Photo from Shedd Aquarium

January's a great month to hit Chicago's big museums — to get out of the cold AND because they're free!

Now through the end of the month, the Museum of Science & Industry is offering free general admission. That gets you the German submarine and the coal mine ride, plus the acres of exhibits.

The Shedd Aquarium also is giving the cash registers a break, but just next week. The aquarium's "Community Discount Days" run Jan. 10-16.