Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
Visit your family’s favorite attractions in Chicago for FREE this summer on specific days
Do you love visiting museums? Do you love visiting museums for FREE? We’ve put together our annual list of special days when we know Chicago museums offer free admission this summer from June through August.
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, as summer proceeds (fingers crossed), hopefully more museums will reopen and 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, at least at this writing (everything is subject to change!). Check before you go to see if timed entry reservations are required, if coat checks are operating, or if concessions are open or closed.
Tip: Don’t be disappointed by summer not having many options for free museum days. Plan ahead: winter (January and February) is usually one of the best times to visit Chicago museums — lots of free day opportunities!
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.
Summer FREE Days in Chicago in 2021
SHEDD AQUARIUM, Chicago
Free days: August 5, 12, 19, 26
On select days throughout the year, Illinois residents with a valid ID (present ID upon redeeming ticket) receive free general admission to the aquarium. Illinois Resident Free Days include access to all open animal and permanent exhibits, the 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, either by phone 312-939-2438 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).
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, Chicago
Free days: June 9 and 19, July 14, August 11
Want to go to the Museum of Science and Industry for free? On Illinois Free Days, museum entry is free for all Illinois residents who show valid proof of residency — a HUGE cost savings! OmniMax films and certain temporary exhibits (such as the Marvel one) are not included in museum entry, and require separate admission. See Ticket Prices on Illinois Free Days and Parking for all the fine print. Free day savings: at least $68
FIELD MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: June 7 and 10, July 12 and 15, August 23 and 26
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 day savings: $82.
PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: August 5, 12, 19, 26
For Illinois residents. A donation of $10/family is suggested on these free days but not required. The museum is operating on limited hours during summer 2021: Thu-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun-Wed closed. Free day savings: $30.
ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER, Skokie
Free days: kids and students are free the entire month of June
Recommended ages 8+
Throughout June, kids and students enjoy free admission to the Museum. June 12 would have been
Anne Frank’s 92nd birthday, and the Museum will feature Holocaust Survivor Eva Schloss, Anne’s
stepsister, in the Abe & Ida Cooper Survivor Stories Experience holographic theater. Visitors see a short introductory film and then have a conversation with a 3D interactive hologram of a Holocaust Survivor. The Museum will open a new exhibition in July — Shanghai: Safe Haven During the Holocaust — which tells the lesser-known story of Jewish refugees who fled to Shanghai during WWII to escape Nazism. The Make a Difference! exhibit is scheduled to reopen in mid-June. It 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. Free day savings: $12 – $16
DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY, Chicago
Free day: Grand Reopening on Juneteenth, June 19
See their website for Juneteenth celebration details. Pre-pandemic, the DuSable offered free admission to all on Sundays. Free day savings: at least $26
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, Chicago
Free admission on Tuesdays
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
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, which is unfortunately still closed as of this writing. Free day savings: $15
BROOKFIELD ZOO, Chicago
Free days for kids 11 and under: August 2-4
While this information does not currently appear on the Brookfield Zoo website, their Facebook page recently advertised this deal. Parking, special shows and rides inside the zoo have an additional cost. Free day savings (for two kids): $36
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
Free days: August 24-28
Illinois residents 18 and under are free every day. For more information visit its website. Free day savings: $38
ALWAYS FREE (for certain age groups)
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Children under 14 are always free with an adult. More info on their website. No Illinois Free Days currently scheduled.
ALWAYS FREE (for all)
- GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY
- LINCOLN PARK ZOO
- CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER
- NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART
- CHICAGO FED’S MONEY MUSEUM (temporarily closed)
NOT CURRENTLY OFFERING FREE DAYS
ADLER PLANETARIUM, Chicago
No free days currently scheduled
The Adler Planetarium is bringing back a few of their most popular in-person experiences in a limited capacity this summer beginning July 3. Currently, they do not plan to fully reopen until March 2022.
CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
No free days currently scheduled
Currently open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am-6 pm. Advance ticket purchases and member reservations are encouraged.
GLESSNER HOUSE MUSEUM, Chicago
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.
Have you had a great Chicago museum trip with your kids lately? Email us and tell us all about it!
