Top Free Attractions in Chicago for Illinois Residents This December

Looking for fun and free adventures to keep your family entertained this Christmas break? Take advantage of these free admission days at some of Chicago’s most iconic attractions.

Things to Do in Illinois During Christmas Break

Ahhh, December. It's the time of the year where many people look forward to a well-deserved break from work and activities to spend quality time with family and friends...myself included.

I have the last two weeks of the month off, and my kids and husband do too, so what should we do to stay entertained?

Playing with Christmas toys and watching movies will get old pretty quick, so we need to find some fun family adventures to go on, and heading into Chicago is always an intriguing option.

Free Admission Days at Chicago Museums

As a parent, I love to find places to go and things to do that are both fun and educational, but our family budget is pretty tight.

While low cost options are ideal, free is even better, and there is a whole bunch of free admission days coming up this month at some of Chicago's most popular attractions according to NBC Chicago.

Here are a few to put on your to-do list ASAP:

Shedd Aquarium:

The Shedd Aquarium is offering free admission to Illinois residents only on December December 3, 10, and 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission can be reserved in advance, (for a $5 convenience fee), online at sheddaquarium.org. Walk-up reservations are available on these days too, but they usually go fast.
Art Institute of Chicago

Illinois residents can visit the Art Institute of Chicago for free on these specific days and times:

• Thursday, December 5, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 6, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 9, 11:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 12, 11:00 a.m. –8:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 13, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Free admission tickets can be reserved in advance online or be picked up at the admission desk when you arrive.

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium offers free admission to Illinois residents every Wednesday night from 4 to 10 p.m. and you can purchase Sky Show tickets for a discounted price. Free tickets can be reserved in advance here.

Field Museum

Illinois residents can explore the Field Museum for free on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 18. Reserve free admission passes or take advantage of discounted all-access passes here.

These Chicago attractions are just a a few of the options offerring free admission to Illinois residents this December, to see the complete list check out nbcchicago.com.