Culture and Learning on the Cheap in Chicago!

If you plan on visiting Chicago and want to experience the exciting museums and attractions that the Windy City has to offer, you have a couple options that could potentially save you lots of money.

The first option is the Chicago CityPass, which gets you into five famous Chicago attractions for one low price. The adult ticket price is $59 and the kids' tickets (ages four to 11) are $49.

The second option is the Go Chicago Card, which gives you unlimited admission to more than 25 attractions and tours for one low price. The adult ticket price is $59 and the kids' tickets are $44.99. The prices listed are for one day only. If you'll be in Chicago for a few days, you will need to check out the two and three day passes.

Museums in Chicago each offer their own discount deals and entrance fees. This guide will direct you to the deals at the following museums: Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum and The Art Institute of Chicago.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium offers community discount days. The general admission is free; the days generally take place on Mondays and Tuesdays although it is best to check the Website for the exact dates.

The Premium Day Pass is $27.95 for adults and $20.95 for seniors (65+) and children (ages three to 11).

This pass entitles the ticket holder to experience all the aquarium has to offer: the Oceanarium, Wild Reef, Lizards and the Komodo King, Amazon Rising, the Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World and a choice of 4-D Special FX Theater features: the new Planet Earth: Shallow Seas or a SpongeBob SquarePants adventure.

The Day Pass is $24.95 for adults and $17.95 for seniors (65+) and children (ages three to 11).

This pass entitles the ticket holder to experience all the aquarium has to offer: the Oceanarium, Wild Reef, Lizards and the Komodo King, Amazon Rising, the Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World.

The Field Museum

The Field Museum is a personal favorite of mine and it also offers community discount days, typically during the second Monday of the month. However, the museum offers 52 free admission days a year so it is best to check the Website for the exact dates.

General admission price for adults is $14, Children (ages four to 11) is $9, students with ID and seniors (65+) are $11.

The Field Museum also offers Gold Pass Pricing, Platinum Pass Pricing and Diamond Pass Pricing. Each pass allows the ticket holder to enter a certain amount of exhibits depending on the level of pass purchased. Information on the passes is listed on the Website.

The Museum has Membership pricing. An individual membership is: $80 for one year, $150 for two years. Family membership is: $100 for one year, $190 for two years. Family Plus membership is: $125 for one year, $240 for two years and the Students, Seniors, National Affiliates membership is: $60 for one year, $110 for two years.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

General admission is $12 and children, students and seniors (65+) are $7.

The Art Institute also offers Membership pricing; the benefit levels and fees are listed on the Website.

With a little planning, visits to the museums can be done at discounted prices and sometimes even free!

Be sure to check out the museums' Websites as each individual museum does list its free days, discount group passes and memberships deals plus any other specials they may be offering.

Sources:
www.sheddaquarium.org
www.fieldmuseum.org
www.artic.edu