Upcoming Chicago Free Days For 2023
Chicago free days are upon us and I wanted to make sure you had the details! Here’s a comprehensive list of all my favorite spots that offer free days for Chicago/Illinois residents. Will you be visiting?
Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-1000
Free days for the museum are below. We took the girls to the Chicago Children’s Museum recently to explore their new water exhibit. It was their favorite part of the trip! The CCM is located inside Navy Pier which features restaurants, shopping, and additional family activites.
March 30
April 27
May 25
September 28
October 26
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-7827
Wednesday evening free days for Illinois residents.
1000 Ray Moses Drive
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 256-3860
This Chicago suburbs spot is always free. Perfect thing to do on a sunny day!
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
Free days to the Chicago Botanic Garden are posted below. However, please be mindful of parking costs (upward to $25). Military families can take advantage of a discounted/free rate.
April 10–13
May 9-11
June 13, 15, and 19
July 11-13
August 8-10
September 12-14
October 9–10, 12
November 6–12
December 11–17
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-9410
A few free days are left this spring…
April 18, 22, and 25
May 2, 16, 23, and 30
5700 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 684-1414
If you’re not a Chicago local, you can still gain free access to the Museum of Science and Industry with a valid Illinois ID.
April 18, 22
May 4, 9, 17–18
June 1, 6–7
August 22, 28–29
September 5–6, 11–12, 15, 18–20, 26
October 4–5, 9, 16–17
November 1, 8
2001 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
No need to pay at Lincoln Park Zoo! This Chicago favorite is always free. The parking lot on site is an additional cost but street parking is available for minimal cost. Located near plenty of restaurants for lunch/dinner time but I’d recommend packing something and eating at the zoo.