The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a number of Free Admission Days for Illinois residents each year.
Preregistration for nonmembers is required and will extend until the Garden is at capacity; parking fees apply. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for free admission days. Please see the chart below for this year's Free Admission Days.
Please note: Free admissions are not applicable during ticketed events (e.g., Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, Lightscape, the Orchid Show, Orchids After Hours).
2024 Free Admission Days
| Month | Dates |
| January 2024 | 8 – 15 |
| February 2024 | 4 – 9, 19 |
| March 2024 | 18 – 22 |
| April 2024 | 8 – 11 |
| May 2024 | 7, 9 |
| June 2024 | 11, 13, 19 |
| July 2024 | 9, 11 |
| August 2024 | 6, 8 |
| September 2024 | 10, 12 |
| October 2024 | 1, 2, 14 |
| November 2024 | 4 – 8, 11, 12 |
| December 2024 | 9 – 15 |
Preregister for free admission
Free Admission – No Advance Ticket Required
Preregistration is not required in advance, including on Free Admission Days, for the following people:
Active-Duty Military
The Garden would like to thank our active duty U.S. military personnel and/or their families for their service with free admission for their family and free parking. Please present an ID at the entry gatehouse (one car/van vehicle per entry) and at the entrance to the Visitor Center.
U.S. Military Reservists and Former POWs
The Garden would like to thank U.S. military reservists and former POWs for their years of service with free parking and free admission for one person. Please present your ID at the entry gatehouse (one car/van vehicle per entry) and at the entrance to the Visitor Center.
LINK and WIC Cardholders
As part of the Museums for All program, any visitor with a state-issued EBT card (known as a LINK card) or WIC card and anyone in their households receive free admission and free parking. Please present your card at the entry gatehouse (one car/van vehicle per entry) and at the entrance to the Visitor Center. (not applicable for Night of 1,000 Jack o Lanterns and Lightscape)
Illinois Educators
Illinois primary and secondary educators receive free parking and admission for one educator per visit. Please present your valid educator ID at the entry gatehouse (one car/van vehicle per entry) and at the entrance to the Visitor Center. (not applicable for Night of 1,000 Jack o Lanterns and Lightscape)
Kids’ Museum Passport
The Chicago Public Library offers Kids' Museum Passports to a number of public institutions, including the Chicago Botanic Garden. The passport allows a family of four general admission during regular public hours. Group must include at least one child under 18; maximum of two adults admitted with this pass. Parking for one vehicle per pass is included. Please present your Chicago Public Library Passport at the entry gatehouse (one car/van vehicle per entry) and at the entrance to the Visitor Center. (not applicable for Night of 1,000 Jack o Lanterns and Lightscape)