Get Free Admission to Chicago Museums in 2012

Chicago is known for their great museums and what’s even better – getting in for free!

Admission normally isn’t cheap, so get out of the cold and spend a day (or three) wandering through the many museums along Chicago’s beautiful (but cold, this time of year) lakefront!

Always make sure to call ahead (purchase advance tickets) and double-check the “free days” I have listed here, as discounted days are subject to change and/or the museum may be closed due to a holiday or other reason.

Also, do your homework ahead of time. Get the best rates on parking garages, restaurants and transportation to make sure you’re getting the best deals! Print your coupons beforehand so you don’t end up spending an arm-and-a-leg on your free museum day!

You can check out free museum passes at .

For the participating museums, visit: www.MuseumAdventure.org.

Shedd Aquarium free dates:

Jan. 10 and 11

Jan. 25 – 28

Special exhibits will be discounted. Check out the amazing (limited time) exhibit on Jelly Fish – prepare to be wowed!

It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

Chicago Art Museum free dates:

Weekdays from Jan. 2 – Feb. 10

Regular admission is normally $18/adults and $12 for children 14+, students and seniors (65+) so this is a great deal!

Adler Planetarium discount days!

One of my favorite museums in Chicago – immerse yourself in the wonder of space exploration!

Discount days on Jan. 9 – 12,  17, 18

Jan. 23 – 26, 31

Feb. 1, 6 – 9, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29

March 6, 7

All you have to do is show proof of Illinois residency!

Regular admission is $17 for adults and $15 for children (ages 3-15)

Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry free dates:

There are too many 2012 free days to list all of them here, so click on the link above!

I will list the free days for the months January – March 2012

Jan. 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31

Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

March 5

The Field Museum free dates:

Such a fun museum – see Sue the T. Rex, explore ancient Egypt, or fall in love with ants in The Romance of Ants

 Jan. 11 – 13,  19 – 20, 24, 26 – 27 and 31

There are even 100′s of free admissions to national parks all over the country in 2012! Check out Savvy Cities for the complete list!