Fall Fun in Chicago: Free Days at the Best Museums

Get the entire family into a favorite Chicago attractions for free on specific days this fall

Love visiting museums? Love visiting museums for FREE? We’ve put together our list of special days when we know Chicago museums offer free admission this fall, from September through December of 2026. Hold onto your hats because there are a few great deals here!

Don’t worry if these fall free days don’t work. Plan ahead for the winter — January and February usually bring the most free day opportunities for Chicago museums.

Need to stretch the fall entertainment budget? Check out our 21+ ideas for Fall Fun on a Budget in C-U.

The days listed below are mostly free for Illinois residents. A valid Illinois proof of residency is required; 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 a family budget. (This is our “guesstimate” for institutions that have adopted fluctuating pricing — meaning admission fees vary according to expected attendance.) 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 EBT 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 a visit to Chicago — avoid parking charges and take the train.

Fall 2026 Free Museum Days in Chicago

Adler Planetarium

Free days: Sept. 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16

Admission is free for Illinois residents on the above listed days. 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 evenings: Sept. 3, 10, 17

Admission will be free for Illinois residents on Thursday evenings, 5-8 p.m., through Sept. 17, 2026. Admission is always free for children under 14, Chicago teens under 18. 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: $64

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

Free days: Wednesdays

Online booking in advance is suggested for all visitors. Free day savings: $39

Chicago History Museum

Free days: Sept. 7, 24

Illinois residents 18 and under are always free. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online. Free day savings: $38

Field Museum

Free days: Every Wednesday

Free day tickets are available for advanced reservation online; present proof of Illinois residency alongside mobile tickets 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 a trip. Free day savings: $98 (not a typo!)

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Free days: Sept. 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30; Oct. 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 18

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 (not a typo!)

McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum

This museum is only open seasonally (May-October). General admission is pay-what-you-can for all guests. No discounts apply to bridge lifts or tours; reservations required for both.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Free days: Tuesdays

Admission is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays, year round, 5-9 p.m. Must have proof of residency. Children 18 and under are free daily. More info here. Free day savings: $44

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Free days: Thursdays

For Illinois residents. Does not include the Butterfly Haven exhibit. Free tickets can be reserved online or in person. Free day savings: $46

Shedd Aquarium

Free evenings: Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27

On select days or 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: $152 (not a typo!)

Swedish American Museum

Free evening: Sept. 25

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
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
Obama Presidential Center Museum

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