Best Local: Free Museum Days

Knowledge is power! Enjoy these Chicago and suburban museum free days

Educate yourself and have fun doing so! From art to science and history, Chicago is home to a variety of museums featuring subjects for everyone. Take advantage of these free days at various Chicago and suburban locations!

A large stone sundial stands in front of a modern glass building and a domed observatory, under a clear blue sky. The setting appears open and spacious with concrete walkways.

Explore the galaxy at Adler Planetarium! Opening in 1930, Adler Planetarium was the first public planetarium in the western hemisphere. Today, the museum continues to educate the public on astronomy and space exploration with activities such as the Doane Observatory, solar system exhibit and the interactive planet explorers. Don’t miss the special Cosmic Wonders and Skywatch Live shows! Free through Jan. 29 and only a 15 minute bus ride on the 146 line from the AMLI 900 location.

Exterior of the John G. Shedd Aquarium with large columns, colorful banners advertising a Jellies exhibit, a sign near the entrance, and a blue awning over the steps under a partly cloudy sky.

Travel from the sky to the sea and visit the Shedd Aquarium! The aquarium features over 32,000 different aquatic and land animals with 7 unique exhibits. Dive deep into the depths of the ocean with interactive experience such as Stingray Touch and the Aquatic Show. Make sure to check out their current special exhibit Amphibians! Free through Jan. 26 and only a 13 minute bus ride on the 4 line from Vue20 location.

An adult holding a young child in front of a glass display case at a museum, both looking closely at ancient pottery while the adult points at the exhibit.

Learn more about the history of this beautiful city at the Chicago History Museum! Discover Chicago through a new point of view with engaging exhibits such as Chicago Authored, Lincoln’s Chicago and The Secret Lives of Objects. Sit in on an Urban History Seminar for a lively discussion on city culture! Free through Jan. 29 and only a 12 minute walk from The Belden Stratford.

Two people feed a giraffe leaves at an outdoor zoo or wildlife park, with trees and a bright blue sky in the background. One person smiles and wears sunglasses, while the other holds out the food to the giraffe.

Lions, tigers, bears, and, oh my, all at the Brookfield Zoo! The zoo includes these animals and many more, with exhibits such as Regenstein Wolf Woods, Pachyderm House, Australia House and Tropical World. Also, visit attractions such as Dolphins in Action and the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Free on the weekends, only a 15 minute drive from Elm Creek Apartments!