To verify discount or see more details about any documentation required for discounts, see MSI's discounts page.
The Museum of Science and Industry has 52 free days for Illinois residents, with an ID or other proof of residency. See upcoming free days at MSI's website. The free day covers entry to the museum and most exhibits, but the exhibits with additional cost are still extra: $12 per adult/$9 per child for each exhibit except the U-505 on-board tour which is $18 for adults and $14 for kids.
Chicago residents receive a $9 discount per adult and $5 per child (ages 3-11) off usual prices.
The museum offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters and police officers, and Illinois teachers (pre-K through high school). Those admissions cover only the individual meeting those criteria and are offered every day. From Armed Forces Day (May 20) through Labor Day, the museum includes family members (up to 5 people) with the free admission for active military personnel.
Chicago Public Library offers Kids Museum Passports, which you can check out and bring to the museum for free admission for a family of 4. If you have a CPL card, check out availability at: Kids Museum Passport - Chicago Children's Museum If you live in a suburb of Chicago, check your local public library to see if there are similar passes available.
MSI also offers free museum entry to individuals and families (from any state) with an EBT or WIC card, along with a photo ID. This includes admission for up to two adults and six children under age 18.
Travelers who are members to another science and technology museum (in the ATSC program) may get free admission for 2 adults and 2 kids as long as the museum and your home are both at least 90 miles from the Museum of Science and Industry.
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 really save money, especially if you're a Chicago resident. 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: the price you're receiving a discount from is rarely the base admission price (at MSI, for example, a film is included, so you save money if that was part of your plan but it's more expensive than a normal ticket if you weren't planning on a film).
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