Illinois’ Best Museums are Free to Explore on These Days

There was nothing I looked more forward to than trips to some of Chicago's amazing museums, now you can take your kids for free.

We're slowly emerging from winter's cold grip and that always fills me with the desire to explore.

It may not be warm enough yet to hit up a park for the afternoon but it is perfect for an afternoon spent in a fascinating museum, and guess what...

Chicago is filled with some of the most fascinating museums in the world

even better is that over the next several weeks, many of them are offering Free Visits for Illinois residents.

Art Institute of Chicago

A collection that spans the centuries and the globe, located at 111 S Michigan Avenue.

The free days are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays until March 17

DuSable Museum of African American History

This is the first museum of its type in the country and is the only major independent institution in Chicago established to preserve and interpret the historical experiences and achievements of African Americans. Located at 740 E 56th Place

Admission is free every Wednesday

Field Museum

One of the most remarkable museums in the world. Located at 1400 S. Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The Field contains almost 40 million specimens and artifacts in their collections.

The free days are February 16th and 23rd

Museum of Contemporary Art

At 220 E Chicago Avenue, is one of the nation's largest facilities devoted to the art of our time.

Visit MCA for free every Tuesday

Museum of Science and Industry

The absolute largest science center in the Western Hemisphere. Located at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Free days are February 16th and 23rd

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

For over 160 years, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has served a unique role connecting children of all ages to nature and science. This is the only museum on the list I've never been to before. The museum is located 2430 North Cannon Drive.

Free days are February 10th, 17th and 23rd

Shedd Aquarium

This is my favorite museum in Chicago. Located at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Free days are February 7-11 and February 14-18

How to take advantage of the Free Museum Days

Just be sure to bring proof of residency, such as an Illinois driver's license, lease, library card, student ID with a photo, utility bill, work ID or check stub.

After the museum visit, you should probably get a taste of more Chicago history... on a bun (no catsup)