Going to the Chicago Museums...for free or cheaper...

These could change at any point, so please check the museum's website to make sure their policy is still the same.

Bank of America Free Days

Have a Bank of America card? Then on the first full weekend of each month present your card and get a free admission to The Art Institute of Chicago, the Adler Planetarium, the Chicago History Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium. One per cardholder, so it won't be free for the entire family (unless each of your children have a B of A credit card), but a free adult admission is nothing to sneeze at.
Check out Bank of America website.

Adler Planetarium

January 2013: 8-9, 14-17, 28-31
February 2013: 5-6, 11-14, 19-20, 25-28

1300 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago (312) 922-STAR (7827)
See all exhibits and special events at the Adler Planetarium

Art Institute of Chicago

Free for all Illinois residents weekdays from Jan. 7-Feb. 13, 2013. Also free first and second Wednesday of the month for Illinois residents.

159 E. Monroe Chicago (312) 443-3600
See all exhibits and special events at the Art Institute of Chicago

 

 

Chicago Children's Museum

Always free: 5-8 p.m. every Thursday and the first Sunday of every month for kids 15 and under. Always free to children under 1.
Print a coupon for $1.00 off admissions

700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier Chicago (312) 527-1000
See all exhibits and special events at the Chicago Children's Museum

 

 

Chicago History Museum

Free: Jan. 21, Feb. 4-28.

1601 North Clark St. Chicago (312) 642-4600
See all exhibits and special events at the Chicago History Museum

 

 

Field Museum

January 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 28, 30

1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago (312) 922-9410
See all exhibits and special events at the Field Museum

 

 

Museum of Contemporary Art

Always free: Tuesdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; children 12 and under are free every day.

220 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago (312) 280-2660
See all exhibits and special events at the Museum of Contemporary Art

 

 

Museum of Science and Industry

January 2013: Beginning Jan. 7, weekdays are free.
February 2013: 6, 13, 20, 27
March 2013: 4
April 2013: 22
May 2013:6
June 2013: 3-7, 10
September 2013 9-13; 16-20; 23-27, 30
October 2013 1-2
November 2013: 4
December 2013: 9.

5700 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago (773) 684-1414
See all exhibits and special events at the Museum of Science and Industry

 

John G. Shedd Aquarium

2013 free days

January: 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29
February: 4, 5, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26
March: 4, 5,11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
June: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
September: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
October: 7, 14, 21, 28
November: 4, 11, 18, 25
December: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Always free: The first full weekend of every month (Bank of America weekend, see below)

Bank of America Weekend:
On the first full weekend of the month, present your Bank of America/Merrill Lynch ATM, credit or debit card, along with photo ID, and receive one free mini-pass admission, valid for the cardholder only. This offer is not valid during special events or for admission to the 4-D theater. Upgrade your ticket to include the Abbott Oceanrium for an additional $6.95.

1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago (312) 939-2438
See all exhibits and special events at the John G. Shedd Aquarium

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Thursdays are free for Illinois residents. Children under 3 are free every day.

2430 N. Cannon Drive Chicago (773) 755-5100
See all exhibits and special events at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

 

 

 

Free Days at Brookfield Zoo

Children's Zoo is free through Dec. 31, 2012. Free general zoo admission is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of February 2013. Beginning in January and through the end of February, admission is also free on Sundays and Saturdays.

8400 31st St. Brookfield (708) 688-8000