Since the warm weather's not fully cooperating and we can't rely on it to plan outside play dates, pencil in a day to visit one of Chicago's museums - for free!
Target - which I already love for its clearance shoes, jewelry and home goods sections - is giving me reasons to love it more: it's sponsoring free museum days at The Art Institute of Chicago, National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago Children's Museum and the Field Museum.
If you haven't seen the Modern Wing at the Art Institute, 111 S. Michigan Ave., you must stop by for free admission from 5-9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays through Labor Day. The new wing is simple, yet gorgeous, and if the weather does perk up, there's a bridge that leads you from the new wing to Millennium Park!
The National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W.19th St., will be showcasing its exhibits free of charge from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. It's located in the Pilsen neighborhood, and it's the largest Latino cultural organization in the country.
It's been years since I've been to the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, and I think now's the time to revisit it. Basic admission is free from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. the second Monday of the month. The next free Target day is July 13 and there's also regularly scheduled free basic admission days, with the next one slated for Aug. 25.
Chicago Children's Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., now is free for those ages 15 and under from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. the first Sunday of every month. Kraft also hosts a free family night on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m.
If you're having a visitor from out-of-town this summer or if you want to hit up some of the city's main attractions on your own, you can buy a CityPass, which provides entry to five city attractions for more than 50 percent off. The pass costs $69 and sends you to The Field Museum, Hancock or Sears Tower, Shedd Aquarium, Planetarium and Museum of Science and Industry (without the discount, adult admission costs $130.50).
The pass has to be used within nine days of purchase. For details and to purchase a CityPass, visit the site. CityPass also has discount deals in many major cities, so if you're going on vacation this summer, check it out!
Enjoy some museum madness!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
If you have a Chicago library card you can get museum passes and go to all the museums for free! They are usually checked out though so request them ahead of time.
Posted by: Maura | Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 10:24 AM