Fall in the city is gorgeous. Enjoy the sites, and take advantage of FREE admission at the museums! We’ve updated our list to include information on the new COVID precautions at each museum.
As always, days can change, and residency restrictions may apply to listed dates. Be sure to check the museum’s pages before heading out. Also, remember the other low-cost alternatives to visiting some of our area’s great museums, the Museum Adventure pass, is available free at your local library!
COVID-19 Statement: Experts have advised that the best thing for our community during the current Coronavirus pandemic is to reduce crowded gatherings. Please exercise caution when selecting outings. Ultimately it is your decision if you choose to go to public events and spaces. For the best and most up-to-date information on the outbreak locally, please visit the Lake County Health Department COVID-19 status page.
FREE Days at Chicago Museums
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | (312) 922-STAR (7827)
Currently closed to the public.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago | (312) 857-7161
Free admission Thursday evenings, 5:00-8:00 p.m. admission is always free for kids younger than 13. At the Ryan Education Center (enter through the Modern Wing entrance at 159 East Monroe Street), admission is always free!
New Procedures: Face masks and advance tickets required. Read full safety procedures.
Should you go? Read: Taking Kids to the Art Institute
Chicago Children’s Museum
700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, | (312) 527-1000
Currently closed to the public.
Dunn Museum
1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 | (847) 968-3400
Tuesdays are Discount Days – Children younger than 17 are free (with an adult), and adults are only $3! Take a look at this brand new museum in our review.
New Procedures: Occupancy is limited, and you must pre-reserve tickets online. Visitors must wear a mask. Read the full guidelines online.
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | (312) 922-9410
Free Admission Days: There are no free admission days for the remainder of 2020.
Illinois residents can enjoy free basic admission on Field Museum Discount Days. On these Discount Days, Illinois residents may upgrade to a Discovery Pass for $11, or upgrade to an All-Access Pass for $18. Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12) and active military personnel receive free basic admission.
New Procedures: Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2. You must pre-purchase tickets for a timed entry. Find the full procedures on their website.
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago | (312) 280-2660
Free admission: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Tuesdays. Always free for kids 12 and younger.
New Procedures: Advance tickets must be purchased, masks must be worn. Full safety details are on the website.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | (773) 684-1414
Free General Admission: September 16-17, 23-24, 30
Homeschoolers get free admission anytime.
New Procedures: Tickets must be reserved online before coming to the museum. Face masks are required by all those over the age of two. You will be given a disposable stylus to use on any touch screens. Full details.
Notebart Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago | (773) 755-5100
Currently closed to the public.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago | (312) 939-2438
Free Admission: Free admission (with advance registration) every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in October.
Learn about Shedd’s commitment to animal rescue and rehabilitation.
New Procedures: Advance tickets are required and all visitors must wear a mask. Learn more and plan your visit.
Round Lake Children’s Neighborhood Museum
814 Hart Rd., Round Lake | (847) 546-8558
Currently closed to the public.
Wildlife Discovery Center
1401 Middlefork Drive (Elawa Farm), Lake Forest
Outdoor exhibits are open with a one-way path experience. Indoor facilities, including restrooms, are currently closed to the public. Read why it’s a Little Lake County favorite.
Which museum will you be visiting this winter?
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