Chicago museums are going all out with free days for Illinois residents for the month of February: The Field Museum is free for the entire month, the Shedd Aquarium is free every weekday and the Museum of Science and Industry is free for more than half the month.
Chicago museums offer free days throughout the year, but they often have the most in February — a convenient option during a month when tourism numbers are among the lowest, winter can sometimes seem the cruelest and locals get cabin fever.
The Field Museum has offered Illinois residents free admission for the entire month of February since 2015, and it’s doing the same for 2020. Tickets can’t be purchased in advance; residents must bring an ID or other proof of residency to the museum to get admission.
The Shedd Aquarium is offering a deal almost as good: Every weekday in February is free for Illinois residents. You can get in the door by waiting in line and showing your ID, or you can pay a $3 fee to reserve your ticket online.
The Museum of Science and Industry is offering more than 15 days in February for free for Illinois residents — more than half the month. The Adler Planetarium is also offering 10 free days in February.
Many museums are also offering more free days than usual for Illinois residents in January. Here’s a list of free days for January and February this year.
Field Museum
Jan. 20, 22 and 29
Feb. 1-29
Click here for more information on Field Museum free days.
Shedd Aquarium
Jan. 16-20
Feb. 3-7, 10-14, 17-21 and 24-28
Click here for more information on Shedd Aquarium free days.
Museum of Science and Industry
Jan. 6-9, 13-16, 20-23 and 27-30
Feb. 3-6, 10-13, 18-20 and 24-27
Click here for more information on Museum of Science and Industry free days.
Adler Planetarium
Jan. 7-9 and 20-22
Feb. 4-6, 11-13 and 17-20
Click here for more information on Adler Planetarium free days.
