Noticing less traffic in the Chicago area? That's because spring break started for many Illinois schools this week, including Chicago Public Schools, the state's largest school district.
Chicago Public Schools spring break for 2025 began Monday, March 24, according to CPS' calendar. No school continues for students through Monday, March 31, listed as a school improvement day and a day of non-attendance for students.
Spring break for many suburban school districts also began Monday. And as schools close for students and teachers, many Chicago area museums are opening their doors for free during the vacation week.
Here's a look at the museums and attractions offering free admission during spring break week.
Art Institute of Chicago
Children under the age of 14 are always offered free admission to the Art Institute, according to its website. A donation has also made museum admission free for children age 14-to-17.
More information can be found here.
Local
Adler Planetarium
Illinois residents can visit the planetarium free of charge on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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All tickets must be purchased online in advance, and proof of residency will be required at checkout, according to officials. More information can be found on the planetarium’s website.
Chicago History Museum
Illinois residents can get into the museum free of charge on March 27, according to the museum’s website.
Tickets can be obtained in advance via the museum’s website.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
The museum offers free admission on Wednesdays, but does require preregistration to obtain tickets, according to the museum’s website. Illinois public school students in grades K-12 always get free admission, museum officials say.
Field Museum
Admission for Illinois residents is free at the museum on Wednesdays, including March 26.
More information can be found on the museum’s website.
Museum of Contemporary Art – Chicago
Admission to the museum is free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to the website.
More information can be found here.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Free admission is offered to Illinois residents on Thursdays, though a $10 donation is suggested for visitors.
Tickets can be reserved in advance via the museum’s website.
Shedd Aquarium
The aquarium will offer free admission from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 25.
Online ticket reservations are strongly encouraged, and can be found on the aquarium’s website.
