Free Museum Day Finder

Free Museum Day Finder

Pick a museum, zoo or aquarium and we'll show its next free day — who qualifies, whether you need a reservation, and what's excluded — verified against the institution's own page.

Updated 2026-10-02 · Free tool · No sign-up · Runs in your browser

How this tool works

Every schedule in this tool was read from the institution's own published page — its admissions page, discounts page, or official announcement — and each entry stores that source URL and the date we checked it. Nothing comes from listicles or other aggregators, because that's where stale dates come from.

  • Published dates are used verbatim. Where an institution lists explicit free dates (Illinois Resident Free Days, Denver's SCFD free days), we show those exact dates.
  • Rules are computed and labeled. Where the policy is a rule ("first full weekend", "every Thursday evening"), we compute the upcoming calendar from the rule and mark those dates as derived — a museum can still cancel one for a private event.
  • The catch is part of the answer. Residency requirements, advance-reservation rules and excluded special exhibits are shown next to the date, not hidden.
  • Missing beats invented. If we couldn't verify an institution's policy on an official page, it isn't listed. A missing museum is honest; an invented date sends a family to a closed ticket window.

Free-day calendars are published monthly or quarterly, so the busiest institutions here are re-checked on a monthly pass. The institution's own ticketing page is always the final word — it's linked on every result.

Free days at a glance (194 institutions)

Every row was verified on the institution's own page. Last updated 2026-10-02.

InstitutionCityFree dayWho qualifiesChecked
Minnesota ZooApple Valley, MNSee pageMinnesota residents currently receiving qualifying public-assistance benefits2026-09-04
High Museum of ArtAtlanta, GA2nd Sunday monthlyOpen to everyone on Second Sundays/Third Wednesdays2026-09-04
Zoo AtlantaAtlanta, GAPublished datesRestricted to verified City of Atlanta/Fulton County residents2026-10-01
Baltimore Museum of ArtBaltimore, MDAlways freeEveryone2026-09-04
ICA Boston (Institute of Contemporary Art)Boston, MAThursdays 17:00-21:00Everyone2026-09-04
Museum of Fine Arts BostonBoston, MAPublished datesMassachusetts residents2026-10-01
Brookfield Zoo ChicagoBrookfield, ILPublished datesOpen to all guests, no residency requirement stated for Free Days.2026-10-01
Adler PlanetariumChicago, ILWednesdays 16:00-22:00Illinois residents. Accepted proof: valid Illinois driver's license/photo ID, an Illinois student photo ID, or a photo ID plus a document2026-10-01
Art Institute of ChicagoChicago, IL3rd Thursday monthlyIllinois residents2026-10-01
Chicago Children's MuseumChicago, ILSee pageN/A — no ongoing free-admission program found on the museum's own page.2026-09-04
Chicago History MuseumChicago, ILPublished datesIllinois residents2026-10-01
DuSable Black History Museum and Education CenterChicago, ILWednesdaysGeneral public on Wednesdays2026-10-01
Field MuseumChicago, ILWednesdaysIllinois residents, proof of residency required.2026-10-01
Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryChicago, ILPublished datesIllinois residents2026-10-01
Lincoln Park ZooChicago, ILAlways freeOpen to all, no restriction.2026-09-04
Museum of Contemporary Art ChicagoChicago, ILTuesdays 17:00-21:00Illinois residents on Tuesday evenings2026-09-04
National Museum of Mexican ArtChicago, ILAlways freeOpen to all visitors, no restriction.2026-09-04
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & CultureChicago, ILAlways freeOpen to all, no restriction.2026-09-04
Peggy Notebaert Nature MuseumChicago, ILPublished datesIllinois residents only2026-10-01
Shedd AquariumChicago, ILTuesdays 17:00-21:00Illinois residents. All adults2026-10-01
Cincinnati Art MuseumCincinnati, OHAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Cleveland Museum of ArtCleveland, OHAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Dallas Museum of ArtDallas, TXAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Perot Museum of Nature and ScienceDallas, TXSee pageRestricted-group discounts only2026-09-04
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico CampusDenver, COPublished datesOpen to everyone2026-10-01
Denver Art MuseumDenver, COPublished datesOpen to everyone, no proof/ID required2026-10-01
Denver Botanic GardensDenver, COPublished datesOpen to everyone2026-10-01
Denver Museum of Nature & ScienceDenver, COPublished datesOpen to everyone2026-10-01
Denver ZooDenver, COPublished datesOpen to everyone2026-10-01
Detroit Historical MuseumDetroit, MISee pageGeneral free-day eligibility unspecified2026-09-04
Detroit Institute of ArtsDetroit, MISee pageResidents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties2026-09-04
Amon Carter Museum of American ArtFort Worth, TXAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Fort Worth ZooFort Worth, TXSee pageOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Kimbell Art MuseumFort Worth, TXAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Modern Art Museum of Fort WorthFort Worth, TXFridaysOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Chicago Botanic GardenGlencoe, ILPublished datesIllinois residents.2026-10-01
Children's Museum HoustonHouston, TXThursdays 17:00-20:00Must bring a child; no other ID/income proof required2026-09-04
Houston Museum of Natural ScienceHouston, TXTuesdays 17:00-20:00Everyone2026-09-04
Houston ZooHouston, TX1st Tuesday monthlyOpen to everyone2026-10-01
Menil CollectionHouston, TXAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Museum of Fine Arts, HoustonHouston, TXThursdaysOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Nelson-Atkins Museum of ArtKansas City, MOAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
California Science CenterLos Angeles, CAAlways freeEveryone2026-09-04
Griffith ObservatoryLos Angeles, CAAlways freeEveryone2026-09-04
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)Los Angeles, CA2nd Tuesday monthlyL.A. County residents2026-09-04
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical GardensLos Angeles, CASee pageL.A. Public Library cardholders2026-09-04
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM)Los Angeles, CAundefineds 15:00-17:00L.A. County residents2026-09-04
The BroadLos Angeles, CAAlways freeEveryone2026-09-04
The Getty CenterLos Angeles, CAAlways freeEveryone2026-09-04
Minneapolis Institute of ArtMinneapolis, MNAlways freeEveryone2026-09-04
Walker Art CenterMinneapolis, MNThursdaysOpen to everyone on Thursday nights and First Saturdays2026-09-04
American Museum of Natural HistoryNew York, NYSee pageNew York State residents (with ID)2026-09-04
Bronx ZooNew York, NYSee pageWednesday reduced-admission tickets: anyone who books in time2026-09-04
MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)New York, NYFridays 17:30-20:30New York State residents (with ID)2026-09-04
The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, NYSee pageNew York State residents; NY, NJ and CT students (with ID)2026-10-01
Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)Oakland, CA1st Sunday monthlyEveryone2026-09-04
Philadelphia Museum of ArtPhiladelphia, PAFridays (PWYW)Everyone — pay what you wish on Friday nights2026-09-04
Heard MuseumPhoenix, AZ1st Friday monthlyEveryone2026-09-04
Phoenix Art MuseumPhoenix, AZWednesdays 15:00-20:00Everyone — voluntary donation (pay what you wish)2026-09-04
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)Portland, ORSee pageEveryone2026-09-04
Oregon ZooPortland, ORSee pageDiscounts: Oregon/Washington income-assistance participants2026-09-04
Portland Art MuseumPortland, OR1st Thursday monthlyEveryone2026-09-04
Balboa Park Residents Free Days (multiple museums)San Diego, CATuesdaysCity and County of San Diego residents, plus active-duty military and their dependents — photo ID showing address required2026-09-04
Fleet Science CenterSan Diego, CA1st Tuesday monthlySan Diego County residents2026-09-04
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)San Diego, CA1st Tuesday monthlySan Diego City & County residents, active military + dependents2026-09-04
Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)San Francisco, CA1st Sunday monthlyEveryone2026-09-04
California Academy of SciencesSan Francisco, CASee pageEBT cardholders2026-09-04
de Young MuseumSan Francisco, CASaturdaysBay Area residents2026-09-04
Legion of HonorSan Francisco, CASaturdaysBay Area residents2026-09-04
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)San Francisco, CAPublished datesAges 18 and under2026-10-01
Burke MuseumSeattle, WA1st Thursday monthlyEveryone2026-09-04
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)Seattle, WA1st Thursday monthlyEveryone2026-09-04
The Museum of FlightSeattle, WA1st Thursday monthlyEveryone2026-09-04
Woodland Park ZooSeattle, WASee pageVaries by program — see freeText2026-09-04
Saint Louis Art MuseumSt. Louis, MOAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Saint Louis Science CenterSt. Louis, MOAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
Saint Louis ZooSt. Louis, MOAlways freeOpen to everyone2026-09-04
National Gallery of ArtWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-09-04
Smithsonian Museums & National ZooWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-09-04
Milwaukee Art MuseumMilwaukee, WIThursdays 16:00-20:00 (PWYW)Everyone2026-09-14
Milwaukee County ZooMilwaukee, WIPublished datesEveryone2026-10-01
Milwaukee Public MuseumMilwaukee, WI1st Thursday monthlyEveryone2026-09-14
COSIColumbus, OHSee pageNo general-public free day2026-09-14
San Antonio Museum of ArtSan Antonio, TXTuesdays 16:00-19:00Bexar County residents with proof of residency2026-09-14
McNay Art MuseumSan Antonio, TXThursdays 16:00-21:00Everyone — no residency restriction2026-09-14
Witte MuseumSan Antonio, TXTuesdays 15:00-18:00Bexar County residents with proof of residency2026-09-14
San Antonio ZooSan Antonio, TXSee pageNo general-public free day2026-09-14
Blanton Museum of ArtAustin, TXThursdaysEveryone2026-09-14
Bullock Texas State History MuseumAustin, TX1st Sunday monthlyEveryone2026-09-14
The Contemporary AustinAustin, TXThursdaysEveryone; ages 18 and under and military always free2026-09-14
ThinkeryAustin, TXPublished datesEveryone; members free2026-10-01
Brooklyn MuseumBrooklyn, NYPay-what-you-wish dailyEveryone2026-10-01
Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, NYundefineds 16:00-17:30 (PWYW)Everyone2026-10-01
Whitney Museum of American ArtNew York, NYFridays 17:00-22:00Everyone2026-09-14
Museum of the Moving ImageQueens, NYThursdays 14:00-18:00Everyone2026-09-14
9/11 Memorial & MuseumNew York, NYMondays 17:30-19:00Everyone2026-09-14
New York Botanical GardenBronx, NYWednesdays 10:00-11:00NYC residents all day Wednesday2026-09-14
Queens MuseumQueens, NYPay-what-you-wish dailyEveryone2026-09-14
Harvard Art MuseumsCambridge, MAAlways freeEveryone2026-09-14
Franklin Park ZooBoston, MA1st & 2nd Sunday monthlyStudents living in Boston enrolled in Boston Pre-K or grades K-12, plus two family members2026-09-14
Barnes FoundationPhiladelphia, PA1st Sunday monthlyEveryone (registration required)2026-09-14
Please Touch MuseumPhiladelphia, PAPublished datesEveryone on Community Days (registration required)2026-10-01
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, PASee pageEveryone2026-10-02
Penn MuseumPhiladelphia, PASee pageFree daily: ACCESS/EBT holders, active US military and veterans, K-12 teachers, Tribal Card holders2026-09-14
The Franklin InstitutePhiladelphia, PASee pageEveryone2026-09-14
Walters Art MuseumBaltimore, MDAlways freeEveryone2026-09-14
National AquariumBaltimore, MDSee pageEveryone (paid); kids 4 and under always free2026-10-01
Maryland Science CenterBaltimore, MDSee pageEveryone (paid); MD SNAP/WIC holders $5 via Access Science2026-09-14
Pérez Art Museum MiamiMiami, FLThursdays 17:00-21:00Everyone on Thursday evenings and Second Saturdays2026-09-14
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of ScienceMiami, FLSee pageFree only for active military, veterans, first responders2026-09-14
New Orleans Museum of ArtNew Orleans, LAWednesdaysLouisiana residents2026-09-14
Ogden Museum of Southern ArtNew Orleans, LAThursdays 10:00-17:00Louisiana residents2026-09-14
Louisiana State Museum (Cabildo & Presbytère)New Orleans, LASee pageChildren 6 and under free2026-09-14
Frist Art MuseumNashville, TNSee pageAges 18 and under free daily2026-10-01
Tennessee State MuseumNashville, TNAlways freeEveryone2026-09-14
Cheekwood Estate & GardensNashville, TNSee pageAges 2 and under free2026-09-14
Adventure Science CenterNashville, TNSee pageUnder 2 free2026-09-14
Orlando Museum of ArtOrlando, FL3rd Thursday monthlyEveryone2026-09-14
Mennello Museum of American ArtOrlando, FL2nd Sunday monthlyEveryone2026-09-14
Orange County Regional History CenterOrlando, FLPublished datesEveryone on Free Access Days2026-10-01
Harry P. Leu GardensOrlando, FL1st Monday monthlyEveryone2026-10-01
Georgia AquariumAtlanta, GASee pageChildren 2 and under free (no ticket required)2026-09-14
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-01
Monterey Bay AquariumMonterey, CAPublished datesMonterey County residents only2026-10-01
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical GardensSan Marino, CA1st Thursday monthlyEveryone, but reservation-gated2026-09-14
San Francisco Zoo & GardensSan Francisco, CA1st Wednesday monthlySan Francisco residents with a government-issued ID showing an SF address — one free admission per qualifying ID2026-10-01
ExploratoriumSan Francisco, CASee pageEveryone2026-09-14
Pacific Science CenterSeattle, WASee pageEveryone2026-09-14
Marjorie Barrick Museum of ArtLas Vegas, NVAlways freeEveryone2026-10-01
Nevada State Museum, Las VegasLas Vegas, NVPublished datesNevada residents with valid ID2026-10-01
Springs PreserveLas Vegas, NVPublished datesNevada residents with valid ID2026-10-01
Smithsonian's National ZooWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-01
National Air and Space MuseumWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (National Air and Space Museum)Chantilly, VAAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
National Museum of American HistoryWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
National Portrait GalleryWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
Smithsonian American Art MuseumWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GardenWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
National Museum of the American IndianWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
National Museum of the American Indian — George Gustav Heye CenterNew York, NYAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
National Museum of Asian Art (Freer Gallery and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery)Washington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art MuseumWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
Smithsonian National Postal MuseumWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
Anacostia Community MuseumWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design MuseumNew York, NYundefineds 17:00-18:00 (PWYW)Everyone during the pay-what-you-wish hour. Free year-round for ages 18 and under. Also free for: SNAP/EBT cardholders plus 3 guests2026-10-02
Library of Congress (Thomas Jefferson Building)Washington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
United States Botanic GardenWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
National Archives MuseumWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
United States National ArboretumWashington, DCAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
The Mint Museum (Uptown & Randolph)Charlotte, NCWednesdays 17:00-21:00Everyone2026-10-02
Bechtler Museum of Modern ArtCharlotte, NCWednesdays 17:00-21:00Everyone2026-10-02
Levine Museum of the New SouthCharlotte, NCSee pageN/A2026-10-02
Discovery Place ScienceCharlotte, NCSee pageWelcome Program: people currently receiving WIC or EBT benefits in North or South Carolina2026-10-02
Cleveland Museum of Natural HistoryCleveland, OHundefineds 10:00-17:00Residents of the City of Cleveland, East Cleveland, Brooklyn, Euclid, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, or Warrensville Heights2026-10-02
Museum of Contemporary Art ClevelandCleveland, OHSee pageAnyone living in Ohio, and all youth 18 and under2026-10-02
Cleveland Botanical GardenCleveland, OHPublished datesEveryone (on the free summer evenings)2026-10-02
Cleveland Metroparks ZooCleveland, OHMondaysResidents of Cuyahoga County or Hinckley Township2026-10-02
Great Lakes Science CenterCleveland, OHSee pageBank of America/Merrill cardholders2026-10-02
Taft Museum of ArtCincinnati, OHundefineds 10:00-17:00Everyone2026-10-02
Contemporary Arts CenterCincinnati, OHSee pageFree for visitors 18 and under, CAC members, and SNAP/EBT recipients2026-10-02
Cincinnati Museum CenterCincinnati, OHSee pageMuseums for All: SNAP, Medicaid, WIC or MARCC cardholders with photo ID2026-10-02
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenCincinnati, OHSee pageMilitary-only free days2026-10-02
Crocker Art MuseumSacramento, CA3rd Sunday monthlyEveryone2026-10-02
California State Railroad MuseumSacramento, CASee pagePaid admission for ages 6+; children 5 and under free2026-10-02
California MuseumSacramento, CAPublished datesFree Museum Weekend is open to everyone. Other free routes are limited to Bank of America cardholders or state employees.2026-10-02
Sacramento History MuseumSacramento, CASee pageFree only for the listed groups; everyone else pays2026-10-02
Sacramento ZooSacramento, CASee pagePaid admission2026-10-02
Utah Museum of Fine ArtsSalt Lake City, UT1st Wednesday monthlyEveryone2026-10-02
Natural History Museum of UtahSalt Lake City, UTPublished datesOffered as a thank-you to Salt Lake County taxpayers. The form asks for an address and a pledge of one request per household per year. No other residency proof is stated.2026-10-02
Red Butte Garden and ArboretumSalt Lake City, UTPublished datesEveryone2026-10-02
Utah's Hogle ZooSalt Lake City, UTSee pagePaid admission (children 2 and under free)2026-10-02
Tampa Museum of ArtTampa, FLThursdays 16:00-20:00 (PWYW)Everyone2026-10-02
Henry B. Plant MuseumTampa, FLPublished datesEveryone2026-10-02
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)Tampa, FLSee pagePaid admission (Florida K-12 teachers free)2026-10-02
ZooTampa at Lowry ParkTampa, FLSee pagePaid admission (children 2 and under free)2026-10-02
The Florida AquariumTampa, FLSee pagePaid admission; children 2 and under free2026-10-02
Carnegie Museum of ArtPittsburgh, PASee pageFree every day: children 2 and under, members, students with ID from Pitt2026-10-02
Carnegie Museum of Natural HistoryPittsburgh, PASee pageFree every day: children 2 and under, members, students with ID from Pitt2026-10-02
The Andy Warhol MuseumPittsburgh, PASee pageFree every day: members, children 2 and under, personal care attendants, listed local-college students with ID, and Pennsylvania teens 13-18 with a Free Teen Membership. Blue Star free for active military in summer.2026-10-02
The Frick PittsburghPittsburgh, PAAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical GardensPittsburgh, PASee pageFree: members, children under 2, and students of Pitt, CMU, Carlow and La Roche with ID2026-10-02
Mattress FactoryPittsburgh, PASee pageFree: members and children under 6. Allegheny County library cardholders free via a reserved RAD Pass.2026-10-02
Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art)Indianapolis, IN1st Thursday monthlyEveryone2026-10-02
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western ArtIndianapolis, INPublished datesEveryone on free days. Free every day: enrolled tribal members with tribal ID, Indiana college/university/trade-school students, Indiana K-12 teachers, members and children 4 and under.2026-10-02
Indiana State MuseumIndianapolis, INPublished datesEveryone on free days. Free every day: members, children under 3, Indiana K-12 educators with teacher ID, Indiana homeschool educators, and active and veteran military.2026-10-02
The Children's Museum of IndianapolisIndianapolis, INPublished datesEveryone, with a free advance ticket2026-10-02
Kemper Museum of Contemporary ArtKansas City, MOAlways freeEveryone2026-10-02
National WWI Museum and MemorialKansas City, MOSee pageFree: children under 6 and members. Veterans and active-duty military free on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends.2026-10-02
Science City at Union StationKansas City, MOSee pageFree: Union Station members and children 12 months and under2026-10-02
The Phillips CollectionWashington, DC3rd Thursday monthlyEveryone2026-10-02
Charlotte Museum of HistoryCharlotte, NCPublished datesEveryone on free festival days. Children 0-3 and members are always free. The museum also takes part in Museums for All2026-10-02
Negro Leagues Baseball MuseumKansas City, MOSee pageAlways free: children 0-4, NLBM members2026-10-02

Browse all free museum & zoo days →

FAQ

How do free museum days work?

Most large museums, zoos and aquariums set aside regular free-admission windows — a weekly evening, a monthly day, or published resident free days — often as a condition of public funding or as community access programs. General admission is free; special exhibits, parking and timed extras usually still cost money, and many institutions require a free timed-entry reservation.

Are free museum days only for residents?

Sometimes. Illinois museums' free days are typically for Illinois residents with ID, Detroit Institute of Arts is free for tri-county residents, and Balboa Park's free Tuesdays are for San Diego City and County residents. Plenty of others — free evenings at many art museums, always-free institutions like the Smithsonian or the Getty — are open to everyone. Each entry here says exactly who qualifies.

Do I need a reservation for a free day?

Increasingly, yes. Many institutions release free-day tickets online in advance, and the most popular ones (Shedd Aquarium's Illinois Resident Free Days, for example) can run out. Each entry in this tool says whether a reservation is required and links the official page to book it.

What are Museums on Us weekends?

Bank of America's Museums on Us program gives its cardholders one free general admission at 250+ participating cultural institutions on the first full weekend of every month — show your card and photo ID. Special exhibitions and fundraising events are excluded. We track the dates and notable participating museums on our Museums on Us page.

Do zoos have free days too?

Yes — some are always free (Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, the Saint Louis Zoo, the Smithsonian's National Zoo), and others run free or discounted days for local residents. Our free zoo days page collects the ones we've verified.

How current is this data?

Every entry shows the date it was last checked against the institution's own page (data last updated 2026-10-02). Schedules change and sell out, so treat this as a well-maintained map and confirm on the linked official page before you go.

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