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Summer Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums

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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 May through August of 2026.

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).
TIP: 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 2026 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. Wednesday tickets include entry to the museum at one of the designated entry times, 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. (last admission 9 p.m). You may enter anytime after your chosen entry time, and up to the next designated entry time. Must have proof of residency. 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 11 to Sept. 17, 2026. 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 6, 25
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: Wednesdays
Free Day tickets are available for Illinois residents every Wednesday. Advance online reservations strongly recommended. Tickets are also available onsite subject to availability. Present your proof of Illinois residency alongside your mobile ticket for express admission into the Museum. 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: first and third Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. 
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 George 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 p.m. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The Visitors Center opens at 12:30 p.m. No reservations are taken in advance.
Free day savings: $64

GRIFFIN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, Chicago
Free days: June 4, 19; Aug. 24, 25, 26, 27, 31
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, (temporarily in Chicago)
Free days: last Wednesday of the month
The Skokie museum is currently closed for renovations. Now open in downtown Chicago, Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360: A Panoramic View Through History and Time, a pop-up museum featuring the best of IHMEC’s unique and innovative exhibits. Here, you will learn about the Holocaust and other genocides through the stories of survivors, ‘converse’ with survivor Holograms, and experience the hope within humanity that shines in history’s darkest hours. Free day savings: $36

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, Chicago
Free days: Illinois residents are free on Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays, year round, from 5 to 9 p.m. 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

OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, Chicago
Free days: Tuesdays
Illinois residents receive free general admission to the Presidential Center Museum every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proof of residency required. Free day savings: $82

PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM, Chicago
Free days: June 1-3, June 22-24, July 20-22, Aug. 24-26
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. Please note, this free basic admission does not include the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven exhibit, but access can be purchased as an add-on ticket for $5 per person. Free day savings: $46

SHEDD AQUARIUM, Chicago
Free evenings: May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 2, 7, 14, 28
Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25

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). For those who prefer to plan ahead, online ticket reservations are available with a $5 convenience fee per order. Alternatively, you can reserve tickets by phone with no convenience fee by calling (312) 939-2438 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Free walk-up reservations; however, these are subject to availability and typically sell out quickly. Advance reservations are highly recommended due to the high demand for tickets. 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

NOT CURRENTLY OFFERING FREE DAYS

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:

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