San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is free 1st Tuesday monthly — for San Diego City & County residents, active military + dependents (1st Tuesday); EBT/SNAP/WIC cardholders (any day); birthday-month visitors (any day, once). Residents Free Days on the first Tuesday of each month (part of the Balboa Park rotation) for San Diego City & County residents, active military, and dependents, with ID; last entry 4:30pm; films not included ($5 add-on). Also: one free admission during your birthday month; EBT/SNAP/WIC cardholders + photo ID get free general admission for up to 4 family members; half-price admission Fridays 5–11pm. Not stated as required Verified on San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)'s own page, last checked 2026-09-04.
| Free day | 1st Tuesday monthly |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | San Diego City & County residents, active military + dependents (1st Tuesday); EBT/SNAP/WIC cardholders (any day); birthday-month visitors (any day, once) |
| Reservation | Not stated as required |
| What's included | General admission galleries; films/giant-screen theater excluded on Residents Free Days ($5 add-on) |
| Regular adult price | $24.95 adult |
| Source | sdnhm.org · checked 2026-09-04 |
Eligibility: San Diego City & County residents, active military + dependents (1st Tuesday); EBT/SNAP/WIC cardholders (any day); birthday-month visitors (any day, once). General admission galleries; films/giant-screen theater excluded on Residents Free Days ($5 add-on). Skipping the ticket window here saves $24.95 adult per adult.
Worth knowing: The Nat also gives every visitor one free admission during their own birthday month — a standing perk separate from the monthly Residents Free Day.
Balboa Park Residents Free Days (multiple museums) (tuesdays) · Fleet Science Center (1st tuesday monthly) — or see the full free museum days in San Diego guide.
↥ Check another museum → Browse all free museum & zoo days →
Residents Free Days on the first Tuesday of each month (part of the Balboa Park rotation) for San Diego City & County residents, active military, and dependents, with ID; last entry 4:30pm; films not included ($5 add-on). Also: one free admission during your birthday month; EBT/SNAP/WIC cardholders + photo ID get free general admission for up to 4 family members; half-price admission Fridays 5–11pm.
Not stated as required
The free days are for San Diego City & County residents, active military + dependents (1st Tuesday); EBT/SNAP/WIC cardholders (any day); birthday-month visitors (any day, once) — typically with ID or proof of residency. Visitors pay regular admission ($24.95 adult).
General admission galleries; films/giant-screen theater excluded on Residents Free Days ($5 add-on)
$24.95 adult. That's what a well-timed visit saves you.