Location

65 attractions

Free things to do in Illinois

63 Illinois attractions you can walk into for nothing, and 2 more with a free day or evening open to everyone.

Not a coupon list. A venue is here only if its own website says admission is free, or names a regular free day that anyone can use. Free-for-some offers — residents, military, EBT cardholders, children — stay on the venue’s own page under “If you qualify”, because they are savings, not free days.

Always free

63 attractions, by region.

Free in the Chicago region

7

The venue says: “ALL GALLERIES ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC” — evanstonartcenter.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Lincoln Park Zoo admission is free. No reservations needed. Just show up and explore– today, tomorrow, anytime.” — lpzoo.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Free, donations appreciated.” — oakparkconservatory.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Entry is free, but please consider a donation in support of our work for Pullman National Historical Park.” — friendsofpullman.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “General admission to the Museum and Research Room is FREE.” — wilmettehistory.org, checked September 30, 2026

Free in Chicago Suburbs

30

The venue says: “Admission is free as well as all of our activities including: a corn maze, petting zoo (that includes mini donkeys!!!), corn pit, tractor slide & more!!!” — benoitgreenhouses.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free.” — darienilhistory.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free!” — momencefarmmuseum.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Our grounds are free to access from sunrise to sunset - 365 days a year” — elawafarm.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.” — elginfirebarnno5museum.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Admission to the Elmhurst History Museum is FREE.” — elmhursthistory.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission to the First Division Museum is always free.” — fdmuseum.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free.” — bvilleparks.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission to the Museum is free.” — grundycountyhs.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Free Parking and No Entry Fee!” — heidersberryfarm.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “The nature center is accessible, dog friendly and open to the public free of charge.” — reconnectwithnature.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “There are no costs associated with visiting any of our preserves, and admission to the museum is free.” — reconnectwithnature.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free.” — ben.edu, checked October 2, 2026

The venue says: “Visiting the LCHS Museum Campus is free- we charge no admissions fee.” — lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free. Free tours for all.” — nileshistoricalandculturalcenter.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free and open to the public, but donations are always appreciated.” — niu.edu, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free!” — palatinehistoricalsociety.com, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission Free” — zoo.aurora.il.us, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “River Trail Nature Center's free exhibits, walking trails and onsite nature educators help tell the story of the plants, animals and natural landscapes formed by the Des Plaines River.” — fpdcc.com, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Free and open to the public” — cityrm.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free but donations are welcomed.” — sandwichhistory.net, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission: Free. Donations appreciated.” — lyonfarmkchs.org, checked October 2, 2026

The venue says: “Spring Valley is open to the general public and admission is free.” — parkfun.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is FREE.” — wegohistory.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Willowhaven Park is open every day and is free to the public.” — btpd.org, checked September 29, 2026

Free in Rockford & the North

4

The venue says: “each John Deere Attractions Site is open to the public and completely free” — deere.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “GALLERIES ARE OPEN THU-SUN, 10 AM-5 PM WITH FREE ADMISSION” — rockfordartmuseum.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is FREE!” — yaf.org, checked September 18, 2026

Free in Peoria & Central Illinois

15

The venue says: “The museum is open for free and operates on your generosity.” — celebratesheen.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Admission is free.” — cambridgenaturalhistory.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission to the Visitors Center is free every day.” — cruisinwithlincolnon66.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “The Farmer City Haunted Forest is completely free to the public!” — fchauntedforest.com, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “each John Deere Attractions Site is open to the public and completely FREE” — deere.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “As a facility of the tax-supported Champaign County Forest Preserve District, the museum is always FREE!” — museumofthegrandprairie.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission to the farm is free, but donations are appreciated.” — champaignparks.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Free Admission • Food & Drinks • Vendors • Fall Vibes • Family Fun” — prairiemoonfarm.com, checked September 18, 2026

The venue says: “Both museums are open to the public at no charge however donations are appreciated.” — chillicothehistorical.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “FREE gallery admission and visitor parking.” — eiu.edu, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission - Free” — tcghs.org, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “the admission is free” — thewagonwheelpumpkinfarm.com, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “Admission: Free (donations welcome!)” — wchistorymuseum.com, checked September 30, 2026

Free in the Springfield region

4

The venue says: “Admission is free, but a donation of $5 is appreciated.” — jacksonvilleareamuseum.org, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “No Admission Fee” — kristinspumpkinpatch.com, checked September 29, 2026

The venue says: “Open to the public and no admission fee.” — quincyartcenter.org, checked September 30, 2026

Free in Metro East & Southern Illinois

3

The venue says: “Yep. It's free to visit us!” — greenefieldsfarm.com, checked September 30, 2026

The venue says: “No admission fees, just family fun enveloped in the fragrances and hues of fall!” — libertyappleorchard.com, checked September 29, 2026

Free days and evenings

2 attractions that are free on certain days. The day is in the venue’s own words below; check it before you go.

The venue says: “The AWM offers free admission on the third Sunday of every month.” — americanwritersmuseum.org, checked October 1, 2026

Coming free days: Oct 6–9 · Oct 13–16 · Oct 20–23

The venue says: “Free Admission Days* September 15-18 September 22-25 September 29-October 2 October 6-9 October 13-16 October 20-23” — niabizoo.com, checked September 18, 2026