Have you heard of the Museum Adventure Pass? The Museum Adventure Pass offers a number of discounts, deals, and sometimes even free passes to some of our favorite museums and popular attractions in the area. These include zoos, a variety of museums, and even botanical gardens.

In order to obtain a Museum Adventure Pass, you must have a valid library card, as you will need it to check out the pass from your local library. Passes are good for one use and must be returned after one week. Check out the list of participating attractions below, and on your next trip to the library, ask about the pass you’d like to borrow. While you’re there, don’t forget to find a book to learn more about your upcoming experience!

Museum Adventure Pass

Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot hold or check out passes online or on the phone. Availability varies in each library.

Air Classics Museum of Aviation
44W546 US Route 30
Sugar Grove, IL 60554-9886
(630) 466-0888

• Pass Benefit: Includes one person free with one paid adult admission ($10). Saturdays and Sundays only, with only one pass allowed per group.
• Regular Prices: General admission is $10/adults (16–61) $7/seniors (62+), and $5/children (5–15).
• Open April to November.
• Features aviation memorabilia and aircrafts from the 1930s to current times.

American Writers Museum
180 N Michigan Ave, 2nd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 374-8790

• Pass Benefit:  Four people will receive free admission, with children 12 and under free. The pass cannot be used for programs and special events. Note: the museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, December 24 and 25, as well as January 1. 
• Regular Prices: General admission is $16/adults, $10/seniors, teachers, and students. (Must show valid identification.) Free for children 12 and younger.
• Visit their interactive Children’s Literature Gallery for family friendly books and cozy reading spots.

Aurora Regional Fire Museum
53 N. Broadway,
Aurora, Illinois 60505
(630) 256-4140

• Pass Benefit: Buy one admission, get one admission free. The pass can only be used for general admission.
• Regular Prices:  $5 general admission for ages 3 and up. Children ages 2 and younger are free.
• Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
• Displays include Aurora Fire Department history and artifacts while promoting the importance of fire prevention and safety. The second floor of the museum includes a children’s play space, which was updated in late 2025.

Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
1899 West Winchester Road
Libertyville, IL 60048
(847) 968-3400

• Pass Benefit: Good for two general admission tickets.
• Regular Prices: Lake County Resident rates: $6/adults; $3/seniors ages 62, youth ages 4–17, and students ages 18–25 (with valid identification). Children under 3 are free.
  Non-resident rates: $10/adults; $6/seniors ages 62 and up, youth ages 4–17, and students ages 18–25. Children under 3 are free.
• Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4:30pm, Thursdays 2pm-8pm (free admission 5-8pm)
• Learn about dinosaurs, innovation, and experience the sensory friendly hour or arts and crafts using all natural materials.

Bronzeville Children’s Museum
9301 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 721-9301

• Pass Benefit: Buy one admission, get one admission free, for up to two free admissions per family.
• Regular Prices: $10/person. Memberships available.
• Open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:00am – 2:00pm.
• The first and only African-American children’s museum in the country, featuring informative curated exhibits and interactive play.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago
8400 W 31st Street
Brookfield, IL 60513
(708) 688-8000

• Pass Benefit: Admits two guests. Passes are valid for zoo admission only and does not include parking or additional attractions within the zoo.
• Regular Prices: General zoo admission is $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors 65+, and $20.95 for children 3–11. Admission is free for all active, reservist, and retired members of the military. Parking is $15 per car.
• Some attractions priced separately; see the Hours and Prices page.
• Check out our insider tips for the Brookfield Zoo Chicago!

Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 668-5161

• Pass Benefit: Admits one vehicle for free, and is limited to one car per use.
• Regular Price: Admission is free; parking is $6 per vehicle except on Saturdays and Sundays from May through September, as well as Labor Day Monday and the Fourth of July, when it is $16.
• Check out our article on What to Expect at Cantigny Park!

Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College
2000 5th Ave North
River Grove, Illinois 60171
708-456-0300 X-3372

• Pass Benefit: Buy one adult ticket and receive either one free adult ticket or two free youth or senior tickets.
• Regular Price: Admission ranges from $3-$10/Adults (18+); $3-$5/Children (2-17) and Seniors 55+
• Visit this suburban public planetarium to explore latest space discoveries

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL, 60022
(847) 835-5440

• Pass Benefit: General admission for a family of four (up to two adults). Parking fees are not included in with the pass.
• Regular Price: Cook County residents admission ranges from $15.95-$19.95 for adults (13+) and $12.95 for children (3-12). For non-residents, prices are $2 more for each age group. Children under 3 are free for both residents and non-residents.

Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn
5100 Museum Drive Oak Lawn
Illinois 60453
(708) 423-6709

• Pass Benefit: One child is admitted free with one adult paid admission; limit one pass per visit. Note: you may be asked to show a photo ID or library card with your pass.
• Regular Price: $15/adults and children 1+. $13.50/seniors, teachers, military and veterans with ID. Children under 12 months are free.
• Play-based museum with interactive and educational exhibits and play areas.

Elgin History Museum
360 Park Street
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 742-4248

• Pass Benefit: Admits four people over 18 years of age.
• Regular Price: $5 for adults over 18 years of age. Free for Elgin History Museum members and teachers with valid identification.
• Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00am – 4:00pm.
• Experience the history of the city of Elgin through exhibits, artifacts and scavenger hunts.

Elgin Public Museum
225 Grand Boulevard
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 741-6655

• Pass Benefit: 1 free child admission for every paying adult admission. Passes cannot be used for special events.
• Regular Price: $3/adults (13+), $2/children (3 -12), and free for children under 3.
• Open Thursday to Sunday 12:00pm – 4:00pm.
• Encouraging understanding and awareness of the history of Elgin through programming and interactive experiences. Located in Lords Park, Elgin Public Museum can be combined with a trip to Lords Park Zoo or the aquatic center. Check out Katie’s guide for more information about her visit to this multi-stop spot.

Ellwood House Museum
5009 N First Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
(815) 756-4609

• Pass Benefit: Pass valid for up to five children (age 6-17), as well as two additional adults. Cannot be used for holiday tours or events.
• Regular Price: Mansion tours are $10/adults; $8/students, seniors, AAA members, and military; and $5/youth. Children under 6 are free.
• Check their website for tour options and hours of operation.
• Historic site featuring the history of the Ellwood family and their contribution to the city of Dekalb.

Evanston History Center
225 Greenwood Street
Evanston, Illinois 60201
(847) 475-3410

• Pass Benefit: One free admission to the Dawes House for regular tours and exhibitions. Cannot be used for special events, concerts, and walking tours.
• Regular Price: Admission is $13/non-members (13+), Children (12 and under) are free, members are free. D65 Teachers are free with ID. First Thursday of the month is also free.

Geneva Lake Museum
255 Mill Street
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147
(262) 248-6060

• Pass Benefit: Buy one adult admission, get a second adult admission free.
• Regular Price: Admission is $12/adult, $10/senior, $5/youth (age 13-17). Children 12 and under free
• Open Friday through Monday 11:00am – 3:00pm.
• Exhibits showcase the history of Geneva Lake and surrounding areas.

Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
3001 Central Street
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 475-0911

• Pass Benefit: Two regular museum admissions free with pass
• Regular Price: Admission is $8/adult (18-64), $6/youth/teen (3-17), students/ teachers with ID and senior 65+, children under 3 are free
• Explore the Gichigamin Indigenous Museum through hands on exhibits, crafts and even touch tables

Illinois Railway Museum
7000 Olson Rd (Mailing: PO Box 427)
Union, IL 60180
(815) 923-4391

• Pass Benefit: Buy two passes and receive two free, or buy one pass and receive one free.
• Regular Price: Adult admission (18-64) is between $14-$20 . Seniors 64+ and youths (13-17) are between $12-$18. Children (ages 2-12) are between $11-$16. Prices depend on date/time.
• America’s largest railway museum with experiences to ride on restored trains.

Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66
9 W Cass Street
Joliet, Illinois 60432
(815) 927-1540

• Pass Benefits:  Free admission on Tuesdays
• Regular Price: 1st Floor gallery is open and free for everyone
• Local museum dedicated to Illinois musicians and their contributions to music

Institute for Study of Ancient Cultures
1155 E. 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

• Pass Benefits: Each pass includes one free Museum Explorer’s Guide. General admission is free, with a suggested donation.
• Regular Price: Suggested Admission Fee (payable at entry): Adults $15, Children (12 & under) $10
• Museum hours: Tuesday–Thursday, Saturday–Sunday 10:00am–4:00pm; Friday 10:00am–8:00pm
• 5,000 artifacts on display in permanent galleries as well as special exhibits. Check website to confirm special exhibits.

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
220 Cottage Hill Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 833-1616

• Pass Benefit: Half-off admission for up to four guests. Cannot be applied on Wednesdays or for special classes and events. Passes will be collected, along with purchased tickets, at time of admission.
• Regular Price: Admission is $10/adults, $8/seniors (65+); $5/students, and teens, and children (7-12). Free for children under 7 and active members of the Armed Forces. Wednesdays are free days.
• Closed on Mondays.
• Check out their permanent collections of mosaics, gemstones, rocks, fossils, and more. Rachel’s guide includes information about what you’ll find on your visit to Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Arts.

Naper Settlement
523 South Webster Street
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 420-6010

• Pass Benefit: From April 1 through October 31, buy one ticket, get one free. Limit two free tickets per pass. Complimentary ticket(s) will be applied to the lowest-priced admission.
• Regular Price: October-April, $6 for general admission, $5/seniors (62+), and $4/children (4-12). May-September, $12 for general admission, $10/seniors (62+), and $8/children (4-12). Children under 4 and all Naperville residents are always free. See website for proof of residency requirements.
• Connecting community to the history of Naperville by engaging programming and events.

Pleasant Home Foundation
217 Home Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 383-2654

• Pass Benefit: Buy one ticket, get one ticket free.
• Regular Price: Docent-guided tours are $10/adults, $8/seniors 65+ or students 18+ with I.D., and $7/kids 6-18. Kids 5 and under are free. Illinois teachers also receive free admission. Self-guided tours are $5 per person Friday through Sunday and free on Thursdays.
• Learn more about the grounds and historic architecture of Pleasant Home.

St. Charles History Museum
215 East Main Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 584-6967

• Pass Benefit: 15% discount on items purchased from the gift shop. Certain exclusions may apply.
• Regular Price: $3/adult; $1/child (3-12); children under 3 are free
• Displays of photographs and artifacts highlighting the city of St. Charles.

Volo Museum
27582 Volo Village Road
Volo, Illinois 60073
(815) 385-3644

• Pass Benefit:  Half-off admission prices for up to six guests. Titanic Museum and Jurassic Gardens are not included. This discount cannot be combined with other offers.
• Regular Price: $34.95/ adults (13+), $23.95/ children (ages 5-12), $32.95/ seniors (65+), $32.95/ veterans and military with ID, Free for children under 5 years of age.
• Car collection world famous for a variety of unique exhibits of motor cars, one of a kind vehicles, and antiques. Read more about Katie’s visit to learn what you’ll find at Volo Museum.

Click here to search for more participating attractions near you.

You can also check out the Explore More Illinois Program.

Participating Libraries in the Western Suburbs

Addison Public Library District
4 Friendship Plaza
Addison, IL 60101
(630) 543-3617

Aurora Public Library
101 S. River Street
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 264-4128

Bartlett Public Library District
800 S. Bartlett Road
Bartlett, IL 60103
(630) 837-2855

Batavia Public Library District
10 South Batavia Avenue
Batavia, IL 60510
(630) 879-1393

Bensenville Community Public Library District
200 South Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
(630) 766-4642

Berwyn Public Library
2701 South Harlem
Berwyn, IL 60402
(708) 795-8000

Bloomingdale Public Library
101 Fairfield Way
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
(630) 529-3120

Brookfield Public Library
3609 Grand Boulevard
Brookfield, IL 60513
(708) 485-6917

Carol Stream Public Library
616 Hiawatha Drive
Carol Stream, IL 60188
(630) 653-0755

Clarendon Hills Public Library
7 North Prospect Avenue
Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
(630) 323-8188

Crestwood Public Library District
4955 135th Street
Crestwood, IL 60418
(708) 371-4090

Downers Grove Public Library
1050 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 960-1200

Elmhurst Public Library
125 S Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 279-8696

Elmwood Park Public Library
1 Conti Parkway
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
(708) 453-7645

Forest Park Public Library
7555 Jackson Boulevard
Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 366-7171

Fountaindale Public Library District
300 West Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
(630) 759-2102

Geneva Public Library District
227 Seventh Street
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-0780

Glen Ellyn Public Library
400 Duane Street
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 469-0879

Glenside Public Library District
25 East Fullerton Avenue
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
(630) 260-1550

Helen M Plum Memorial Library
110 West Maple Street
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 627-0316

Hillside Public Library
405 N. Hillside Avenue
Hillside, IL 60162
(708) 449-7510

Hinsdale Public Library
20 E. Maple Street
Hinsdale, IL 60521
(630) 986-1976

Hodgkins Public Library District
6500 Wenz Avenue
Hodgkins, IL 60525
(708) 579-1844

Indian Prairie Public Library District
401 Plainfield Road
Darien, IL 60561
(630) 887-8760

La Grange Park Public Library District
555 N La Grange Road
La Grange Park, IL 60526
(708) 352-0100

La Grange Public Library
10 West Cossitt Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-0576

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library
3541 Park Avenue
Brookfield, IL 60513
(708) 485-6917

Lisle Library District
777 Front Street
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 971-1675

Lyons Public Library
4209 Joliet Avenue
Lyons, IL 60534
(708) 447-3577

McCook Library
8419 W 50th Street
McCook, IL 60525
(708) 442-1242

Messenger Public Library of North Aurora
113 Oak Street
North Aurora, IL 60542
(630)896-0240

Naperville Public Library
200 West Jefferson Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 961-4100

North Riverside Public Library
2400 Des Plaines Avenue
North Riverside, IL 60546
(708) 447-0869

Oak Brook Public Library
600 Oak Brook Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 368-7700

Oak Park Public Library
834 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 383-8200

River Forest Public Library
735 Lathrop Avenue
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 366-5205

Riverside Public Library
1 Burling Road
Riverside, IL 60546
(708) 442-6366

Shorewood-Troy Public Library
650 Deerwood Drive
Shorewood, Illinois 60404
(815) 725-1715

St. Charles Public Library
1 S 6th Avenue
St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 584-0076

Thomas Ford Memorial Library
800 Chestnut Street
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-0520

Villa Park Public Library
305 South Ardmore Avenue
Villa Park IL, 60181
(630) 834-1164

Warrenville Public Library District
28W751 Stafford Place
Warrenville, IL 60555
(630) 393-1171

West Chicago Public Library District
118 West Washington Street
West Chicago, IL 60185
(630) 231-1552

Westchester Public Library
10700 Canterbury Street
Westchester, IL 60154
(708) 562-3573

Westmont Public Library
428 N Cass Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 969-5625

Wheaton Public Library
225 North Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 668-1374

Winfield Public Library
0S291 Winfield Road
Winfield, IL 60190
(630) 653-7599

Woodridge Public Library
3 Plaza Drive
Woodridge, IL 60517
(630) 964-7899

Participating Libraries in the Northwest Suburbs

Addison Public Library District
4 Friendship Plaza
Addison, IL 60101
(630) 543-3617

Arlington Heights Memorial Library
500 North Dunton Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 392-0100

Bensenville Community Public Library District
200 S. Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
(630) 766-4642

Bloomingdale Public Library
101 Fairfield Way
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
(630) 529-3120

Deerfield Public Library
920 Waukegan Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 945-3311

Des Plaines Public Library
1501 Ellinwood Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-5551

Gail Borden Public Library District
270 North Grove Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 742-2411

Elk Grove Village Public Library
1001 Wellington Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(847) 439-0447

Elmwood Park Public Library
1 Conti Parkway
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
(708) 453-7645

Franklin Park Public Library District
10311 Grand Avenue
Franklin Park, IL 60131-2225
(847) 455-6016

Glenside Public Library District
25 East Fullerton Avenue
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
(630) 260-1550

Itasca Community Library
500 West Irving Park Road
Itasca, IL 60143
(630) 773-1699

Vernon Area Public Library District
300 Olde Half Day Road
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(847) 634-3650

Morton Grove Public Library
6140 Lincoln Avenue
Morton Grove, IL 60053
(847) 965-4220

Mount Prospect Public Library
10 South Emerson Street
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 253-5675

Northlake Public Library District
231 North Wolf Road
Northlake, IL 60164

(708) 562-2301

Northbrook Public Library
1201 Cedar Lane
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 272-6224

Palatine Public Library District
700 N. North Court
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 907-3600

Park Ridge Public Library
20 South Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 825-3123

Prospect Heights Public Library District
12 Elm Street
Prospect Heights, IL 60070
(847) 259-3500

Rolling Meadows Library
3110 Martin Lane
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 259-6050

Roselle Public Library District
40 South Park Street
Roselle, IL 60172
(630) 529-1641

Schaumburg Township District Library
130 S. Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60193
(847) 985-4000

Schiller Park Public Library
4200 Old River Road
Schiller Park, IL 60176
(847) 678-0433

Poplar Creek Public Library District
1405 S. Park
Streamwood, IL 60107
(630) 837-6800

Indian Trails Public Library District
355 Schoenbeck Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 459-4100

Wood Dale Public Library District
520 North Wood Dale Road
Wood Dale, IL 60191
(630)766-6762

If you are outside the core area for Kidlist, click here to see the full list of participating Museum Adventure Pass libraries

For more ways to explore Chicagoland’s great museums for less, check out our article on Museum Free Days and Discounts on Local Fun.