Many venues offer free admission

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Updated: February 16, 2012 8:08AM

This time of year traditionally has been a great time for bargain hunters, including free admission to many museums. Most Chicago museums limit free admission to Illinois residents, but a few freebies remain.

There are several free events at museums and at Brookfield Zoo in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16.

† The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., is offering complimentary admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday for those attending the programs and activities relating to King.

The museum’s special event will include re-enactments of two of King’s speeches, musical tributes, a theatrical performance of “The MLK Project: Fight for Civil Rights,”and craft projects with the themes of peace and justice.

† The Indiana Center for History, 808 W. Washington St., and the adjacent Studebaker National Museum in South Bend have free admission Monday in King’s honor.

Exhibits at The Indiana Center for History include “Voyages,” which displays interesting stories of the region’s history, settlement, diversity, industrial development and recreation; and an exhibit about the All-American Professional Girls Baseball League, which started during World War II. There also will be a limited number of tours of the Oliver Mansion.

See original, unrestored antique and vintage vehicles at the Studebaker National Museum, plus presidential carriages and more.

Parking for both museums is on Thomas Street, west of Chapin Street. Monday hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST).

† Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago still is free every day, and the animals often are more active in winter than summer. Smaller crowds make it easy to get right up to the rails. A walk through the adjacent Lincoln Park Conservatory (also free) is like a tropical getaway. Lincoln Park Zoo is off Lake Shore Drive at Fullerton Avenue. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

† Another free venue is the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago. Exhibits include art and artifacts from ancient civilizations, plus contemporary art. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

† The Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier offers free admission from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, thanks to the Kraft Foods Foundation, and free admission for ages 15 and younger the first Sunday each month, courtesy of Target.

This award-winning museum has many fun, hands-on exhibits about nature, history, technology and creativity, plus a temporary indoor “snow” activity area.

† Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, Ill., offers free admission on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in January and February. The extensive indoor habitats offer plenty of shelter from the cold and, on warmer winter days, there is still plenty to see outdoors.

The zoo will have free admission on King Day. There will be a choral performance, a showing of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and a chance to create a segment of a Tibetan prayer flag, which is traditionally flown to promote peace and compassion. The event starts at 11:30 a.m. in the Discover Center. The regular $9 parking fee applies on free-admission days.