Chicago has some amazing museums so why not spend summer break exploring all that they have to offer? Admission can get expensive, so here’s a list of days that local museums, zoos, and gardens offer free admission. Please keep in mind that most free days only apply to Illinois residents with valid identification and only apply to general admission, not special exhibits or events.
To help you plan for summer vacation, go to http://toddlingaroundchicagoland.com/2015/06/free-chicago-museum-days-summer-2015-and-free-printable-calendar/ and download a free printable calendar with all the free museum days on it!
Adler Planetarium – June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, & 12
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool – Free daily
Art Institute of Chicago – Every Thursday evening from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Brookfield Zoo – No free days in until October
Cantigny Park – Free admission daily; $5 parking ($2 parking after 4:00 pm)
Chicago Botanic Garden – Free admission daily; $25 parking on weekdays, $30 on weekends
Chicago Children’s Museum – Every Thursday evening from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Chicago History Museum – July 4, August 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, & 31, September 1, 2, 3
Cosley Zoo – Free daily for all Wheaton Park District residents and for children 17 and under
DuSable Museum of African American History – Every Sunday
Field Museum – June 4, 5, & 8, August 11, 12, & 13, September 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, & 20
Garfield Park Conservatory – Free daily
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden (Rockford) – First Tuesday of each month (although donations are appreciated)
Lincoln Park Conservatory – Free daily
Lincoln Park Zoo – Free daily
Morton Arboretum – Discounted admission on Wednesdays
Museum of Contemporary Art – Tuesdays
Museum of Science & Industry – June 1-5 & 8, September 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, & 30
National Museum of Mexican Art – Free admission daily
Oak Park Conservatory – Free admission daily; donations are accepted ($2 per person is recommended)
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – Thursdays are free, but donations are suggested
Shedd Aquarium – June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, & 16, September 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29
Swedish American Museum – Second Tuesday of every month
Chicago Public Library branches have passes to several different museums through the Kids Museum Passports that Chicago residents can check out for free. Residents of many suburbs can get free admission with the Museum Adventure Pass at their local library.