When Kids Get in Free at 30 Chicago Museums, Zoos, and Parks

Read, set, race at the Chicago Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Chicago's museums, zoos, and parks rank among the best in the country—and lucky for busy, cash-strapped parents, many museums, zoos, gardens, and cultural institutions offer FREE or reduced admission at least once a month. Plus, many of the "grown-up" museums let kids in for free year-round, such as the Art Institute of Chicago. And most of the big institutions, including the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum, host popular free days just for Illinois residents throughout the year.

It can be hard to keep track of when and where these freebies are available, so we've compiled a list of reduced or free admission days and times at favorite Chicago cultural spots. Read on to find out when you can go to these fabulous Chicago museums, for free.

Note: Some of these institutions typically have more free days, but due to limited capacity and closures over the past year, free days at some spots are on hold. All of these places have free admission for young children, residents, teachers, or military members, and we have outlined the current free admission policies below. We will continue to update this list as more free days are added! Some attractions below require masks, proof of vaccination, and/or reserved tickets even on free days. Please check the attraction website for Covid protocols.

1. Adler Planetarium - Reopening March 4th

Children under 3, K-12 teachers, and active-duty military are always free. Illinois residents are admitted free select free days throughout the year. Proof of residency is required. The Adler also participates in Museums For All, where any family that qualifies for state food assistance and has an EBT card may receive entry for up to eight people at $1 per guest.

2. American Writers Museum

Children under 12 are always free.

3. Art Institute of Chicago

Children under 14, Chicago teens aged 14-18, K-12 teachers, Link and WIC cardholders, and active-duty military are always free.

Kids Get in Free at Chicago Museums, Zoos, and Parks: Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo has more than 2,300 animals that kids can meet. (Some up close, and some... not so much!)

4. Brookfield Zoo

Children under 3 and military personnel are always free.

12. Field Museum

Children under 3, K-12 teachers, and active-duty military are always free. Illinois residents are admitted free on select days throughout the year. Proof of residency is required.

18. Lincoln Park Zoo

Admission is free for all year-round.

19. McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum - Reopening May 14th

Children under 5 are admitted for free.

Kids Get in Free at Chicago Museums, Zoos, and Parks: Museum of Contemporary Art

Families contribute to a giant friendship bracelet at an MCA Family Day. Photo by Grace Needlman

20. Museum of Contemporary Art

Children under 18, members of the military and police and fire departments, and veterans are always free. Illinois residents are admitted free every Tuesday. Proof of residency is required.

21. Museum of Contemporary Photography

Admission is free for all year-round.

22. Museum of Illusions

Admission is free for kids 4 and under.

23. Museum of Mexican Art

Admission is free for all year-round.

Museum of Science and Industry.

28. Shedd Aquarium

Children under 3 are always free. Chicago residents are admitted for 50% off throughout the year, and in addition, Illinois residents are admitted free on select days throughout the year. Proof of residency is required.