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)
Chicago Public Library's Teacher in the Library program offers free homework help from teachers. Drop in at branches across the city (schedules vary, and some offer help in other languages, such as Mandarin and Cantonese at Chinatown), or join virtual sessions Monday–Thursday, 5–7pm. It runs during the school year and breaks when Chicago public schools are closed.
Verified Oct 27 · chipublib.org
Catch: Online sessions: register through the library's event system
The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum at UIC is free. Open Tuesday–Friday 10am–4:50pm and Sunday noon–4:50pm; closed Monday and Saturday. Public tours run Tuesdays and Fridays at 2pm; reserve a spot on the museum's site.
Columbia College's Museum of Contemporary Photography on South Michigan Avenue is free for everyone. Open Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Thursdays until 8pm; closed Sundays and major holidays.
Open Mon and Wed–Sun 11am–5pm, Thursdays to 8pm (closed Tuesdays)
Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago teens under 18 get into the Art Institute free any day it's open, and children under 14 are always free. The museum is open 11am–5pm (Thursdays to 8pm) and closed Tuesdays. Teen general admission is otherwise $26.
Verified Oct 27 · artic.edu
Catch: Chicago residents under 18 only; bring proof of eligibility
The Chicago Fed's Money Museum on LaSalle Street is free and walk-in. Open Monday–Friday 10am–5pm except Federal Reserve holidays. Closed Nov 11 and Nov 26 (shorter hours Nov 9 and 18), and closed Dec 7, 2026 through mid-January 2027 for exhibit updates.
Verified Oct 27 · chicagofed.org
Catch: Visitors 18 and older must show a physical government-issued photo ID
Harold Washington Library Center, Maker Lab · Chicago
Chicago's first free public maker space, on the 3rd floor of Harold Washington Library Center, offers free introductory workshops and open shop time with 3D printers, laser cutters, Cricut cutters, sewing and knitting machines. Workshops are for ages 14 and up (10–13 with an adult); supplies are provided unless noted. Check the events calendar for open shop hours.
Verified Oct 27 · chipublib.org
Catch: Workshops: register ahead and arrive within 5 minutes or lose your seat · Ages 14+; up to two children 10–13 with an adult
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