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Bring the whole family to your preferred Chicago attractions without charge on select days this winter
Are you a fan of exploring museums? Do you enjoy visiting museums for FREE? We’ve compiled our assortment of unique days when we are certain that museums in Chicago provide free entrance from January to April of 2025.
Free days at Chicago museums are great news for those of us who tend to get a bit restless during a lengthy Illinois winter.
The dates mentioned below are primarily free for Illinois inhabitants. This implies that you need to provide valid proof of residency in Illinois; a driver’s license or state I.D. generally meets this requirement.
We’ve also noted the average savings from free days for a family of four (two adults, two children) so you can understand how advantageous these are for your family’s budget. For numerous museums, the child price applies to kids aged 3-11, but occasionally it’s for children 13 and under. Always examine the fine print. (Prices may change without prior notice.)
WHAT DOES FREE ADMISSION INCLUDE?
Please note that at most museums, free entry covers general admission only. Special shows, events, or exhibits might incur additional charges. And regretfully, we must remind you that there’s no such thing as free parking (unless specified). Always verify whether timed entry reservations are necessary, and if free admission is available exclusively online or also at the entrance.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER DISCOUNTS?
Keep in mind, you may have the opportunity to visit a museum any day of the week and receive a fantastic discount, provided you possess a museum membership. Always inquire about reciprocal agreements, such as the Nationwide Museum Passport Program.
A multitude of Chicago museums are part of the Museums for All initiative, for those holding valid EBT or WIC cards; for instance, a museum may offer admission for $3 for up to six family members. Check the respective museum websites for additional information.
Numerous museums additionally provide discounts or free admission for:
- active military and veterans
- educators or certain university affiliations
- first responders
- visitors with disabilities
Lastly, another method to economize on your Chicago outing — sidestep parking fees and utilize the train.
Winter 2025 Free Museum Days in Chicago
ADLER PLANETARIUM, Chicago
Free days: Wednesdays
Admission to the museum is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday evening from 4-10 p.m. Free entry grants access to all exhibitions and experiences; entry to sky shows incurs an extra fee and can be bought at checkout. The Pink Floyd full dome planetarium display is excluded from all special offers and discounted tickets. All tickets must be reserved online and ahead of time.Savings on free day: $76
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Free days: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays from Jan. 6 – Mar. 14
Children under 14 always get free admission with an adult. To acquire free admission tickets, Illinois residents need to book them online in advance. Resident status will be confirmed using the zip code tied to the billing address provided. If you are unable to book tickets in advance, visit the admission desks on the day of your excursion for assistance. Admission to special exhibits may not be encompassed. Savings on free day: $54
BROOKFIELD ZOO, Brookfield
Free days: Jan. 2 – Feb. 27, on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays,
Please note that these free days apply to all visitors and not merely Illinois residents. Parking (up to $20/car) and any special attractions/activities are not included in the free admission offer. It is uncertain if entry on Free Days can be reserved online in advance; we recommend you call to inquire. Free day savings: $104 (not an error!)
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: Jan. 20–24, 28–31; Feb. 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28
Residents of Illinois aged 18 and below can always enter for free. Guests are encouraged to book tickets online ahead of time. Free day savings: $38
DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY, Chicago
Free days: Wednesdays
It is recommended that all attendees reserve online in advance. Free day savings: $39
FIELD MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: Wednesdays
Free admission tickets are available for pre-booking online. You must show proof of residency in Illinois along with your mobile tickets for priority entry into the Museum. Free basic admission on Illinois Free Days is included; however, ticketed exhibitions, events, or 3D films incur additional charges. Check the website to organize your visit. Free day savings: $98 (not a mistake!)
GRIFFIN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, Chicago
No free days available at time of publication
Free entry to the Museum for Illinois residents with valid proof of residency. Up to six children (under 18) can be admitted per one adult. The Giant Dome Theater films, Fab Lab, the U-505 tour, and certain special experiences/exhibitions are not included in Museum Entry and necessitate separate admission. Parking incurs an extra fee. Visit the website to plan your visit. Free day savings: $82
ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER, Skokie
Free days: last Friday of the month
Admission grants access to all ongoing special exhibitions. Advance reservations for virtual reality and holographic theater experiences are not offered on free days but can be made upon arrival at the Museum. One of their ongoing exhibits, Make a Difference! is an interactive area where engaging activities for kids aged 8-12 enhance leadership skills, empathy, self-esteem, and positive decision-making. Parking is complimentary. Free day savings: $48
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, Chicago
Free days: Tuesdays
Entry is complimentary for Illinois residents on Tuesdays throughout the year and encompasses all current exhibitions. Proof of residency is required. Children aged 18 and below can enter for free every day. Admission is merely suggested; no visitor will be turned away. Further details here. Free day savings: $44
PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: Thursdays
For residents of Illinois. A recommendation of a $10 donation per family is encouraged on these “Suggested Donation Days” but is not mandatory. Tickets for Donation Day can be reserved online or purchased in person. Free day savings: $46
SHEDD AQUARIUM, Chicago
Free days: Jan. 7-9, 14-21, 28-30; Feb. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Free evenings: Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
On select days or evenings throughout the year, residents of Illinois with valid identification (must show ID when redeeming ticket) can enjoy complimentary general admission to the aquarium. Illinois Resident Free Days encompass all exhibits, animal presentations, and seasonal Stingray Touch. 4-D Experiences are a $4.95 upgrade (subject to availability). Tickets can be booked prior to your visit — call to reserve and avoid the online reservation fee. Free Day walk-up reservations may be accessible.but don’t rely on it. Complimentary general entry for a family of four saves no less than $152 (this is not an error!)
SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: second Tuesday of each month
Situated in Andersonville, a prominent area of Swedish heritage in the United States, with Swedish ancestry tracing back to the 19th century. Of particular interest to families is the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration. Limited complimentary parking is offered. Free day savings: $15
ALWAYS FREE
NOT OFFERING FREE DAYS at the time of publication
Have you enjoyed an incredible visit to a Chicago museum with your children recently? Reach out to us and share your experience!
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