If you’re headed to Chicago, here are some free things you can do

Planning a trip to Chicago? Time it right and you could see everything from dinosaurs to robots for free.

▪  The Field Museum. Free every Thursday this year to Illinois residents. Plus, free admission on Jan. 27 and Jan. 28 and every one of the 28 days in February, and June 20-22 for those who like to plan further ahead. The free part is for basic admission to Illinois residents with proof of residency; ticket exhibitions and 3D films come at a special price. Basic admission is normally $24 for adults, $21 for seniors and students, and $17 for children.

▪  Adler Planetarium. Admission is free through Friday and then again Feb. 5 though Feb. 9 and Feb. 19 through Feb. 22. General admission to the Adler is usually $12 for adults and $8 for children.

▪  The Art Institute of Chicago. Free from 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday to Illinois residents and admission is free on weekdays to Illinois residents through Feb. 15. General admission to Illinois residents is normally $22 for adults, $16 for students, seniors, and teens from 14 to 17, and free for children younger than 14.

▪  Shedd Aquarium. Free Thursday and Friday and Jan. 22 through Jan. 26 to Illinois residents, but tickets should still be reserved and there is a $3 transaction fee to do so online. General admission is also free Feb. 2 and Feb. 14 for Illinois residents. Tickets normally start at about $40 for adults and $30 for children.

▪  Museum of Science and Industry. Illinois residents get free general admission with proof of residency Monday through Thursday through Feb. 15. Additional free days will be in February, March, June, September and November. Online ticket prices normally start at $28 online for adults and $18 online for children.

This story was originally published January 15, 2018 at 12:12 PM with the headline "If you’re headed to Chicago, here are some free things you can do."