Jitney

We still don't know how long the teacher's strike will last in Chicago, but the city's cultural institutions are stepping up with some options for school-less children. Here are four free things to do downtown this week. And don't worry about spending too much on transportation—the CTA is offering free rides to students to select locations around the city.

1. Chicago Children's Museum

Children get in for free in this limited-time offer this week, although adults must still pay full admission price to the museum. The offer (and hopefully strike as well) will end this Friday.

Navy Pier, 700 E Grand Ave
(312) 527-1000
chicagochildrensmuseum.org

2. Jitney at Court Theater

Court Theatre will stage a special 10:30 a.m. show for CPS students (valid CPS ID required) on Thursday, September 13. The show is already selling out for this weekend, so make sure to catch it if you can.

5535 S. Ellis, Hyde Park
www.courttheatre.org

3. Museum of Science and Industry

It may not have been because of the strike, but we'll take it. The MSI has free access every weekday for the rest of the month. Make sure to see the Life in Space exhibit, going on now.

5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
www.msichicago.org

4. Brookfield Zoo

Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey is offering limited free passes to Brookfield Zoo for kids who can show proof of being a CPS student. Parents can call the commissioner's office at 312-603-6380 to order some of the few tickets left, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
(708) 485-0263
www.brookfieldzoo.org

Photograph: Courtesy of Court Theater