Free Museum Days

Free Museum Days

Discover these upcoming free museum days, but note that this list may not be comprehensive, and some museums may have new hours or ticketing procedures. To ensure accurate information, visit the museum's website before planning your trip to an activity, museum, or garden.

Kohl Children's Museum
Address: 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026
Free Museum Days: Free admission from 1 – 4 PM on Wednesdays
How to Redeem: Must show proof of Glenview residency at check-in

The Adler Planetarium
Address: 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Free Museum Days: Wednesdays 4-10pm
How to Redeem: Free for all Illinois residents - must show proof of residency. All tickets must be purchased online and in advance. All sales are final.

The Art Institute of ChicagoKids under 14 are always free!
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Free Museum Days: Thursday evenings, 5:00-8:00pm, June 5-September 25, 2025
How to Redeem: Free for all Illinois residents - must show proof of residency—recommended to reserve free tickets in advance online. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in advance, please stop by the admissions desks on the day of your visit for assistance.

Cantigny Park
Address: 1S151 Winfield Road Wheaton, IL 60189
Free Museum Days: Free admission on the first Wednesday of every month (July 2, August 6)

Chicago Botanic Garden
Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022
Free Garden Days: Must reserve online

  • June 2025: 10, 12, 19
  • July 2025: 8, 10
  • August 2025: 5, 7

The DuSable Museum of African American History - Illinois Public School Students (K-12 Grade) are always free!
Address: 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
Free Museum Days: Wednesday
How to Redeem: Recommended to reserve free tickets in advance online.

The Field Museum
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Free Museum Days: Wednesdays in June and July for Illinois Residents!
How to Redeem: Tickets can be reserved online in advance. Please present your proof of Illinois residency alongside your mobile tickets. Limited tickets will also be available at the museum on these days

The Museum of Science and Industry
Address: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Free Museum Days:

  • June 2025: 12, 19
  • August 2025: 18, 19, 25, 26

The Shedd Aquarium
Address: 1200 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Free Museum Days: 

  • June 2025: 3, 10, 17, 24

How to Redeem: Please note that there is a $5 convenience fee per order for Free Hours reservations made online. However, you can reserve tickets by phone with no convenience fee by calling 312-939-2438.

These Chicago museums offer free admission to everyone all year long: