If you have a large family, the cost of a museum visit can add up fast! Below is a list of a several LA , OC and San Bernardino museums that offer “free days”. Remember to always confirm in advance as museums may have number limitations and/or are subject to change. Also note that “free days” can often be quite crowded!
Los Angeles County
Autry Museum of the American West – Free to the general public on the second Tuesday of every month.
Craft and Folk Art Museum – “Pay what you want” admission on Sundays, 11 am-5 pm.
Huntington Library – Free admission on the first Thursday of every month. Reservation required.
Japanese American National Museum – Free admission on the third Thursday of every month, and every Thursday, 5 pm-8 pm.
Kidspace Children’s Museum – Free admission on the first Tuesday of every month, 4 pm-8 pm.
Long Beach Museum of Art – Free admission every Friday.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art – Free admission on the second Tuesday of each month. Free to county residents weekdays after 3 pm.
Museum of Latin American Art – Free admission every Sunday as well as the fourth Friday of every month, 5 pm-9 pm.
Natural History Museum – Free admission the first Tuesday of every month.
Norton Simon Museum – Free admission on the first Friday of every month, 5 pm-8 pm.
Pacific Asia Museum – Free admission on the second Sunday of every month.
Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits – Free admission on the first Tuesday of every month.
Pasadena Museum of California Art – Free admission on the first Friday of every month and the third Thursday of every month.
Skirball Cultural Center – Free admission on Thursdays from 12 pm-5 pm.
Orange County
Bowers Museum – Free admission to Family Festivals and Kidseum (interactive children’s museum) on the first Sunday of every month.
La Habra Children’s Museum – Free themed family days with workshops and performances on one designated Sunday every month.
Laguna Art Museum – Free admission on the first Thursday evening of every month, 5 pm-9 pm.
San Bernardino County
Mission Inn Museum – Free admission daily, 9:30 am- 4:30 pm. Donation suggested.
Ontario Museum of History and Art – Free admission Thursday – Sunday, 12 pm-4 pm
Original McDonald’s site and Museum – Free admission all week, 10 am-5 pm.
San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum – Free admission on Wednesdays, 9 am-12 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am-3 pm.
Norton Air Force Base Museum – Free admission on Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm.
Inland Empire Military Museum – Free admission on Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am-5 pm, and weekdays by appointment.
Historical Glass Museum – Free admission weekdays, 12 pm-4 pm. Donation suggested.