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You are here: Home / Day Trips / Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums

Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums

May 15, 2025 By From The Editors

Get your entire family into your favorite Chicago attractions for free on specific days this summer

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 this summer, from June through August of 2025.

Don’t be disappointed by the relatively few options for free museum days during the summer. Plan ahead for next winter — January and February usually bring the most free day opportunities for Chicago museums.

Need to stretch your summer entertainment budget? Check out our 50+ ideas for Summer Fun on a Budget.

Downtown Chicago

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 an Illinois family of two adults and two kids, so you can get an idea of how beneficial these discounts are to your family budget. (This is a best-guess number for the institutions that have adopted fluctuating pricing.) 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 let you know that there’s no such thing as free parking (unless noted). Always check whether 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 SNAP, Link or WIC cards; some offer $3 admission for up to six family members. Check the museum websites for more info.

Many of these museums also offer discounts or freebies for:

  • active military and/or 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.

Amtrak train with Chicago skyline

Summer 2025 Free Museum Days in Chicago

 

ADLER PLANETARIUM, Chicago
Free days: Wednesday evenings
Museum entry is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday from 4-10 p.m. Museum entry provides access to all exhibitions and experiences (excluding sky shows); entry to sky shows or special exhibitions can be purchased at a discounted rate at checkout. All tickets must be reserved online and in advance. Free day savings: $76

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Free days: Thursday evenings
Admission will be free for Illinois residents on Thursday evenings, 5–8 p.m., from June 1 to September 25, 2025. Illinois residents under 14 are always free with an adult. To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents can reserve them online in advance or visit the admissions desk on the day of visit. Resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. Admission to special exhibits may not be included. Free day savings: $54

Tiffany windows at Art Institute of Chicago

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: May 8, 26
Illinois residents 18 and under are always free. Visitors are encouraged to purchase 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: May 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18, 25

Must show proof of residency; you can only receive free admission in person. Only basic admission on Illinois Free Days is included. Ticketed exhibitions and 3D movies cost extra. See the website to plan your trip. Free day savings: $98

Sue at the Field Museum

GLESSNER HOUSE, Chicago
Free tours: June 5 and 19, July 3 and 17, August 7 and 21
Glessner House is a National Historic Landmark located on Prairie Avenue in the South Loop of Chicago. Prairie Avenue was considered to be the first Gold Coast of Chicago and home to many of Chicago’s captains of Industry including Goerge Pullman, Marshall Field, and Philip Armour. Samuel Allerton and his son, Robert Allerton (Allerton Park) were also residents of Prairie Avenue. Free tours for Illinois residents (with proof of residency) are offered on the first and third Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The Visitors Center opens at 12:30pm. No reservations are taken in advance.
Free day savings: $64

GRIFFIN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, Chicago
Free days: June 12, 19
Free entry for Illinois residents with valid proof of residency. Limited to six children (under 18) admitted per one accompanying adult. Giant Dome Theater films, the U-505 tour and certain special experiences/exhibits are not included in museum entry and require separate admission. See the website to plan your trip. Free day savings: $82

ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER, Skokie
Free days: May 30, June 27, July 25

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 its 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. Free day savings: $48

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, Chicago
Free days: 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: $44

PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: Thursdays
For Illinois residents. Free tickets can reserved online or in person.A donation of $10/family is suggested on these “Suggested Donation Days” but not required. Free day savings: $46

SHEDD AQUARIUM, Chicago
Free evenings: May 20, 27; June 3, 10, 17, 24

On select days/times Illinois residents with a valid ID (present ID upon redeeming ticket) receive free general admission to the aquarium. Illinois Resident Free Days or Evenings include all habitats, animal presentations and exhibits, and seasonal Stingray Touch. 4-D Experience is 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 day savings: $145 (not a typo!)

Shedd Aquarium new tank

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, now reopened after a lengthy closure. Limited free parking available. Free day savings: $15

 

ALWAYS FREE

  • INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF ANCIENT CULTURES (admission fees are suggested only)
  • LINCOLN PARK ZOO
  • CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER
  • NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART
  • CHICAGO FED’S MONEY MUSEUM
  • MINDWORKS

NOT CURRENTLY OFFERING FREE DAYS

  • BROOKFIELD ZOO
  • CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Have you had a great Chicago museum trip with your kids lately? Email us and tell us all about it!

Some ideas on trips you can take with your family:

  • Best Midwest Summer Road Trips for Champaign-Urbana Families
  • 31+ Unique Summer Day Trips from Champaign-Urbana
  • Midwest Indoor Waterparks Within a Few Hours of Champaign-Urbana
  • Head North for Family Fun: What To Do On Your Chicago Trip
  • Visit Springfield with your Family
  • Top 10 Things to Know: Children’s Museum of Illinois in Decatur
  • Road Trip: Visiting Winter Realms at Lake Geneva, Wis.
  • Road Trip: Visiting Indianapolis as a Family
  • Visiting the Arthur Amish Area with Kids
  • Spend a Saturday in Tuscola
  • Peaches Aplenty at Okaw Valley Orchard
  • Visiting the Indoor Waterpark at Grand Bear Resort Near Starved Rock
  • How to Rent a Boat on Lake Shelbyville with your Family
  • Road Trip: Visit St. Louis as a Family
  • Visiting Imagination Grove Near Bloomington-Normal
  • Road Trip: Visiting Wisconsin Dells
  • Day Trip from Champaign-Urbana: Living Large in Casey
  • Effingham, a Trip to the Crossroads
  • Winter Break Day Trip: Family Fun in Peoria
  • Travel Back in Time at Lincoln Log Cabin

Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana:

  • Top Family-Friendly Bike Trails in the Champaign-Urbana Area
  • Where to Go Boating with Your Family Near Champaign-Urbana
  • Blueberry Picking Near Champaign-Urbana
  • Champaign-Urbana Area Fourth of July FIREWORKS!
  • Summer Parades in the Champaign-Urbana Area
  • Champaign-Urbana Area Free Summer Meals for Children
  • Celebrate the Fourth of July in Champaign-Urbana
  • 50+ Ways to Have Summer Fun on a Budget In and Around Champaign-Urbana
  • Beaches Within a Short Driving Distance of Champaign-Urbana
  • 7 Great Summer Festivals in Central Illinois
  • Visiting Champaign-Urbana Area Parks and Playgrounds with Your Family
  • Best Midwest Summer Road Trips for Champaign-Urbana Families
  • Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums
  • Splash Pads Around Champaign-Urbana
  • Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Fairs and Festivals
  • Strawberry Picking Near Champaign-Urbana
  • 13 Things To Do on the University of Illinois Campus This Summer
  • Champaign-Urbana Area Swimming Pools
  • Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Reading Programs
  • Summer Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
  • Where to Watch Free and Cheap Outdoor Movies in Champaign-Urbana
  • Farmers Markets in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
  • Fishing Fun for Families in the Champaign-Urbana Area
  • Swim Teams in Champaign-Urbana
  • Outdoor Concerts in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
  • Season Pool Passes On Sale in Champaign-Urbana
  • Where to Take Swim Lessons in Champaign-Urbana
  • Champaign-Urbana Summer Camps for Kids

Click here for summer fun

Filed Under: Day Trips, Deals and Coupons, Educational Fun, Summer Activities, Travel Tagged With: Adler Planetarium, Art Institute, brookfield zoo, Chicago, Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Fed's Money Museum, chicago free museum, Chicago Free Museum Days, CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, Chicago museums, DuSable Museum, Field Museum, Garfield Park Conservatory, Glessner House, Illinois Holocaust Museum, lincoln park zoo, McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry, National Museum of Mexican Art, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Shedd Aquarium, summer, summer activities, Swedish American Museum

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