Chicago Free Museum Days (2025 Calendar)

On select Wednesdays throughout the summer, Blackberry Farm offers free admission for Illinois residents. Experience pioneer life at this living history museum offering plenty of hands-on fun and active learning.

The Farm is extra busy on their free days, so expect to wait in longer lines than usual. They also reserve the right to refuse admittance when park attendance reaches capacity. Free admission includes access to the Discovery Barn, Adventure Playground, Historical Sites and Little Farmer's Junction. Ride passes for access to park attractions including train, wagon, carousel, pony rides, and paddle boats are available for $4/person.

Illinois residents receive free museum entry at MSI on select dates throughout the year. This incredible science museum in Hyde Park has so many fun and interactive exhibits across a wide range of scientific fields; from watching baby chicks hatch to seeing a tornado form, kids will love learning at MSI! Special experiences are not included but can be added in for a fee. Active military, veterans, Illinois teachers, and first responders are always free, as well as individuals and families with an EBT or WIC card, and Illinois school groups on registered field trips - including home school families!

Free Days for IL residents

Illinois residents enjoy free admission to the Shedd Aquarium on select nights throughout the year, from 5pm to 9pm. Illinois Resident Free Hours include access to all open animal and permanent exhibits, and the seasonal Stingray Touch. Online reservations are available for a $5 convenience fee, and guests can also reserve tickets without a fee by calling 312-939-2438. Walk ups are also an option, though free entry reservations are subject to availability and sell out quickly, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

Free Hours for IL residents

Free days at the Chicago History Museum are offered at different times throughout the year for Illinois residents, and every day for Illinois residents 18 and under! Immerse yourself in the history of our great city at this engaging museum, where kids who love trains will enjoy stepping inside an old L train car, or pretending to be a steam train conductor in the interactive engine car. The Museum also offers free and discounted admission to groups including Illinois teachers, non-Illinois residents 12 and under, veterans, active military, police and firefighters.

Always free for IL residents 18 & under

All guests can enjoy free days at the Brookfield Zoo on select days in January and February, so bundle up and get ready to enjoy the wonderful animal habitats and exhibits at this excellent Chicagoland zoo. A parking fee still applies on free admission days.

Free Days Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays (Jan & Feb)

Illinois residents can visit the Art Institute free of charge during Free Thursday Evenings, June 5-September 25, 5pm-8pm. Kids under 14 and Chicago teens under 18 are always free.

Free Thursday Evenings, 5pm-8pm