Chicago museum and aquarium free days — Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and more
Chicago - Chicago's iconic museums and attractions are beloved by both tourists and locals. Many of these institutions, such as Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and The Field Museum, offer free admission days throughout the month. If you're looking for free things to do in Chicago, here's what to check out.
Shedd Aquarium
(Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez)
Illinois Resident Free Day
On Illinois Resident Free days, residents gain free access to the aquarium and all exhibits. Visitors can purchase the 4-D Experience pass for $4.95. Proof of residency required to receive the offer. Visit the website for dates.
Museum for All
Patrons receiving SNAP benefits can visit the aquarium for free daily with their EBT card. Four tickets can be reserved per order.
Educators
Teachers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin can reserve a free ticket online. The 4-D Experience is not included.
First Responders
Chicago police officers and firefighters can receive free admission on-site with ID. The 4-D experience is not included.
Active-duty Military
Active-duty military receive free general admission year-round. Family members and dependents are not included.
The Field Museum
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Visitors arrive at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago 27 April, 2005. Some of the museum's prized exhibits include: Sue, billed as the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil skeleton to date, a large ta
Illinois Resident Free Day
On Illinois Resident Free days, residents gain free access to the museum with proof of residency. Online reservations recommended. Visit the website for more information.
Educators
Illinois K-12 teachers receive free basic admission for in-person ticket purchase only.
Military
Active-duty personnel and veterans with valid ID receive free basic admission for in-person ticket purchase only. Family members also receive discounted tickets.
Chicago History Museum
'City On Fire: Chicago 1871' exhibition in the Chicago History Museum in Chicago, United States, on October 18, 2022. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Holidays
Illinois residents receive free admission on commemorative days including but not limited to, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day and Fourth of July.
Illinois Resident Free Day
Illinois residents can visit the museum for free on select days throughout the year. Visit the Chicago History Museum’s website for details.
Adler Planetarium
Illinois Resident Free Day
Wednesday evenings from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Illinois residents with proof of residency can experience the planetarium free of charge with proof of residency. Tickets must be purchased online.
Bank of America Members
Cardholders receive one complimentary ticket the first weekend of each month. Visit the website for more details.
Museum of Science and Industry
CHICAGO - SEPT 07: A back view of The Museum Of Science And Industry in Chicago, Illinois on SEPT 07, 2011. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Getty Images )
Illinois Resident Free Day
On Illinois Resident Free days, residents gain free access to the museum with proof of residency. Online reservations recommended. Visit the website for more information.
Military
Active-duty personnel and veterans with valid ID receive free basic admission.
Educators
Illinois Pre- K-12 teachers receive free basic admission for in-person and online reservations.
First Responders
Chicago police officers and firefighters receive free admission for in-person and online reservations.
Illinois Schools
Groups representing a school receive free admission. Visit the website for entry request information.
Museum for All
Patrons receiving SNAP benefits can visit the museum for free daily with their EBT card.
Art Institute of Chicago
View of the Art Institute of Chicago building in Chicago, United States on October 17, 2022. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Illinois Resident Free Days
On Illinois Resident Free days, residents gain free access to the museum with proof of residency. Online reservations recommended. Visit the website for more information.
Educators
Illinois Pre- K-12 teachers receive free basic admission for in-person and online reservations.
Military
Active-duty personnel, veterans and family members with valid ID receive free basic admission for in-person ticket purchase only.
Museum for All
Patrons receiving SNAP, WIC and LINK benefits can visit the museum for free daily with their card and photo ID.
Students
With a valid ID, students of colleges and universities receive free admission. Visit the website for list of partnering universities and colleges.