Berwyn and Beyond Free Days for Winter Museum's, Zoo's, and More!!!

Berwyn & Chicagoland! ❄️ Welcome Berwyn friends (and anyone else who’s wondering what to do when it’s cold enough to freeze a snowman’s grin off) — Chicago’s world-class museums and zoos are once again rolling out the Free Days winter magic for Illinois residents. Bookmark this, stick it to your fridge, set reminders — these freebies are the perfect antidote to cabin fever! 🎉

🧠 FREE MUSEUM DAYS — JAN & FEB 2026

(Illinois residents only — bring your ID or proof of residency!) Some of these require advanced registration and tickets. Be sure to check each events web site for details.

🎨 Art Institute of Chicago

When: Weekdays, Jan 5 – Feb 28, 2026Time: Opens ~11 a.m. till close (varies by day) Tickets: Must reserve free tickets online in advance (enter your IL zip code) — or try walk-in and show ID. Why go: One of the world’s best art collections — from A Sunday on La Grande Jatte to modern favorites — for free! NBC Chicago+1

🐠 Shedd Aquarium

Free Days:

• January: 6–8, 13–20, 27–29, 2026

• February: 3–5, 10–12, 17–19, 24–26, 2026 Tickets: Online reservation strongly recommended (they go fast!) NBC Chicago

  
  

🤯 Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)

Free Dates:

• January: 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 27, 28

• February: 2–5, 8–12, 17–19, 23–26, 2026 Tickets: Reserve free tickets online with Illinois residency verification. Note: Special exhibits (like U-505 Submarine tours or Giant Dome films) might cost extra. NBC Chicago+1

  
  

🪐 Adler Planetarium

2026 Free Days:

• January: 7, 12, 14, 21, 26, 28

• February: 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 23 Tickets: Advance reservation required; upgrade options available. Open: Fri–Mon 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Wednesdays til 10 p.m. (timed entry). Adler Planetarium+1

  
  

📜 Chicago History Museum

Free Days:

• January: 19–23, 27–30

• February: 16 and Tues–Thurs most of the month What you’ll see: Chicago’s rich past — from the Great Fire to Loop culture. NBC Chicago

  
  

✊ DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center

When: Every Wednesday in 2026 Why go: Celebrate Black heritage and history — truly enriching! Choose Chicago

🎨 Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)

Free: Every Tuesday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Extra: Always free for under-18 visitors and some groups. Choose Chicago

🦁 ZOO FREE DAYS

🐾 Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)

Admission: Always FREE (year-round) What to do: See polar bears, penguins, gorillas, and more — even in the snow! Tips: Indoor animal houses will warm you up when it’s brrr outside. Choose Chicago

🐘 Brookfield Zoo (Suburban Chicagoland)

Free Winter Days: Jan 5 – Feb 28, 2026 on most days Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas) Exceptions (Paid Days):

• MLK Day: Jan 19

• President’s Day: Feb 16 Note: You walk in free, but check for possible timed ticket reservations; sometimes online reservations help manage crowds. NBC Chicago

  
  

🌿 OTHER FREE-ISH CULTURAL FUN

🌱 Chicago Botanic Garden Free Days

January: 5–11, 19 February: 1–6, 16 Details: Free entry for Illinois residents (parking fees still apply). Registration required. Chicago Botanic Garden

🏛️ Always-FREE Spots

(Perfect if you wander in spontaneously!)

• Chicago Cultural Center — architecture, art, and tours

• Chicago Fed Money Museum — quirky finance exhibits

• Design Museum of Chicago — free modern design

• DePaul Art Museum — free art exhibits Chicago Sun-Times

  
  

🗓 QUICK REFERENCE — FREE DAYS AT A GLANCE

January 2026

• Art Institute: Weekdays Jan 5–Feb 28

• Shedd Aquarium: 6–8, 13–20, 27–29

• MSI: 12–14, 25–28

• Adler Planetarium: 7, 12, 14, 21, 26, 28

• Chicago History Museum: 19–23, 27–30

• DuSable: Every Wed

• Lincoln Park Zoo: Always free

• Brookfield Zoo: Most days Jan 5–31

• Chicago Botanic Garden: Jan 5–11, 19

February 2026

• Shedd Aquarium: 3–5, 10–12, 17–19, 24–26

• MSI: 2–5, 8–12, 17–19, 23–26

• Adler Planetarium: 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 23

• Chicago History Museum: Feb 16 + many Tues–Thurs

• DuSable: Every Wed

• Brookfield Zoo: Most Feb days (except Feb 16)

• Chicago Botanic Garden: Feb 1–6, 16

  
  

❄️ FUN TIPS FOR BERWYN & BEYOND

Beat the cold like a local:

• Wander indoors — museums, planetariums, aquariums.

• Bring warm gloves & comfy shoes — you’re gonna stroll!

• Arrive early — free days get popular fast.

• Combine stops: Zoo in the morning, museum in the afternoon, chili after. 🔥

  
  

Chicago free days are basically the city saying, “Sure, it’s cold… but look at all this free culture! 😄”