Get the entire family into your favorite Chicago attractions for free on specific days this winter
Do you love visiting museums? Do you love visiting museums for FREE? We’ve put together our list of special days when we know Chicago museums offer free admission in January-April of 2025.
Free days at Chicago museums are welcome news for those of us who get a little stir crazy during a long Illinois winter.
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.)
WHAT DOES FREE ADMISSION COVER?
Be aware that at most museums, free admission is limited to general admission. Special shows, events, or exhibits may have an additional cost. And sorry to remind you that there’s no such thing as free parking (unless noted). Always check whether timed entry reservations are required, and whether free admission entry is available online only or also at the door.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER DISCOUNTS?
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.
Many Chicago museums participate in the Museums for All program, for those who have valid EBT or WIC cards; for example, a museum might offer $3 admission for up to six family members. Check the individual museum websites for more info.
Many of these museums also offer discounts or freebies for:
- active military and veterans
- teachers or some university affiliations
- first responders
- visitors with disabilities
And finally, another option to save money on your Chicago visit — avoid parking charges and take the train.
Winter 2025 Free Museum Days in Chicago
ADLER PLANETARIUM, Chicago
Free days: Wednesdays
Museum entry is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday evening from 4-10 p.m. Free entry provides access to all exhibitions and experiences; entry to sky shows is extra and can be purchased at checkout. The Pink Floyd full dome planetarium show is excluded from all special offers and discounted tickets. All tickets must be reserved online and in advance. Free day savings: $76
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Free days: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays between Jan. 6 – Mar. 14; also Mar. 5, 12
Children under 14 are always free with an adult. To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents must reserve them online in advance. Resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in advance, stop by the admission desks on the day of your visit for assistance. Admission to special exhibits may not be included. Free day savings: $54
BROOKFIELD ZOO, Brookfield
Free days: Jan. 2 – Feb. 27, on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays,
Note that these free days apply to all guests and not just Illinois residents. Parking (up to $20/car) and any special attractions/activities are not included in the free admission offer. It is unclear whether or not admission on Free Days can be reserved online in advance; we advise that you call to ask. Free day savings: $104 (not a typo!)
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: Jan. 20–24, 28–31; Feb. 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28
Illinois residents 18 and under are always free. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance online. Free day savings: $38
DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY, Chicago
Free days: Wednesdays
Online booking in advance is suggested for all visitors. Free day savings: $39
FIELD MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: Wednesdays
Free day tickets are available for advanced reservation online. You must present proof of Illinois residency alongside your mobile tickets for express admission into the Museum. Free basic admission on Illinois Free Days is included; ticketed exhibitions, events, or 3D movies cost extra. See the website to plan your trip. Free day savings: $98 (not a typo!)
GRIFFIN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, Chicago
Free days: Jan. 13-15, 26-29; Feb. 3-6, 9-13, 18-20, 24-27
Free Museum Entry for Illinois residents with valid proof of residency. Limited to six children (under 18) admitted per one accompanying adult. Giant Dome Theater films, Fab Lab, the U-505 tour and certain special experiences/exhibits are not included in Museum Entry and require separate admission. Parking is a separate charge. See the website to plan your trip. Free day savings: $82
ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER, Skokie
Free days: last Friday of the month
Admission includes access to all current special exhibitions. Advance reservations for virtual reality and holographic theater experiences are not available on free days but can be made upon arrival at the Museum. One of their ongoing exhibits, Make a Difference! is a highly interactive space where hands-on activities for kids ages 8-12 foster leadership skills, empathy, self-esteem, and positive decision-making. Parking is free. Free day savings: $48
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, Chicago
Free days: Tuesdays
Admission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays, year round, and includes all current exhibits. 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: $44
PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: Thursdays
For Illinois residents. A donation of $10/family is suggested on these “Suggested Donation Days” but not required. Donation Day tickets 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, Illinois residents with a valid ID (present ID upon redeeming ticket) receive free general admission to the aquarium. Illinois Resident Free Days include all habitats, animal presentations and exhibits, and seasonal Stingray Touch. 4-D Experiences are a $4.95 upgrade (subject to availability). Tickets can be reserved before your visit — reserve by phone to avoid the online reservation fee. Free Day walk-up reservations may be available but don’t count on it. Free general admission for a family of four saves at least $152 (not a typo!)
SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: 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. Limited free parking available. Free day savings: $15
ALWAYS FREE
- INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF ANCIENT CULTURES
Admission fees are suggested but not required. - LINCOLN PARK ZOO
- CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER
- NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART
- CHICAGO FED’S MONEY MUSEUM
- MINDWORKS
NOT OFFERING FREE DAYS at time of publication
- CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
- MCCORMICK BRIDGEHOUSE & CHICAGO RIVER MUSEUM (open May-October)
Have you had a great Chicago museum trip with your kids lately? Email us and tell us all about it!