Chicago’s Most Popular Museums Offering Free Days in 2026

If you're on the hunt for some family fun, and want to save some money while you're at it, take advantage of the free admission days some of Illinois' most popular attractions are offering in 2026.

Family Fun On a Budget

As a mom, I am constantly juggling my daughters' school and sport schedules, but occasionally there's room to do something fun as a family.

Finding new places to go and experiences to enjoy are always on our radar, but our budget often finds a way to ruin our best laid plans. This is exactly why I love when popular attractions throughout Illinois announce free admission days. Saving money on admission fees means we can splurge on more treats and extend the fun, and many of Illinois' most popular attractions have released lists of free admission days in 2026.

2026 Winter Free Admission Days At Popular Illinois Attractions

Living in Illinois means we are blessed with a LONG list of family-friendly attractions to visit and enjoy all throughout the state, but here are five favorites you have to put on your must-visit list this year:

Art Institute of Chicago

From January 5 through February 28, 2026, Illinois residents can visit for free from 11 a.m. to closing. (5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Free tickets can be reserved in advance (resident zip code required), and kids 14 and under get free admission every day of the year.

Shedd Aquarium

In February, Shedd Aquarium is offering several free admission days to Illinois residents: February 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, and several free admission nights (5 to 9 p.m.) planned for this spring and summer:

• March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• April 7, 14, 21, 28
• May 5, 12, 19, 26
• June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Shedd Aquarium's free admission tickets always get scooped up quickly, so make sure to reserve yours now here.

Field Museum

Admission to the Field Museum is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday in 2026. Reserve tickets in advance here.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Illinois residents receive free admission to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on these days in 2026:

• Feb. 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26
• April 19
• June 4, 19

Free admission tickets for select days can be reserved here.

Adler Planetarium

Illinois Resident Discount Days at Adler Planetarium are:

• February: 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 23
• March: 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 25
• April: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Reserve tickets here, and make sure you keep checking back to see when more dates are added heading into the summer months.

No matter what attraction you choose to check out first, just remember, free doesn’t mean “empty,” so snag those reservations early and get ready to explore!