In previous years free admission days at Chicago’s many museums and attractions would be announced sporadically throughout the year, especially during the tourism industry’s off-season and often during school and work hours.
It frequently meant a race to secure tickets on those days and a rush to fit it into routines and schedules.
More recently, however, more consistent free admission days have begun being offered across Chicago with places like the Museum of Contemporary Art offering free Tuesdays, Field Museum offering free admission every Wednesday of the year and the Adler Planetarium offering free access on Wednesday evenings from 4 p.m. until close.
Now Shedd Aquarium is following suit and has announced that it will offer free entry every Tuesday evening of March, Aril, May, and June.
Beginning Tuesday, March 5th, Illinois Residents can enter the beloved aquarium from 5 p.m. through to 9 p.m.
According to the Shedd Aquarium website, “for those who prefer to plan ahead, online ticket reservations are available with a $5 convenience fee per order. Alternatively, you can reserve tickets by phone at no extra cost by calling 312-939-2438 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time (CT).”
The aquarium will also offer free walk-up reservations but these will be subject to availability and given that free admission days often sell out quickly, Shedd highly recommends booking in advance due to the high demand for tickets.
All adults must provide proof of residency in person when redeeming tickets at the discounted rate. This can be a valid state ID or driver’s license with proof of Illinois residence.
The following dates are when Illinois Residents can enjoy free admission between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 5th
- Tuesday, March 12th
- Tuesday, March 19th
- Tuesday, March, 26th
- Tuesday, April 2nd
- Tuesday, April 9th
- Tuesday, April 16th
- Tuesday, April 23rd
- Tuesday, April 30th
- Tuesday, May 7th
- Tuesday, May 14th
- Tuesday, May 21st
- Tuesday, May 28th
- Tuesday, June 4th
- Tuesday, June 11th
- Tuesday, June 18th
- Tuesday, June 25th
More information can be found at www.sheddaquarium.org.
[Featured image from Shedd Aquarium]