The Field Museum has many free days each year for Illinois residents, although they're most often during the school year rather than the summer or on common days off. Go to the museum's free admission days page to see upcoming dates. It typically just lists three days at a time, but you can click on the "page" numbers below the dates to see more. Basic admission is free, with the discovery pass or all-access passes heavily discounted from their usual prices (the free admission days page will give exact prices). Proof of Illinois residency is required for the discount, and a list of acceptable documents is also listed at that page.
On other days, Illinois residents receive $2 off every ticket, and Chicago residents get an additional $5 or more off each ticket. To receive these discounts, tickets must be purchased in person, and not online.
Active military personnel and Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) receive free basic admission.
New residents to Chicago (or those who have recently gotten a Chicago CityKey card can receive one free basic admission for themselves and immediate family. This is just available once, and only in the first year after receiving a CityKey card.
Families with an EBT or WIC card from any state can receive basic admission for up to 6 people at just $3 per person.
Tickets using any of the above discounts must be purchased in person rather than online.
If you're on vacation (or stay-cation) and visiting a lot of museums, the City Pass could help you save money (although you're not likely to save the 50% they claim). You need to visit 3-4 museums for the purchase to actually save money. The passes give admission to 5 different attraction in a 9 day period.
The Go Pass is another alternative for potential discounts if you're visiting many museums. Again, savings depend on your plans and which museums you'll visit (for example, they only sell the all inclusive pass to the Field Museum—it may be a good deal if you were planning on that, but probably won't save you money if you were just planning on a basic pass).
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