Field Trip Finder Chicago

Home › Homeschool hub

Homeschool hub: Chicago

Homeschool days and rates, free passes, educator discounts that include homeschool teachers, curriculum swaps, book sales and daytime library programs. Every card links to the venue's, store's or library's own page.

6homeschool programs & free days

All our homeschool lists:

Age
How this list works. We copy details from each venue's, store's or library's own page and show the date we last checked. Cards marked "Also on our Chicago page" are the same listings as on our main Chicago page, shown here so you don't have to hunt for them. For discounts we only list stores whose own policy names homeschool teachers, and we note the proof they ask for. Stores can change their rules at the register, so check before you buy. We are not affiliated with any venue or store here.

🎟️ Homeschool days, discounts & free passes (6)

Museum programs for homeschoolers, free passes you can borrow with a library card, and Illinois resident free days.

Homeschool programs & free days (6)

Free field trips for Illinois homeschool groups

FreeAlso on our Chicago pageKids · Teens
Field Museum

Illinois schools and community groups serving Pre-K to grade 12 can register for a free field trip, and the page says all school groups are welcome "including home school students." The museum also offers hands-on field trip classes for Pre-K to grade 12.

More detailsLess
  • Ages: Pre-K–12
  • Cost: Free for pre-registered Illinois groups (field trip classes cost extra)
  • When: Every day, with registration at least 14 days ahead · Not listed on source

See the full card on our Chicago page →

Source: Field Museum: Field Trips. Last checked Oct 23, 2026.

Free general admission for Illinois homeschool groups and families

FreeAlso on our Chicago pageAll ages welcome
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Illinois homeschool groups and families receive free General Admission. Coal Mine tours, U-505 tours, the Giant Dome Theater and special exhibitions cost extra. Illinois residents who are library cardholders can also reserve free or discounted entry through the Explore More Illinois portal.

More detailsLess
  • Ages: All ages (limit of six children per accompanying adult)
  • Cost: Free general admission for Illinois homeschool groups and families; tours, shows and special exhibits extra
  • When: Year-round · Not listed on source

See the full card on our Chicago page →

Source: Griffin MSI: Ticket Pricing. Last checked Oct 23, 2026.

Free group admission for Illinois homeschools

FreeAlso on our Chicago pageKids · Teens
Shedd Aquarium

Groups from Illinois K–12 schools, along with Illinois homeschools, receive group admission plus the free aquatic presentation (subject to availability). A 4-D Experience can be added for a fee. One chaperone per 10 students is required.

More detailsLess
  • Ages: K–12
  • Cost: Free group admission and presentation; 4-D Experience extra
  • When: By reservation (request a date online) · Not listed on source

See the full card on our Chicago page →

Source: Shedd Aquarium: Field Trips. Last checked Oct 23, 2026.

Free admission for Illinois homeschool parents

FreeAlso on our Chicago page
Art Institute of Chicago

Illinois homeschool parents can register for a voucher for one free ticket. You show the voucher at an admission counter with an Illinois homeschool co-op member ID card or an Illinois homeschool legal defense association member ID.

More detailsLess
  • Ages: Homeschool parents (the voucher is for the educator)
  • Cost: Free (one ticket per voucher)
  • When: Year-round · Not listed on source

See the full card on our Chicago page →

Source: Art Institute of Chicago: Educator Admission Request. Last checked Oct 23, 2026.

Illinois Resident Discount Days (free museum entry)

FreeAlso on our Chicago pageAll ages welcome
Adler Planetarium

The planetarium is free for Illinois residents (with proof of residency) on select days. Teachers, including Chicago Learning Exchange members, receive one free adult Museum Entry. Sky shows cost extra. Coming up: Oct 26–28, Nov 9, 10, 16, 17, 18 and Dec 7, 8, 9.

More detailsLess
  • Ages: All ages
  • Cost: Free museum entry on those days for Illinois residents (shows extra)
  • When: Oct 26, 27, 28; Nov 9, 10, 16, 17, 18; Dec 7, 8, 9, 2026 · 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (Wednesday 4–10 p.m. timed entry)

See the full card on our Chicago page →

Source: Adler Planetarium: Tickets. Last checked Oct 23, 2026.

Digital museum passes with a Chicago Public Library card (Explore More)

FreeAlso on our Chicago pageAll ages welcome
Chicago Public Library

Adult cardholders in good standing can log in with their card number and PIN to reserve free or discounted passes to museums, zoos and other cultural attractions. Passes come through the RAILS Explore More program and Museums in the Park. Reservations cannot be canceled after you print or download the pass.

More detailsLess
  • Ages: All ages
  • Cost: Free or discounted with a library card
  • When: Year-round, while passes last · Not listed on source

See the full card on our Chicago page →

Source: Chicago Public Library: Digital Museum Passes. Last checked Oct 23, 2026.