The adventure begins at your library!
Elmwood Park card holders can discover and enjoy a multitude of museums, gardens, and other attractions throughout Illinois with free or discounted passes, parking, and other deals. Check out available passes and deals using the links below.
Take advantage of both Museum Adventure Passes and Explore More Illinois offers at the same time to maximize your cultural experience!
Museum Adventure Pass
Use your Elmwood Park Public Library card to receive free or discounted passes for admission or parking at over 20 unique Chicago area cultural destinations, including Brookfield Zoo, Naper Settlement, Chicago Botanic Garden, Cantigny Park, Illinois Railway Museum, Bronzeville Children's Museum, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, and more.
How does it work?
- The Library has a limited number of passes available each week.
- Passes are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
- Passes must checked out using your Elmwood Park library card.
- One pass may be checked out per family, per loan period.
- You must bring the pass and your library card when you visit the attraction.
- Passes are good for 1 week.
For a detailed list of participating museums, their attractions, and offers, visit the Museum Adventure Pass website, or click here for a PDF map of participating attractions.
Please note: Some attractions (such as Brookfield Zoo or Chicago Botanic Garden) may still have Covid restrictions in place, and may require you to make a separate reservation ahead of time. Make sure to check an attraction's website before planning your visit.
To checkout a pass in person:
- Stop by the Library in person at either the Adult or Kids & Teens Desks.
- Staff can check availability of passes.
- Using your library card, staff will checkout out the pass to you.
- Staff will then print the pass for you to take to the attraction, along with your library card.
Explore More Illinois
Explore More Illinois is a cultural pass program that allows Illinois public library cardholders to get offers from museums, park districts, historical societies, performing and visual arts centers, and other attractions. Explore More Illinois is free and can be accessed 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Once you are logged in with your library card number and PIN, you will see offers for the upcoming three months. You can also search for offers by date, attraction name, or location. Information about each attraction and the offer is available before making the reservation.
Reservations must be made for a specific date. Using the calendar, you can choose what date you want to make the reservation for and then choose the Reserve option under the attraction. A confirmation box will appear, and a confirmation email will be sent to you, with the option printing out a pass at that time, or you printing it later.
For more information visit the Explore More Illinois FAQ information page.
