Check out all the free museums you can go to this summer in Chicago! There are so many ways to stay active, see some really cool art and escape the searing Chicago heat this summer so check out our list.
BIG FIVE
Shedd Aquarium
June 17, 18, 24, 25
August 26-27
September 3, 4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30
Adler Planetarium
June 10-13
September 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
The Art Institute of Chicago
Every Thursday evening this summer from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. general admission is free for Illinois residents. Anyone under the age of 18 gets in for free too.
Field Museum
June 26-28
Museum of Science and Industry
August 26–28
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Charnley Persky House Museum
Free 45-minute tours at noon on Wednesdays this summer and year round.
Clarke House Museum
Free all year round and guided tours this summer on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
Children’s Museum at Navy Pier
Thursdays this summer from 5 to 8 p.m. are free as well as the first Sunday of every month. Kids under the age of 15 are free.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Completely free all summer long (but you have to pay $20 for parking your car…).
Chicago Cultural Center
Free entrance always this summer and free on-the-spot tours too.
Chicago History Museum
Every Tuesday this summer from 12:30 to 9 p.m. admission is free except on January 2, January 9, December 18 and December 25. Other free days include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, March 4 and July 4.
If you’re a member of the museum, or a member at DuSable Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art or the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture you can get in for free. As a member of the US Armed Services, Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department or Illinois teachers, free admission is given too.
DePaul Art Museum
Free for anyone all summer long.
DuSable Museum of African American History
Every Tuesday admission is free this summer for everyone. Military personnel also receive free admission.
National Hellenic Museum
Bank of America cardholders receive one free admission on the first full weekend of every month this summer.
National Museum of Mexican Art
Free admission everyday this summer for anyone.
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Free admission and parking this summer.
National Veterans Art Museum
Free admission year round for everyone.
Swedish American Museum
Every second Tuesday of the month thissummer is free all year. Members and kids under 1 get in for free.
Glessner House Museum
Admission is free on Wednesdays this summer .
International Museum of Surgical Science
Admission is waived for Illinois Residents on Tuesdays this summer.
Jane Addams Hull House Museum
Admission is free this summer for UIC faculty, students, and staff.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Free entrance this summer and all year long.
Loyola University Museum of Public Art
Free all the time.
McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum
Every Sunday this summer is free while the museum is open from May to October. Children under 5 get in for free.
Museum of Contemporary Art
On Tuesdays this summer, admission is free for Illinois residents.
Museum of Contemporary Photography
Free admission for all.