What museums can I get passes for?

COVID-19 Updates

There have been many changes to policies of the cultural institutions that are part of the Kids Museum Passport program. Please note the updated admission procedures below.

Be sure to check with the museums directly for the most up-to-date information.

Checking out the Museum Passport does not guarantee museum admission. Passport due dates cannot be extended to accommodate a later admission.

Museum Passports set to expire on May 31, 2021 have been extended to expire on May 31, 2022. The Museum Passports will state that they expire on May 31, 2021, but participating museums will continue to honor them through May 31, 2022. 

Unless otherwise noted:

  • The Kids Museum Passport allows a family of four general admission during regular hours.
  • A group must include at least one child under 18 for the pass to be valid.
  • A maximum of two adults are admitted with each pass.
Participating Museums
  • American Writers Museum pass availability   
    • Kids Museum Passport holders can obtain free general admission tickets on-site at the box office as walk-ins.
  • Art Institute of Chicago pass availability                 
    • Kids Museum Passport holders can obtain free general admission tickets on-site at the box office as walk-ins.
  • Brookfield Zoo pass availability     
    • Kids Museum Passport holders must reserve general admission tickets in advance. While these tickets are free, you'll be required to pay for parking in advance. Visit Brookfield Zoo Online Ticketing. Questions? Call (708) 688-8000.
  • Chicago Botanic Garden pass availability:                      
    • Free parking for one vehicle (car level only); admission is always free
    • Kids Museum Passport holders, show your pass when you approach the garden, and you'll be waved through to the parking lot.
  • Chicago History Museum pass availability              
    • Kids Museum Passport holders can obtain free general admission tickets on-site at the box office as walk-ins.
  • The Field Museum pass availability                      
    • Kids Museum Passport holders can obtain free general admission tickets on-site at the box office as walk-ins.
  • Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center pass availability                 
    • Kids Museum Passport holders must make a reservation in advance for free General Admission tickets. Call 847-967-4862 at least 24 hours in advance of your visit to reserve tickets.
    • Guests will need to present their Kids Museum Passport when they arrive for their scheduled date/time.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo pass availability                  
    • 10 percent discount on food and retail purchases for a family of four; admission is always free
    • Advance general admission tickets are required. These free tickets become available at 4:30 p.m. Sundays and Thursdays; visit Lincoln Park Zoo: Book Your Visit. Questions? Call (312) 742-2355.
  • McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum pass availability      
    • Kids Museum Passport holders can obtain free General Admission tickets on-site at the box office as walk-ins. Kids Museum Passports are not valid for special events, and passport holders may have to wait in line due to capacity limitation.
    • The museum is open Thursday through Monday.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art pass availability                 
    • Kids Museum Passport holders can obtain free General Admission tickets on-site at the box office as walk-ins.
  • Museum of Science and Industry pass availability           
    • Kids Museum Passport holders can obtain free general admission tickets on-site at the box office as walk-ins.
  • National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture pass availability  
    • 10 percent discount at the museum store for a family of four; admission is always free
  • Shedd Aquarium pass availability                    
    • Shedd's online ticketing system allows Kids Museum Passport holders to reserve free advance tickets by using a Partner Voucher price type. There is a $3 fee for all online ticket orders.
    • Alternatively, guests can call (312) 939-2438 and reserve tickets with a team member at least 24 hours in advance.
    • Whether tickets are reserved online or by phone, Kids Museum Passport holders will need to show the pass when they arrive at their scheduled time.
    • It is recommended to call or go online for tickets as soon as you check out the pass. 
Temporarily Unavailable

These venues are closed in response to COVID-19:

  • Adler Planetarium
  • Bronzeville Children's Museum
  • Chicago Children’s Museum
  • DuSable Museum of African American History
  • National Museum of Mexican Art
  • The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum