Chicago Free Museum Days (2024 Calendar)

Free admission days at the Chicago Botanic Garden are offered several times throughout the year for Illinois residents. Preregister online up to two months in advance. There's always something in bloom, so this is a fun family outing any time of year. Parking fees still apply.

MCA free days are every Tuesday for Illinois residents, and every day for kids and teens 18 and under. Illinois elementary and high school teachers are also free every day, along with visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, and active members of the police, fire department, military and veterans. Even with these generous discounts, MCA believes that art should be accessible to everyone, and will not turn anyone away if they are unable to pay the suggested admission fees any day.

Wednesdays are free days at The DuSable, the country's oldest independent African American museum, with exhibits, programs and activities featuring African and African American history, culture and art. Military and first responders enjoy free admission every day.

Kristy Pepping:  Kids will love learning about space at the Adler Planetarium, where Illinois residents enjoy free museum entry every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm. Free days includes access to all of the Adler's world-class collections and interactive exhibits. Sky shows can be added on for a fee, including a Museum Entry+2 pass at a discounted price. Tickets must be reserved online, and Illinois residency will be verified during the checkout process.

Shila:  Wednesdays are free days at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, a small art museum displaying gemstone treasures, unique rocks, minerals, fossils, antiques, and more related earth science exhibits. Walk-ins are welcome but you can also reserve your spot online. Kids age six and under are always free. Be sure to check out the museum shop for sparkly souvenirs!

Wednesdays are free days at the Field Museum for Illinois residents. Tickets for Free Days are only available onsite and cannot be reserved in advance. Be prepared to show proof of residency - a list of acceptable documentation is available on the Museum's website.

Illinois residents enjoy free admission to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum every Thursday for their weekly Donation Days, and can also choose to support the museum with a $10 suggested household donation at the time of admission. This is a wonderful, accessible and affordable family destination for exploring conservation-based exhibits anytime of year, with lots of interactive, hands-on learning opportunities, a small indoor playground and frequent family-friendly events.

The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago is located in a 1916 firehouse, and while small in size, it is filled with the history of firefighting in Chicago. Items on display range from old photographs and artifacts to lovingly restored antique fire engines. They offer an open house to the public, with free admission, every fourth Saturday of the month (except December).

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian offers periodic free days announced on its website, typically once a month. Learn about the history, culture, and arts of the American Indian and First Nation peoples of the USA and Canada, with interactive activities and crafts for kids in most exhibits.

Enjoy free admission to the Joliet Area Historical Museum several days throughout the year, where the family can enjoy exhibits showcasing classic Route 66 memorabilia and a step-in Lunar Lander Simulator. This state-of-the-art Apollo Exhibit, a favorite for kids, celebrates the historic 1969 moon landing and honors former Joliet resident, Dr. John C. Houbolt.

The Museums at Lisle Station Park provide visitors the opportunity to learn about the heritage and culture of 19th century Northern Illinois. Schedule a tour and check out an old railroad caboose, the depot station, the old tavern, blacksmith shop and farmhouse. Adults can attend workshops to learn about blacksmithing, and there is free family friendly programming throughout the year.

The National Museum of Mexican Art offers free admission every day it is open, so your family can immerse yourselves in the richness of Mexican art and culture right here in Chicago. They showcase 3,000 years of creativity from both sides of the border, with regular opportunities for children and family programming. Their Día de los Muertos celebration is especially worth checking out!

University of Chicago's Smart Museum of Art is dedicated to the examination of complex issues through the lens of art, and is always free to the public. Free family programs with drop-in art activities are offered each month.

Cosley Zoo is always free for Wheaton residents and all children under 18. This local zoo showcases mostly farm animals and native Illinois wildlife, and visitors will enjoy seeing white-tailed deer, red foxes, bobcats, coyotes, llamas, horses and more in natural habitats kept by the zoo. Regular family programming, such as helping to care for the animals or observing a coyote training session, are also available for an additional fee.

Open daily and always free since it was first established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids for those who live here as well as those who are visiting. Parking fees do apply, though the zoo is also easily accessible via public transportation. Be sure to check out their website for a list of daily activities and educational animal experiences.