, IL 60637
Chicago Architecture Foundation
FREE Days:
Admission to Chicago Architecture Foundation, including exhibitions, is always FREE.
All of our adult programs and most family programs are fee-based and an admission price is listed with each event description. Tour pricing begins at $15.
Location:
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604
Lincoln Park Zoo
Always FREE:
Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and is always free. Lincoln Park Zoo has something for everyone. Meet animals from around the world, relax among Chicago’s most-visited gardens and join us for exciting daily programs and events.
Location:
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Kohl Children’s Museum
FREE Days:
Kohl Children’s Museum offers FREE admission on Wednesdays from 1 – 5PM for Glenview, IL residents only. Must present valid ID for FREE admission.
Location:
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd.
Glenview, IL 60026
The Morton Arboretum
FREE Days:
For active duty service men or women with a valid ID, FREE general admission is offered daily, year round.
Location:
The Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532