LA & OC Free Museum Days (2023 Calendar)
Here is a roundup of free museum days Los Angeles and Orange County families can enjoy this year, including picks with always-free admission!
We’re collecting free days for family-friendly museums and zoos around LA on our interactive map & calendar. More free days are added as we hear about them, so check back often for opportunities to enjoy free family fun.
Your reviews and likes help other parents discover something new! Chime in below to share your experience or let us know about other Los Angeles museum free days we should add to the list.
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 01 |
| 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 |
| 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| 30 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 |
Armory Center For the Arts
Erynn said: Every day is a free day at Armory Center For the Arts. The Armory invites everyone who loves art to visit and learn with contemporary art exhibits, artist forums and screenings, plus performances from local talent. Exhibits often rotate but have included installations featuring inflatable lawn decorations, handmade ceramics, and more.
Pasadena, CAAlways free admission
Open Friday-Sunday
1 review
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Erynn said: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes always offers free admission. This culturally-focused plaza showcases the evolution of Mexican and Mexican-American culture. It's also central to the local culture in LA and the surrounding areas, and interactive exhibits help kids to understand both their own culture and those of others.
Los Angeles, CAAlways free admission
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
1 review
Museum of Contemporary Art
Erynn said: The Museum of Contemporary Art always offers free admission. 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!
Los Angeles, CAAlways free admission
Closed Mondays
1 review
California African American Museum
Erynn said: California African American Museum always offers free admission. CAAM’s permanent collection consists of over 5,000 objects ranging from the 1800s to the present. CAAM’s deepest holdings include art made or connected to African Americans in California and the western United States.
Los Angeles, CAAlways free admission
Closed Mondays
1 review
California Science Center
Erynn said: Admission to the permanent galleries at the California Science Center, including Space Shuttle Endeavour, is always free and do not require a reservation. Learn about air & space with a collection of real space crafts, ecosystems by exploring underwater tunnels, and transportation by racing your own solar powered toy cars. Timed tickets are required for the IMAX Theater.
Los Angeles, CAAlways free admission
1 review
Hammer Museum
Erynn said: 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.
Los Angeles, CAAlways free admission
Closed Mondays
1 review
Fowler Museum at UCLA
Erynn said: The Fowler Museum at UCLA always offers free admission. The Fowler explores global arts and cultures with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Indigenous Americas—past and present.
Always free admission
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
1 review
Getty Center
Erynn said: 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, and be sure to check out the Family Forum at the Getty Villa.
Los Angeles, CAAlways free admission
Closed Mondays
1 review
Past Events (10)
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Free Hours
Erynn said: 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.
Los Angeles, CAFree admission for LA County residents Monday-Friday, 3pm-5pm
2 reviews
Los Angeles County Museum of Art Free Days
Erynn said: 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.
FREE admission on the second Tuesday of each month
FREE admission for LA County residents on weekdays, after 3pm
Always FREE for LA County residents under 18
Closed Wednesdays
1 review
Japanese American National Museum Free Days
Erynn said: Japanese American National Museum offers free admission all day on the third Thursdays of every month as well as 5pm-8pm every other Thursday. This unique museum focuses on the story of Japanese Americans as well as diversity across the nation and the world. Exhibits explore heritage and culture in the local community and on a global scale with exhibitions on refugees from Iraq and Syria, a culmination of 15 years of photography and personal statements from people who identify as "hapa," and more.
Los Angeles, CAFree Days third Thursdays and 5pm-8pm every Thursday
1 review
Skirball Cultural Center Free Days
Erynn said: Skirball Cultural Center hosts free days on Thursdays. This includes the popular Noah's Ark exhibit. There are also recurring family programs like story time, archaeology digs, and more for kids and their caregivers to enjoy together.
Los Angeles, CAFree Days Thursdays
1 review
Autry Museum of the American West Free Days
Erynn said: The Autry has free days on the second Tuesday of every month. The Autry features world-class galleries filled with Native American art and cultural materials, film memorabilia, historic firearms, paintings, interactive areas, and more.
Los Angeles, CAFree Days second Tuesdays
1 review
Kidspace Children's Museum Free First Fridays
Erynn said: Kidspace Children's Museum offers free days the first Friday of each month. This 3.5 acre campus features more than 40 hands-on exhibits for children ages 1-10. Advance reservations are required. Tickets are released approximately 2 weeks prior to the date of visit.
Free Days first Fridays, 3pm-6pm
1 review
The Huntington Free Days
Erynn said: 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!
San Marino, CAFree Days first Thursdays
1 review
Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech Center for Art & Culture Free Admission Day
Audrey Chittick said: As part of its ongoing #WescomKindness initiative and in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Wescom Credit Union has made a generous donation to the Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech Center for Art & Culture, enabling the museums to provide free admission to all patrons on Sunday, October 01, 2023.
As part of the 10/01 collaboration between the Credit Union and museum, one lucky family will have the chance to win an annual Family Membership ($125 value). Wescom believes that Chicano art & culture enriches the lives of Southern Californians, every day. Riverside, CAFree Day October 1
1 review
Museum of Latin American Art MOLAA Free Sundays
Erynn said: 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.
Long Beach, CAFree Days Sundays
Always free for youth 12 & under
1 review
Craft Contemporary Pay What You Can Day
Erynn said: 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.
Los Angeles, CAFree Days Sundays
1 review
Primary photo: Courtesy of Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
