54 free things to do and get in Chicago and around the Chicago area, including 41 attractions, 8 kids & family, 2 classes & fitness.
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Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm (first Wednesday to 8pm)
National Museum of Mexican ArtChicago
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen is free every day it's open. Hours are Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm, and it stays open until 8pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Verified Oct 27 · nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
No catch
Online Monday–Thursday, 5–7pm; branch hours vary
Chicago Public Library (branches and online)
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
Wednesday–Sunday 10am–5pm; Tuesdays to 9pm
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
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)
Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Thursdays to 8pm
Museum of Contemporary PhotographyChicago
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.
Verified Oct 27 · mocp.org
No catch
Tuesdays, 5–9pm
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
The MCA is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays from 5 to 9pm, when the museum stays open late. Adult admission is otherwise $19 for Chicago residents and $22 for everyone else.
Verified Oct 27 · mcachicago.org
Catch: Illinois residents only
Wednesdays, 12:15–1pm
Seventeenth Church of Christ, ScientistChicago
The International Music Foundation's Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts are free weekly classical performances on Wednesdays from 12:15 to 1pm, now held at Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist on Wacker Drive.
Verified Oct 27 · classicalmusicchicago.org
No catch
Tuesday–Sunday 10am–4:30pm
Smart Museum of ArtChicago
The University of Chicago's art museum in Hyde Park is free and open to the public. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–4:30pm; closed Mondays.
Verified Oct 27 · smartmuseum.uchicago.edu
No catch
Open Mon and Wed–Sun 11am–5pm, Thursdays to 8pm (closed Tuesdays)
Art Institute of Chicago
LINK and WIC cardholders get free admission to the Art Institute every day it's open. Illinois educators also get in free. Adult general admission is otherwise $32.
Verified Oct 27 · artic.edu
Catch: Show a LINK or WIC card · Page doesn't say how many guests each card covers
Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm
Four Rivers Environmental Education CenterChicago
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is a Forest Preserve District of Will County visitor center with no admission charge, with hands-on exhibits and programs (most of them free). Open Wednesday–Sunday 10am–4pm.
Verified Oct 27 · reconnectwithnature.org
Catch: Some programs charge a fee; admission is free
Tuesday–Friday 10am–4:50pm; Sunday noon–4:50pm
Jane Addams Hull-House MuseumChicago
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.
Verified Oct 27 · hullhousemuseum.org
No catch
Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm
Hidden Oaks Nature CenterBolingbrook
Hidden Oaks Nature Center is a Forest Preserve District of Will County visitor center with no admission charge, with hands-on exhibits and programs (most of them free). Open Wednesday–Sunday 10am–4pm.
Verified Oct 27 · reconnectwithnature.org
Catch: Some programs charge a fee; admission is free
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am and 1:30pm
Chicago Cultural Center (Randolph St. entrance)
Volunteer Chicago Greeters lead free, hour-long walks of the Loop every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am and 1:30pm, no registration needed. Meet at the Welcome Desk at the Chicago Cultural Center's Randolph Street entrance.
Verified Oct 27 · choosechicago.com
No catch
Thursday–Tuesday, 9am–4pm (Oct–May)
Phillips Park ZooAurora
Aurora's Phillips Park Zoo is free, with wolves, elk, bald eagles, a reptile house and a visitor center showing mastodon bones found in the park. October through May it's open Thursday–Tuesday 9am–4pm and closed Wednesdays.
Verified Oct 27 · zoo.aurora.il.us
No catch
Thursdays and Fridays at 1:15pm
Chicago Cultural Center
Docents lead free tours of the Chicago Cultural Center, the 1897 former central library with its famous Tiffany dome, every Thursday and Friday at 1:15pm, year round.
Verified Oct 27 · chicago.gov
No catch
Monday and Thursday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
American Writers MuseumChicago
Children 12 and under get into the American Writers Museum on Michigan Avenue free. Adults pay $16. Open Monday and Thursday–Sunday, 10am–5pm; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Verified Oct 27 · americanwritersmuseum.org
Catch: Kids 12 and under only; adults pay $16
Mon, Nov 2 – Wed, Nov 4 · check hours
Peggy Notebaert Nature MuseumChicago
Illinois residents get free basic admission to the Nature Museum in Lincoln Park November 2–4, 2026, 10am–4pm. A $10 household donation is suggested but optional, and the Butterfly Haven costs extra. Adult admission is normally $15; dates can change, so check before you go.
Verified Oct 27 · naturemuseum.org
Catch: Illinois residents only · Basic admission only; Butterfly Haven costs extra
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360Chicago
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Illinois Holocaust Museum presents Experience360 is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
The Morton ArboretumChicago
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. The Morton Arboretum is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Adler PlanetariumChicago
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Adler Planetarium is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 · check hours
Art Institute of Chicago
Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Art Institute of Chicago is on Bank of America's official Museums on Us participant list. Eligibility: Bank of America cardholders. Check the program's eligibility and terms page before you go: the partner page says some venues adjust their admission procedures.
Verified Oct 27 · about.bankofamerica.com
Catch: Bank of America cardholders only · General admission only; check the venue's Museums on Us terms first
Any day
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Chicago Public Library cardholders can reserve an Explore More Illinois pass good for four general admission tickets to Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Some suburban library cardholders can check out a Museum Adventure Pass for two instead. Parking isn't included.
Verified Oct 27 · brookfieldzoo.org
Catch: Chicago Public Library card holder, 18 or older, with a physical card · Reserve a dated pass ahead; valid only on that date
Any day
Chicago Public Library (all locations)
Adult Chicago residents can check out a Kids Museum Passport at any Chicago Public Library location. It gives free admission for a family group (up to two adults with at least one child under 18) at 15 Chicago cultural institutions, including the Chicago Botanic Garden (where a parking fee applies).
Verified Oct 27 · chipublib.org
Catch: Adult Chicago residents check it out at a CPL location · Group must include a child under 18; up to two adults
Any day
Chicago Greeter
Book a free visit with a volunteer Chicago Greeter who shows you a neighborhood or theme you choose. Groups of up to six guests. Register ahead on the Chicago Greeter site.
Verified Oct 27 · choosechicago.com
Catch: Register in advance · Up to six guests per visit
Third Thursday of each month, 5–8pm
Art Institute of Chicago
Illinois residents get free general admission to the Art Institute on the third Thursday of each month from 5 to 8pm. Bring proof of Illinois residence such as an ID, lease or a bill. Adult general admission is normally $32.
Verified Oct 27 · artic.edu
Catch: Illinois residents only: bring proof of residence (ID, lease, bill or mail)
Any day
Peggy Notebaert Nature MuseumChicago
With an Explore More Illinois or Chicago Public Library digital pass, two people get free admission to the Nature Museum, up to four times a year. Adult admission is normally $15.
Verified Oct 27 · naturemuseum.org
Catch: Library card holder: reserve a dated digital pass · Two people per pass; up to four uses a year
Any day
Chicago Botanic Garden
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
Any day
Obama Presidential CenterChicago
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
Tuesdays, 10am–5pm (last entry 3:15pm)
Obama Presidential CenterChicago
Every Tuesday, Illinois residents can visit the Obama Presidential Center Museum for free. Book a timed Tuesday slot online with Illinois Resident tickets and your Illinois ZIP code; there are no tickets at the door. Bring photo ID or proof of residency. New dates are released on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am, about six months ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · obama.org
Catch: Illinois residents only: show a photo ID, Illinois license, state ID or city ID · Book a timed ticket online ahead; none sold at the door
Open daily, 8am–5pm (buildings 10am–4:30pm)
Lincoln Park ZooChicago
Lincoln Park Zoo is free to visit 365 days a year, with no reservation needed. Grounds are open 8am–5pm and animal buildings 10am–4:30pm. Paid extras like rides, penguin encounters and guided tours cost extra, and parking is $35–45 a day (first half hour free).
Verified Oct 27 · lpzoo.org
No catch
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am, Memorial Day–Labor Day
Chicago Riverwalk (Vietnam Veterans Memorial)
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, volunteer Chicago Greeters lead free, hour-long walks along the Chicago Riverwalk at 11:30am every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Verified Oct 27 · choosechicago.com
No catch
Any day
Greater Chicago Food Depository partner pantries
The Greater Chicago Food Depository's map finds free groceries and hot meals near you across Cook County, with filters for sites open today. You don't need ID for service, and pantries serve anyone. Some programs are only for seniors (60+) or children, some partners may ask for ID or limit monthly visits, so call ahead.
Verified Oct 27 · chicagosfoodbank.org
Catch: Some partners may ask for ID, check residence or limit monthly visits · Some programs are only for seniors (60+) or children
Any day
Adler PlanetariumChicago
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
Any day
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
SNAP recipients get up to four free general admission tickets to Brookfield Zoo Chicago by showing a SNAP EBT card and ID. P-EBT cards count only for the cardholder. Parking isn't included.
Verified Oct 27 · brookfieldzoo.org
Catch: Show a SNAP EBT card and ID · Up to four people (P-EBT: cardholder only)
Any day
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
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
Any day
Cosley ZooChicago
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
Any day
Harold Washington Library Center, Maker LabChicago
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
Any day
Peggy Notebaert Nature MuseumChicago
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
Open daily, 10am–5pm (closed holidays)
Chicago Cultural Center
The city's landmark Chicago Cultural Center is free to enter, with free exhibitions, the Tiffany dome in Preston Bradley Hall, and free music, dance, film and family events throughout the year. Open daily 10am–5pm except holidays; no tickets needed.
Verified Oct 27 · chicago.gov
No catch
Open daily, 9am–4pm (to 9pm late Nov–Dec 23)
Cosley ZooChicago
Children from birth to age 11 get into Wheaton's Cosley Zoo free. Adults pay $12 unless they're Wheaton Park District residents with a Universal Resident ID (free). From Nov 1 to the day before Thanksgiving it's open 9am–4pm daily, with extended hours to 9pm from the day after Thanksgiving to Dec 23.
Verified Oct 27 · cosleyzoo.org
Catch: Kids 11 and under only; adults pay $12 unless Wheaton Park District residents
By appointment: request a mentor online
SCORE Chicago
SCORE pairs small business owners and people starting a business with volunteer mentors, free for as many sessions as you need, in person through a local chapter or by video. SCORE Chicago is SCORE's local chapter. Eligibility: Anyone starting or running a small business.
Verified Oct 27 · score.org
Catch: For small business owners and would-be owners · Mentoring is free; some SCORE workshops and courses charge a fee
