Chicago Public Schools are about to start spring break next week, and we are firmly on the stance that you don’t have to spend money to have a good time. There are numerous free spring break activities in Chicago—and we happened to compile a list of them.
From visits to museums to nature walks, there are many places that offer free admission year-round! You can easily spend hours exploring these places, making it possible to enjoy an entire day at some of them. Additionally, you can apply for a digital pass for certain institutions online if you have a Chicago Public Library card.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago provides free admission on Thursday evenings until September 25, 2025. Additionally, free year-round admission is available for individuals under 18, Illinois educators, and Chicago Public Library cardholders. Cardholders aged 18 and older can log in here to reserve free general admission passes to the museum through the Explore More Illinois program.
📍 Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
The Chicago History Museum
At the Chicago History Museum, you can explore the city with guides and learn about Chicago’s history. CHM is offering free admission for Illinois residents on March 27 as part of its free spring break activities in Chicago. Additionally, Illinois residents aged 18 and younger can enjoy free admission year-round.
📍 Where: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Maggie Daley Park Play Garden
The southeast section of Maggie Daley Park is a unique and enchanting area, the first of its kind in Chicago. The park features various playground facilities, including a three-acre Play Garden, a quarter-mile loop of the Skating Ribbon, and a 40-foot-high Climbing Wall.
📍 Where: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Adler Planetarium
Free spring break activities in Chicago that involve admiring the night sky? We’re in. At the Adler Planetarium, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission from 4 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday. The Adler offers interactive exhibits and opportunities to learn about space exploration. Additionally, Illinois teachers from pre-K through 12th grade receive free admission year-round with proof of residency.
North Park Village Nature Center
Located on the Northwest Side, this 46-acre nature preserve offers a relaxed free spring break adventure. You can explore wooded trails, observe animals such as deer and birds, and visit the discovery room, where children can touch animal pelts and fossils.
📍 Where: 5801 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60646
Lincoln Park Zoo
No free spring break activity in Chicago would be complete without a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo. As one of the oldest zoos in the country, it offers free entry every day of the year. It’s a must-see for animal lovers, featuring lions, camels, monkeys, and much more.
📍 Where: Chicago, IL 60614
21c Museum Hotel Chicago
The 21c Museum Hotel has a contemporary art display that is free and open to the public year-round. Among its exhibits is Et Sic Videmus (And Thus We See), which features a video installation comprising various clips that showcase the intersections of Chicago’s natural and built environments, with water as a central theme.
📍 Where: 55 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium, known for its expansive marine life exhibits, is a must for sea-life enthusiasts looking for free spring break activities in Chicago. Each year, the aquarium hosts free days and evenings for residents, including a special event from 5 to 9 p.m. on March 25.
📍 Where: 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture offers free admission year-round, making it an ideal place if you’re looking for free spring spring break activities. The museum features exhibits that celebrate Puerto Rican heritage, including explorations of LGBTQ+ works by artist Adrián Viajero Román.
📍 Where: 3015 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Hyde Park Art Center
The Hyde Park Art Center is free and open to the public year-round. It’s a hub for artists in Chicago, exhibitions, studio art classes, free public events and more!
📍 Where: 5020 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
Field Museum
Illinois residents can visit the Field Museum for free on Wednesdays. General admission includes access to exhibits such as Cats: Predators to Pets, Africa Fashion, and more.
📍 Where: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605