Many of Chicago’s museums offer free admission in the summer time to Illinois residents with a valid ID. Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of these special discount days.
Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore Dr., 312-922-7827
Illinois Resident Discount/Free General Admission Days, with Valid ID:
August 27-31
September 9-16
October 8, 21, 24, 25
November 11, 12, 14, 15
December 1, 3-7, 10
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave., 312-443-3600
General admission is free to Illinois residents every Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. throughout the year.
DuSable Museum of African American History
740 E 56th Pl., 773-947-0600
Admission is free to all every Tuesday.
Chicago History Museum
Every Tuesday, the Museum is free to Illinois residents from 12:30–7:30 p.m.
Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr., 312-922-9410
Illinois Resident Discount/Free General Admission Days, with Valid ID:
August 9, 25, 30
September 15 – 17, 30
October 21, 28, 31
November 11, 18
December 9, 16
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr., 773-684-1414
Illinois Resident Discount/Free General Admission Days, with Valid ID:
September: 4–6, 10–13, 17–20, 24–27
November: 12
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th St, 312-738-1503
Free Admission Every Day. Open Tuesdays to Sundays.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore Dr, 312-939-2438
Illinois Resident Discount/Free General Admission Days, with Valid ID:
September: 4-30
October: 3, 10
Families can also save at six area children’s museums by purchasing a Family CLIMB membership. The membership costs $135/year and offers free admission for two adults and all dependent children under the age of 18 living in the same household, up to six admissions. Participating museums include: The Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn, Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville, KidsWork Children’s Museum in Frankfort, Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview, and Wonder Works Children’s Museum in Oak Park.