With summer upon us, many individuals are looking for fun and exciting activities to fill their time away from school.
Instead of the usual trips to the park, movies, or swimming pools, residents of Illinois have a unique opportunity to explore a plethora of attractions at a fraction of the cost.
Thanks to the Explore More Illinois program, library cardholders from public libraries across the state can gain free or heavily discounted admission to numerous sites ranging from museums to zoos.
This program not only enhances the cultural experience for participants but also promotes local attractions that many may not have considered visiting.
As detailed on the program’s official website, individuals can access discounts at a variety of venues including museums, historical societies, and arts centers, significantly enriching their summer experiences.
In Chicago alone, more than a dozen attractions are part of this initiative, including the well-known Chicago Botanic Garden, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
Residents keen to take advantage of these offers simply need to verify if their local library participates in the program.
By visiting the program’s website, users can select their home library from a dropdown menu and enter their library card barcode along with their password or PIN.
This straightforward process unlocks a treasure trove of discounts to a wide range of appealing locations.
Moreover, several participating libraries also provide direct links to the Explore More Illinois Program on their own websites, making it even easier for patrons.
For those curious about which attractions are involved, here is a list that has been updated as of June 24.
The diverse array of venues includes the 1843 Durant-Peterson House Museum in St. Charles, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, and the American Writers Museum in Chicago.
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, and the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.
For families, attractions like the Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal and the Chicago Children’s Museum are excellent choices for educational and fun experiences.
History buffs will not be disappointed either, with options ranging from the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, WI, to the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum in Charleston.
Sports fans can enjoy discounts for the Normal Cornbelters and Chicago Stars FC, while art lovers can explore venues such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
Each of these attractions offers unique experiences that reflect the rich cultural landscape of Illinois, and the discounts available to library cardholders make them even more accessible.
However, it’s important to note that not all participating attractions may be available to every library, as indicated with an asterisk next to certain venues.
This summer, with the easy accessibility of Explore More Illinois, library cardholders have the perfect opportunity to rediscover and explore their local attractions.
It’s a chance to learn, experience, and enjoy the diverse offerings the state has to provide, all while taking advantage of substantial savings.
So grab your library card and plan your adventures—it’s time to explore more this summer!
image source from：nbcchicago
