Adler Planetarium is free wednesdays 4pm–10pm — for Illinois residents. Accepted proof: valid Illinois driver's license/photo ID, an Illinois student photo ID, or a photo ID plus a document (utility bill, lease) showing an Illinois address.. Adler offers free general Museum Entry (not sky shows) to Illinois residents on specific 'Illinois Resident Discount Days' announced through the year, plus free general admission every Wednesday evening from 4-10pm. Tickets should be reserved online in advance (use your zip code as the promo code); timed entry. Verified on Adler Planetarium's own page, last checked 2026-09-04.
| Free day | Wednesdays 4pm–10pm |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Illinois residents. Accepted proof: valid Illinois driver's license/photo ID, an Illinois student photo ID, or a photo ID plus a document (utility bill, lease) showing an Illinois address. |
| Reservation | Tickets should be reserved online in advance (use your zip code as the promo code); timed entry. |
| What's included | Free tickets cover Museum Entry only — sky shows are not included and can be added at a discount. |
| Regular adult price | Standard adult general admission starts at $25.00; child tickets start at $13.00 (single-entry base ticket; dome shows are extra). |
| Source | adlerplanetarium.org · checked 2026-09-04 |
Eligibility: Illinois residents. Accepted proof: valid Illinois driver's license/photo ID, an Illinois student photo ID, or a photo ID plus a document (utility bill, lease) showing an Illinois address.. Free tickets cover Museum Entry only — sky shows are not included and can be added at a discount.. Skipping the ticket window here saves Standard adult general admission starts at $25.00; child tickets start at $13.00 (single-entry base ticket; dome shows are extra). per adult.
Worth knowing: The 'Illinois Resident Discount Days' name is misleading — for eligible residents it's free general Museum Entry, not a partial discount; only sky shows require an upgrade.
Another way in free: Adler Planetarium participates in Bank of America's Museums on Us — cardholders get free general admission on the first full weekend of every month.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago (published dates) · Art Institute of Chicago (3rd thursday monthly 5pm–8pm) · Chicago Children's Museum (no regular free day) · Chicago History Museum (published dates) · DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (wednesdays) · Field Museum (wednesdays) · Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (published dates) · Lincoln Park Zoo (always free) — or see the full free museum days in Chicago guide.
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Adler offers free general Museum Entry (not sky shows) to Illinois residents on specific 'Illinois Resident Discount Days' announced through the year, plus free general admission every Wednesday evening from 4-10pm.
Tickets should be reserved online in advance (use your zip code as the promo code); timed entry.
The free days are for Illinois residents. Accepted proof: valid Illinois driver's license/photo ID, an Illinois student photo ID, or a photo ID plus a document (utility bill, lease) showing an Illinois address. — typically with ID or proof of residency. Visitors pay regular admission (Standard adult general admission starts at $25.00; child tickets start at $13.00 (single-entry base ticket; dome shows are extra).), or can get in free on a Museums on Us weekend with a Bank of America card.
Free tickets cover Museum Entry only — sky shows are not included and can be added at a discount.
Standard adult general admission starts at $25.00; child tickets start at $13.00 (single-entry base ticket; dome shows are extra).. That's what a well-timed visit saves you.