LA & OC Free Museum Days (2025 Calendar)

Families can enjoy free days at Craft Contemporary on Sundays when they offer pay-what-you-can admission. The whole family can explore craft, art, and design at Craft Contemporary, where not only can they view art, but they can make it, too! Exhibitions change frequently so pop in for some inspiration any time or join a family-friendly art program.

The Museum of Latin American Art offers free days every Sunday. Their mission is to increase knowledge and appreciation of modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art through its collection, exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events.

Free admission is available during the Riverside Arts Walk (First Thursday of each month, 6–9pm), First Sundays (First Sunday of each month, 12–5pm) and Free Summer Sundays (Every Sunday, June – August).

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers free admission to LA county residents every weekday from 3pm - 5pm. They offer unique experiences that allow guests to interact and get hands-on with the natural world all year long. Additional tickets must be purchased to see special exhibitions, Butterfly and Spider Pavilion, 3D Theater, and other special ticketed experiences. 

Enjoy this botanical oasis in Los Angeles with free admission on the thrid Tuesday of every month. Free tickets are released online on the first day of the month, and advance reservations are required.

The Autry is a museum of the history, art, and stories of the American West. It is free every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Reservations are required and limited.

Enjoy free admission at the Los Angeles County Arboretum on the third Tuesday of every month. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be reserved online in advance.

Skirball Cultural Center hosts free days on Thursdays. This includes the popular Noah's Ark exhibit. There are also recurring family programs like family art studio, archaeology digs, and more for kids and their caregivers to enjoy together.

The Huntington offers free days on the first Thursday of every month. Admission is free of charge with advance reservation. Free Day tickets are available the last Thursday of every month for admission the following week. Their extensive grounds are impressive and include a library, art museum and botanical gardens. Explore the Children's Garden or enjoy the Youth and Family Programs including workshops, preschool series, festivals, and even camps!

Kidspace is opening up its doors for free on the first Friday of every month. Advance reservations are required. Tickets are released approximately 2 weeks before the date of the visit. This 3.5 acre campus features more than 40 hands-on exhibits for children.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosts free days on the second Tuesday of each month. It is always free for LA County residents under 18 and all LA County residents on weekdays after 3pm. LACMA features artwork covering the expanse of art history—from ancient times to the present.

If you're looking for things to do with kids in Los Angeles on a budget, admission to the permanent galleries at the California Science Center is always free, and does not require a reservation. Permanent exhibits include World of Life, Fire! Science & Safety, and Ecosystems. Timed tickets are required for the IMAX Theater and special exhibits.

The Hammer Museum always offers free admission. This museum champions the art and artists who challenge us to see the world in a new light, to experience the unexpected, to ignite our imaginations, and inspire change. They encourage families to download one of their family and teen guides ahead of your visit to enhance your understanding of their exhibitions.

Admission to the Getty Center and the Getty Villa is always free for the whole family; just be sure to reserve a time for your visit. The tram ride, gardens and outdoor spaces, and art galleries are fun for families to enjoy together. For even more fun for the kiddos, pick up a set of art detective cards in the Museum Entrance Hall at the Getty Center.

The Museum of Contemporary Art always offers free admission. All visitors should reserve an online ticket. MOCA is an artist-founded museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. Take a tour of the museum or just browse the galleries. Pick up a Family Guide with activities to keep you busy during your visit-prompts to look, discuss, sketch, write, and more!