Everyone 18 and under gets into the MCA free, any day it's open, through the Lefkofsky Free 18 & Under Fund. Illinois K–12 teachers with ID, veterans and active military, police and fire department members with ID, and visitors with disabilities and their caregivers are also free.
Verified Oct 27 · mcachicago.org
Catch: Age 18 and under (adults with them pay unless they qualify)
Some visitors get free admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden any regular day without an advance ticket: LINK and WIC cardholders and their household (parking included), active-duty military and family (parking included), Illinois educators (one per visit) and tribal members with ID. Not valid for Lightscape, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns or Orchids After Hours.
Verified Oct 27 · chicagobotanic.org
Catch: Show a LINK/WIC card, military ID, educator ID or tribal ID at the gatehouse · Not valid during Lightscape, Jack-o'-Lanterns or Orchids After Hours
The Obama Presidential Center Museum gives a free ticket to active-duty military, U.S. veterans, active Chicago first responders and Illinois PreK–12 educators. Families receiving food assistance get up to four free tickets with an EBT or WIC card, from any state. Request tickets by email at least 72 hours ahead; adult admission is otherwise $30.
Verified Oct 27 · obama.org
Catch: Email tickets@obama.org at least 72 hours ahead with your date and time · Military, veterans, first responders (Chicago only) and educators (Illinois PreK–12): one free ticket, show ID · EBT or WIC: up to four tickets, show card and photo ID
Active-duty, National Guard and reserve members, veterans and their families get up to five complimentary Museum Entry admissions at the Adler Planetarium. Show ID or proof of service at the box office. Not valid on Wednesday nights.
Verified Oct 27 · adlerplanetarium.org
Catch: Show military ID or proof of service · Up to five admissions; reserve on the website first · Not valid on Wednesday nights
Active-duty, reservist and veteran military personnel get free admission to Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Show a military ID at an admission booth. Parking and attraction fees still apply.
Verified Oct 27 · brookfieldzoo.org
Catch: Show a military ID · Covers the service member; page doesn't say family is included
Gold Star Family members get into Wheaton's Cosley Zoo free, plus one additional adult, by showing an Illinois driver's license or ID with the Gold Star emblem. Kids 11 and under are always free.
Verified Oct 27 · cosleyzoo.org
Catch: Show an Illinois driver's license or ID with the Gold Star emblem
Illinois teachers who show a school ID get in free, active-duty service members with ID and their families are free year-round, and so are veterans and retired service members with ID. Gold Star families with the designation on an Illinois ID or license get in free too. Adult admission is otherwise $15.
Verified Oct 27 · naturemuseum.org
Catch: Teachers: show a school ID; free for the teacher only · Military and veterans: show ID · Gold Star families: Illinois ID or license with the Gold Star designation
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