Free museum days in Chicago
Most big Chicago museums are free on set days for Illinois residents: bring an ID or a bill with your address. National Museum of Mexican Art and Lincoln Park Zoo are free for everyone every day. At the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, kids get in free on any day.
Below: who qualifies, the next free dates through spring 2027, hours, and each museum’s own page. We checked every one on October 28, 2026. Dates change, so confirm on the museum’s page before you go.
Free museum days in October and November
- Wed, Oct 28todayDuSable Black History Museum and Education Center · 10 am–5 pmField Museum · 9 am–5 pm
- Sun, Nov 1Chicago Children's Museum · 10 am–5 pm
- Mon, Nov 2Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum · 10 am–4 pm · through Wed, Nov 4
- Tue, Nov 3Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago · 5–9 pm
- Wed, Nov 4DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center · 10 am–5 pmField Museum · 9 am–5 pm · WTTW First Wednesday
- Mon, Nov 9Adler Planetarium · Illinois Resident Discount Days
- Tue, Nov 10Adler Planetarium · Illinois Resident Discount DaysMuseum of Contemporary Art Chicago · 5–9 pm
- Wed, Nov 11Art Institute of Chicago · 11 am–5 pmChicago History Museum · Illinois resident free daysDuSable Black History Museum and Education Center · 10 am–5 pmField Museum · 9 am–5 pm
- Mon, Nov 16Adler Planetarium · Illinois Resident Discount Days
- Tue, Nov 17Adler Planetarium · Illinois Resident Discount DaysMuseum of Contemporary Art Chicago · 5–9 pm
- Wed, Nov 18Adler Planetarium · Illinois Resident Discount DaysDuSable Black History Museum and Education Center · 10 am–5 pmField Museum · 9 am–5 pm
- Thu, Nov 19Art Institute of Chicago · 5–8 pmChicago History Museum · Illinois resident free days
- Tue, Nov 24Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago · 5–9 pm
- Wed, Nov 25DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center · 10 am–5 pmField Museum · 9 am–5 pm
- Mon, Nov 30Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum · 10 am–4 pm · through Wed, Dec 2
Every free day at a glance
| Place | When it’s free | Who | Next free day |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Museum of Mexican ArtPilsen | Always free | Everyone. | Every day it’s open |
| Lincoln Park ZooLincoln Park | Always free | Everyone, 365 days a year. | Every day it’s open |
| Garfield Park ConservatoryGarfield Park | Free for Chicago residents | City of Chicago residents, every day it is open (donations welcome). Others pay $10 for adults and $5 for kids 7–17. | Every day it’s open |
| Field MuseumMuseum Campus | Free Wednesdays | Illinois residents | Wed, Oct 28 |
| Art Institute of ChicagoGrant Park | Third Thursday of every month, 5–8 pm | Illinois residents | Wed, Nov 11 |
| Adler PlanetariumMuseum Campus | Illinois Resident Discount Days | Illinois residents with proof of residency (Illinois ID, an Illinois student ID, or a photo ID plus a bill or lease) | Mon, Nov 9 |
| Chicago History MuseumLincoln Park | Illinois resident free days | Illinois residents, with proof of residency | Wed, Nov 11 |
| Peggy Notebaert Nature MuseumLincoln Park | Illinois Resident Free Days | Illinois residents | Nov 2–4 |
| Museum of Contemporary Art ChicagoStreeterville | Every Tuesday, 5–9 pm | Illinois residents, Tuesdays 5–9 pm | Tue, Nov 3 |
| DuSable Black History Museum and Education CenterWashington Park | Every Wednesday | Listed under the museum's Illinois Free Days | Wed, Oct 28 |
| Chicago Children's MuseumNavy Pier | Kids Free Day | All kids 17 and under, with an adult | Sun, Nov 1 |
| Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryHyde Park | Illinois Free Days | Illinois residents with proof of residency | Not posted yet |
| Chicago Botanic GardenGlencoe | Free Admission Days | Illinois residents | Jan 4–10 |
| Brookfield Zoo ChicagoBrookfield | Winter free days | All guests | Not posted yet |
| Kohl Children's MuseumGlenview | No free days posted | The admission page lists no free days | None listed |
Each museum, zoo and garden
Always free
- Who
- Everyone.
- Hours
- Tue–Sun 10 am–5 pm; open until 8 pm on the first Wednesday of the month. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
- For kids
- Mexican art and culture in Pilsen. Parking in the museum lot is $4 an hour.
- Address
- 1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Source: National Museum of Mexican Art: Plan your visit · checked Oct 28
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln ParkAlways free
- Who
- Everyone, 365 days a year.
- Hours
- Gates open at 8 am; buildings at 10 am.
- For kids
- A free zoo in the middle of the city. Parking costs extra.
- Address
- 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Source: Lincoln Park Zoo: Hours & Location · checked Oct 28
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield ParkFree for Chicago residents
- Who
- City of Chicago residents, every day it is open (donations welcome). Others pay $10 for adults and $5 for kids 7–17.
- Hours
- Wed 10 am–8 pm; Thu–Sun 10 am–5 pm (last entry 4:15 pm); closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Tickets
- Ticketed entry. Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins get in when there is room. Give a Chicago ZIP code and show ID.
- For kids
- Indoor plant rooms year-round. The Children's Garden needs its own 30-minute reservation.
- Address
- 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
Source: Garfield Park Conservatory: Visit · checked Oct 28
Field Museum
Museum CampusFree Wednesdays
- Who
- Illinois residents. Bring proof of Illinois residency with your ticket.
- Next dates
- Wed, Oct 28, Wed, Nov 4 (WTTW First Wednesday), Wed, Nov 11, Wed, Nov 18, Wed, Nov 25, Wed, Dec 2 (WTTW First Wednesday), Wed, Dec 9, Wed, Dec 16, Wed, Dec 23, Wed, Dec 30, and 15 more through Wed, May 5.The museum lists every Wednesday through March 31, 2027 as free, then the first Wednesday of each month through August 2027.
- Free hours
- 9 am–5 pm
- Hours
- Daily 9 am–5 pm, last entry 4 pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Tickets
- Free-day tickets can be reserved online, which the museum strongly recommends. Some are also available at the door.
- Kids
- Children under 3 are free every day.
- For kids
- Dinosaurs, including SUE the T. rex, plus animal halls and ancient cultures. Special exhibitions cost extra.
- Address
- 1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Source: Field Museum: Illinois Free Wednesdays · checked Oct 28
Art Institute of Chicago
Grant ParkThird Thursday of every month, 5–8 pm
- Who
- Illinois residents. Reserve online; residency is checked by the billing ZIP code.
- Next dates
- Wed, Nov 11, Thu, Nov 19, Dec 2–18 (Weekdays. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.), Thu, Dec 17, Thu, Jan 21, Thu, Feb 18, Thu, Mar 18, Thu, Apr 15, Thu, May 20.Dates worked out from the museum’s regular schedule.Third Thursday evenings are the museum's standing pattern; the dates after December are worked out from it.
- Free hours
- 11 am–5 pm
- Hours
- Mon, Wed, Fri–Sun 11 am–5 pm; Thu 11 am–8 pm; closed Tuesdays. Members only 10–11 am.
- Tickets
- Reserve free tickets online in advance, or ask at the admissions desk on the day.
- Kids
- Kids under 14 are free every day, and so are Chicago teens under 18.
- For kids
- Since kids under 14 are always free, a free day mostly saves the adults' tickets.
- Address
- 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Source: Art Institute of Chicago: Free Admission Opportunities · checked Oct 28
Adler Planetarium
Museum CampusIllinois Resident Discount Days
- Who
- Illinois residents with proof of residency (Illinois ID, an Illinois student ID, or a photo ID plus a bill or lease). Use your ZIP code as the promo code online.
- Next dates
- Mon, Nov 9, Tue, Nov 10, Mon, Nov 16, Tue, Nov 17, Wed, Nov 18, Mon, Dec 7, Tue, Dec 8, Wed, Dec 9.2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Hours
- Fri–Mon 9 am–4 pm; Wed 4–10 pm (timed entry); Tue and Thu 11 am–4 pm. Last admission one hour before close.
- Tickets
- Reserve tickets online with your ZIP code as the promo code.
- For kids
- Space museum with planetarium shows. Shows can cost extra.
- Address
- 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Source: Adler Planetarium: Tickets and Illinois Resident Discount Days · checked Oct 28
Chicago History Museum
Lincoln ParkIllinois resident free days
- Who
- Illinois residents, with proof of residency.
- Next dates
- Wed, Nov 11, Thu, Nov 19.The museum also holds free days on holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents' Day. It has not posted its 2027 dates yet.
- Hours
- Tue–Sat 9:30 am–4:30 pm; Sun noon–5 pm; closed most Mondays.
- Kids
- Illinois residents 18 and under are free every day, and so are kids 12 and under from anywhere.
- For kids
- The city's history museum. Kids are already free, so a free day covers the adults.
- Address
- 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Source: Chicago History Museum: Hours, Admission, and Directions · checked Oct 28
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Lincoln ParkIllinois Resident Free Days
- Who
- Illinois residents. A $10 household donation is suggested but not required.
- Next dates
- Nov 2–4, Nov 30 – Dec 2, Dec 7–8.2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Free hours
- 10 am–4 pm
- Hours
- Daily 10 am–4 pm. Closed November 26 and December 25, 2026.
- Tickets
- Reserve free tickets online or get them at the front desk.
- Kids
- Babies under 12 months are free every day.
- For kids
- Nature and science exhibits for young kids. The Butterfly Haven costs $5 extra, also on free days.
- Address
- 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Source: Nature Museum: Plan Your Visit · checked Oct 28
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
StreetervilleEvery Tuesday, 5–9 pm
- Who
- Illinois residents, Tuesdays 5–9 pm.
- Next dates
- Tue, Nov 3, Tue, Nov 10, Tue, Nov 17, Tue, Nov 24, Tue, Dec 1, Tue, Dec 8, Tue, Dec 15, Tue, Dec 22, Tue, Dec 29, Tue, Jan 5, and 20 more through Tue, May 25.Dates worked out from the museum’s regular schedule.
- Free hours
- 5–9 pm
- Hours
- Tue 10 am–9 pm; Wed–Sun 10 am–5 pm; closed Mondays.
- Tickets
- The museum encourages buying tickets online in advance.
- Kids
- Everyone 18 and under is free every day.
- For kids
- Kids are always free here, so Tuesday evenings make the whole family free.
- Address
- 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Source: MCA Chicago: Admission & Hours · checked Oct 28
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Washington ParkEvery Wednesday
- Who
- Listed under the museum's Illinois Free Days. Timed entry and special exhibits are not included.
- Next dates
- Wed, Oct 28, Wed, Nov 4, Wed, Nov 11, Wed, Nov 18, Wed, Nov 25, Wed, Dec 2, Wed, Dec 9, Wed, Dec 16, Wed, Dec 23, Wed, Dec 30, and 21 more through Wed, May 26.Dates worked out from the museum’s regular schedule.
- Free hours
- 10 am–5 pm
- Hours
- Tue–Sun 10 am–5 pm, last admission 4:30 pm.
- Kids
- Kids 6 and under are free every day and don't need a ticket.
- For kids
- The nation's first museum devoted to African American history and culture.
- Address
- 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
Source: DuSable Museum: Plan your visit · checked Oct 28
Chicago Children's Museum
Navy PierKids Free Day
- Who
- All kids 17 and under, with an adult. No advance ticket needed.
- Next dates
- Sun, Nov 1.No other Kids Free Days are posted yet.
- Free hours
- 10 am–5 pm
- Hours
- Mon, Wed, Thu 10 am–2 pm; Fri–Sun 10 am–5 pm; closed Tuesdays. Last entry an hour before close.
- Kids
- Babies under 1 are free every day.
- For kids
- Hands-on play museum for young kids, with an art studio, tinkering lab and Pritzker Playspace.
- Address
- 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Source: Chicago Children's Museum: Kids Free Day · checked Oct 28
Illinois Free Days
- Who
- Illinois residents with proof of residency. Up to six children under 18 per adult. Dome films and special experiences cost extra.
- Next dates
- No upcoming free days posted.No Illinois Free Days are left in 2026. The museum says its 2027 dates will be announced soon.
- Hours
- Daily 9:30 am–4 pm, longer on some November days. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Tickets
- Get free-day tickets on the museum's ticket site by entering your ZIP code.
- For kids
- Hands-on science, the U-505 submarine and the coal mine (the tours cost extra).
- Address
- 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Source: Griffin MSI: Ticket Pricing and Illinois Free Days · checked Oct 28
Chicago Botanic Garden
GlencoeFree Admission Days
- Who
- Illinois residents. Parking fees still apply. Not valid during ticketed events such as Lightscape.
- Next dates
- Jan 4–10, Mon, Jan 18, Sun, Jan 31, Feb 1–5, Mon, Feb 15, Mar 15–18, Apr 5–9, Tue, May 4, Thu, May 6.The Garden has posted its 2027 free days; none are left in 2026.
- Free hours
- 10 am–5 pm
- Hours
- Daily 10 am–5 pm for the public (October 2026 hours).
- Tickets
- Tickets are required, and you can preregister up to two months ahead.
- For kids
- 385 acres of gardens with a Nature Play Garden for kids.
- Address
- 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
Source: Chicago Botanic Garden: Free Admission Opportunities · checked Oct 28
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
BrookfieldWinter free days
- Who
- All guests. Parking and attraction fees still apply.
- Next dates
- No upcoming free days posted.The 2026 free days (every day January 5 – February 28, except January 19 and February 16) are over. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Hours
- Daily 10 am–5 pm on weekdays, 10 am–6 pm on weekends. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Kids
- Kids 2 and under are free every day.
- For kids
- A large zoo west of the city. Parking is $17–$20.
- Address
- 31st St & Golfview Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
Source: Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Discounts and Free Days · checked Oct 28
Kohl Children's Museum
GlenviewNo free days posted
- Who
- The admission page lists no free days.
- Next dates
- No upcoming free days posted.
- Hours
- Sun–Mon 9:30 am–1 pm; Tue–Sat 9:30 am–4 pm.
- Kids
- Babies under 12 months are free.
- For kids
- Play museum for young children. SNAP and WIC cardholders pay $5 a person.
- Address
- 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026
Source: Kohl Children's Museum: Admission · checked Oct 28
Free with a library card or a bank card
Chicago Public Library museum passes (Explore More Illinois)
Chicago Public Library cardholders 18 and older can reserve free passes to museums, zoos and other places online, up to three at a time. The Art Institute, the Nature Museum and Brookfield Zoo all honor them. The Botanic Garden still calls it the Kids' Museum Passport: free admission for a family of four, parking extra.
Source: Chicago Public Library: Explore More Illinois · checked 2026-10-28
Bank of America Museums on Us
Bank of America and Merrill cardholders get one free general admission on the first full weekend of every month (next: Sat, Nov 7 and Sat, Dec 5 weekends). Near Chicago: Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Sundays only), Museum of Contemporary Art, Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360, The Morton Arboretum. It covers the cardholder only, not the whole family.
Shedd Aquarium's website doesn't answer our reader, so it isn't listed here. Check sheddaquarium.org for its Illinois resident free days.