Things To Do

The Morton Arboretum Events

http://www.mortonarb.org/

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Chicago Museums

Chicago’s museums are world-class, but all those bones, weather simulators and rides in Chicago’s first El train car don’t come cheap. Throw in parking, special exhibits, and the gift shop, and it adds up fast. But in the philanthropic spirit of our fine city, most museums offer free admission for Illinois residents on certain days. Here’s a complete calendar for the coming month. You’re on your own in the gift shop.

Free days can change at the last minute, so ALWAYS call first to confirm before heading out to the museums. And please note that these are for Illinois residents only in most cases.

Check out our complete guide to Chicagoland’s museums: Reviews, coming exhibits and tailored tours for little feet

 

Bank of America Free Days

Have a Bank of America card? Then on the first full weekend of each month present your card and get a free admission to The Art Institute of Chicago, the Adler Planetarium, the Chicago History Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium. One per cardholder, so it won’t be free for the entire family (unless each of your children have a B of A credit card), but a free adult admission is nothing to sneeze at.

Check out Bank of America website.

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Adler Planetarium

1300 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago (312) 922-STAR (7827)

See all exhibits and special events at the Adler Planetarium

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Art Institute of Chicago

Free for all Illinois residents from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. Kids 13 and under are always free.

159 E. Monroe Chicago (312) 443-3600 See all exhibits and special events at the Art Institute of Chicago

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Chicago Children’s Museum

Free 5-8 p.m. every Thursday and the first Sunday of every month for kids 15 and under. Always free to children under 1.

Print a coupon for $1.00 off admissions

700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier Chicago (312) 527-1000

See all exhibits and special events at the Chicago Children’s Museum

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Chicago History Museum

Free for 2014:

July 4

August 10, 19-21, 26-28

September: Every Tuesday-Thursday of the month

October 1-2, 7-9

1601 North Clark St. Chicago (312) 642-4600 See all exhibits and special events at the Chicago History Museum

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Field Museum

Field offers free days throughout the year. Check fieldmuseum.org for dates.

1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago (312) 922-9410 See all exhibits and special events at the Field Museum

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Museum of Contemporary Art

Always free Tuesdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; children 12 and under are free every day. The second Saturday of the month, families with kids 12 and under get free admission for the monthly Family Day events.

220 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago (312) 280-2660 See all exhibits and special events at the Museum of Contemporary Art

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Museum of Science and Industry

General Admission is FREE for Illinois residents weekdays in January, starting Jan. 6, 2014. The Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. these days.

January 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31
February 4, 11, 18, 25. Free all month for kids 3-11, up to four kids with 1 paying adult.
March 10
May 5
June 1-6
September 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29
October 6, 7
November 3
December 8

5700 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago (773) 684-1414 See all exhibits and special events at the Museum of Science and Industry

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John G. Shedd Aquarium

2014 Illinois Resident Discount Days
Always free: The first full weekend of every month (Bank of America weekend, see below)

Bank of America Weekend:

On the first full weekend of the month, present your Bank of America/Merrill Lynch ATM, credit or debit card, along with photo ID, and receive one free mini-pass admission, valid for the cardholder only. This offer is not valid during special events or for admission to the 4-D theater. Upgrade your ticket to include the Abbott Oceanrium for an additional $6.95.

1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago (312) 939-2438 See all exhibits and special events at the John G. Shedd Aquarium

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Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Thursdays are free for Illinois residents. Children under 3 are free every day.

2430 N. Cannon Drive Chicago (773) 755-5100 See all exhibits and special events at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

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DuSable Museum of African American History

The museum is free on Sundays and offers discounts to Chicago residents all other days. Admission and pricing

740 E. 56th Place Chicago (773) 947-0600 See all exhibits and special events at the DuSable Museum of African American History

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Fischer Farm

Free: Wednesday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. free tours of the farmhouse and grounds are offered.

16W680 Old Grand Ave. Bensenville (630) 766-7015 See all exhibits and special events at the Fischer Farm

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Elmhurst Historical Museum Free Days

Free admission: Always free.

120 E. Park Ave. Elmhurst (630) 833-1457 See all exhibits and special events at the Elmhurst Historical Museum

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McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

November 15, 2013 – March 9, 2014

mpicerink650Located in Chicago’s Millennium Park, on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets, the rink is free and open to the public. Skate rental is available for $10.