Ways to save at Chicago museums during Spring Break

WGN Chicago
·2 min read
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Ways to save at Chicago museums during Spring Break

CHICAGO — Spring Break doesn’t always have to mean beaches and palm trees — or breaking the bank. For residents of Illinois, the city of Chicago offers plenty of great family activities. And if you know where to look and when to go, it can be a great place to vacation — or staycation — without spending a fortune.

Free Days at Museums

Several of Chicago’s amazing museums offer free days for Illinois residents.

The Field Museum has their Free Wednesday program going all year round. They cannot be reserved in advance and need to be bought onsite with a proof of residency. They cannot be purchased online.

The Museum of Science and Industry has named Sunday April 21 as their free day for Illinois residents. You can use this form to enter the free ticketing.

The Chicago History Museum offers free admission for Illinois residents Wednesday March 27 and Thursday March 28 as well as Wednesday April 10 and Thursday April 18. Illinois teachers, active members of the Chicago Police Department and Fire Department can also receive free admission any day. Chicago residents get $2 off the cost of admission. And admission is free for Illinois residents 18 years.

Shedd Aquarium has no full free days in March or April but has Free Tuesday Evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 26 and April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. The recommended making reservations which you can do on their website.

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Free Digital Museum Passes through the public library

If you have a library card from a public library in Illinois, you can also access free and discounted admission through the Explore More Illinois program and their digital museum passes. You just need your library card number and your PIN. Reservations must be made for a specific date.

Museums that are part of this program include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum, the Chicago Botanic Garden, The DuSable Black History Museum, the
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and many more. Several suburban museums are also available.

Go green while saving green

Even though it’s not technically a museum, the Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory has free admission all year long. And once inside, you can feel all the warmth and vibe of tropical vacation in their Palm House and Desert House and the rest of their indoor gardens. Reservations are required.

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