Winter Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
Do you love visiting museums? Do you love visiting museums for FREE? We’ve put together a list of special days when we know Chicago museums offer free admission this winter through March. The list includes family favorites we know you love to visit in Chicago.
Tip: Winter is usually one of the best times to visit Chicago museums — lots of opportunities for free days!
Of course, 2021 looks A LOT DIFFERENT for free museum days. Some popular museums have pushed pause temporarily on the free days practice; and some aren’t open at all right now. We note those details below, current at time of publication. And, with numbers getting better (fingers crossed), hopefully more free days will return.
COVID-19 safety protocols are in place with some variations, but what remains consistent: all museums require masks and all ask guests to social distance as much as possible. Check before you go to see if timed entry reservations are required, if coat checks are operating, or if 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 driver’s license or state I.D. usually suffices.
We’ve also included the average free day savings for a family of four (two adults, two kids) 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 it’s 13 and under. Always look at the fine print. (Prices are subject to change without notice.)
Another option to save more money on your Chicago visit — avoid parking charges and take the train, if that works for your comfort level.
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.
Our article focuses on general admission. However, many museums also offer discounts or freebies for veterans, as well as teachers. Some are part of the Museums for All program, for those who have valid EBT or WIC cards; many offer admission for $3 up to six family members. Check the websites accordingly for more info.
(Want to go to Indianapolis Museums for free? Check our article about visiting Indianapolis Museums for free in 2020 HERE. Spoiler alert: go to Chicago. More opportunities!)
WINTER FREE DAYS AT CHICAGO MUSEUMS IN 2021
SHEDD AQUARIUM, Chicago
Free days: Feb. 22-26
On select days throughout the year, Illinois residents with a valid ID receive free general admission to the aquarium. Illinois Resident Free Days include access to all open animal and permanent exhibits, our special exhibit Underwater Beauty and seasonal Stingray Touch. (The 4-D Experience admission is a $4.95 upgrade for each person.) All free tickets must be reserved ahead of time in order to comply with COVID capacity limits, either by phone or online (a $3/ticket charge applies to reservations made online). No walk-up guests will be granted free admission. Free general admission for a family of four saves $140 (not a typo).
FIELD MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: Feb. 18, 22, 25; March 8, 11, 15
For Illinois residents. Must show proof of residency; you can only receive free admission in person. Free basic admission on Illinois Free Days is included; discounts are available for upgrades, so free day can be a great time to do the upgraded stuff you’ve always wanted to do. See the website to plan your trip. Free basic admission for an IL family of four saves $86.
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
No Illinois Free Days currently scheduled
Children under 14 are always free with an adult. In the past, the Art Institute has offered many discounts as well as a weekly free entrance for Illinois residents on Wednesday evenings (currently their hours are limited and they are closed on Wednesday evenings). More info on their website.
SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM, Chicago
Free admission the second Tuesday of every month
Located in Andersonville, one of the most concentrated areas of Swedish heritage in the United States, with Swedish roots dating back to the 19th century. What’s of most interest to families is the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration. Free day savings: $15
ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER, Skokie
No free days currently scheduled
This is a popular place for field trips, and may be best for older elementary kids+. Make a Difference! exhibit provides an age-appropriate and highly interactive space where hands-on activities for kids ages 8-12 foster leadership skills, empathy, self-esteem, and positive decision making.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, Chicago
Currently closed, plans to reopen March 2
Admission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays, year round. Must have proof of residency. Children 18 and under are free daily. Admission is just suggested; the museum does not turn away anyone. More info here. Free day savings: $30
GLESSNER HOUSE MUSEUM, Chicago
Currently closed, plans to re-open on March 3; no free days currently scheduled
Named one of Chicago’s greatest remaining Gilded Age Mansions, the Glessner House is located in the South Loop. Tours are led by trained docents and last approximately 75 minutes. Self-guided tours are not available.
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
Currently closed, plans to re-open on March 4 with free entry that day
For more information visit its website. FYI children 6 and under are free. Free day savings: $72
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, Chicago
Currently closed, plans to reopen March 7, 2021; no free days currently scheduled
ADLER PLANETARIUM, Chicago
Closed until further notice
CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Closed until further notice
DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY, Chicago
Closed until further notice
PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM, Chicago
Closed until further notice
ALWAYS FREE
- GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY (reopening February 27)
- LINCOLN PARK ZOO (reopening March 5)
- CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER (temporarily closed)
- NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART (temporarily closed)
Have you had a great museum trip with your kids lately? Email us and tell us all about it!