As the days get colder, we all could use some wholesome (and indoor) ways to pass the time. Why not check out some local museums for free? Chicago’s museums offer hours of educational entertainment or a great stop for visiting friends/family. Here’s where to go, when it’s free, and what to see. Let’s get cultural!

Where: Chicago History Museum

When it’s free: Every Tuesday from 12:30 to 9 p.m. (except January 2, January 9, December 18 and December 25), Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, March 4 and July 4.

What’s on?

Until November 12th, you can attend the History Museum’s Chicago and the Great War exhibit, or check out other features like a look at “Lincoln’s Chicago”. It’s so close to Parker you could go during H-Break!

Where: Adler Planetarium

When it’s free: November 11, 12, 14, 15

December 1, 3-7, and 10

What’s on?

This one’s a classic. Keep with County Fair’s theme and head out of this world for a brief escape at the Adler Planetarium. Right now, you can check out “Mission Moon” and learn about how the US became the first country to put a man on the moon, send yourself a postcard from Neptune in, “The Universe: A Walk Through Space And Time”, or explore the solar system of tomorrow with “Destination Solar System.” Not only is it a free way to spend a cold day, it’s a sure way to score points with Mr. Zhang.

Where: The Field Museum

When it’s free: November 11, 18

December 9, 16

What’s on?

SUE! SUE! SUE! Even if you’ve seen enough of our favorite dino, there’s still plenty to do at the Field Museum. You can stroll through a mummy exhibit (just in time for Halloween), come face to face with Máximo (LITERALLY THE BIGGEST DINOSAUR THAT EVER LIVED), learn about meteorites, or watch scientists work live in a fossil lab.

Where: The Art Institute of Chicago

When it’s free: Every day if you’re under 18, Thursdays from 5-8pm for all Illinois residents, and free for educators with an online voucher.

What’s on?

The Art Institute is always offering new and exciting content with its ever-rotating docket of exhibits. These days, you can drop by the Deering Family Galleries of Medieval and Renaissance Art, Arms, and Armor, check out Vivian Suter’s abstract exhibit, or get local with the showing of the 60’s Chicago-based art group “Hairy Who?”, open until January 6th.

Where: The Museum of Science and Industry

When it’s free: November 12

What’s On?

Winner of Galia’s highly acclaimed Objectively The Best Museum Ever Award, the Museum of Science and Industry has everything from do-it-yourself tornados to a human hamster wheel to baby chicks. Right now, you can learn all about the making of Pixar favorites like Toy Story in the “Science Behind Pixar” exhibit. Additionally, you can check out the “Oceans: Our Blue Planet” exhibit through February 14, learn about our ice caps through stunning photography in the Extreme Ice exhibit, or get super disoriented in the mirror maze. Enjoy!