Free · National
A free one-year pass that gets the fourth grader and everyone in their vehicle into federal parks, lands, and waters at no charge.
Who qualifies: US children in fourth grade (or homeschool equivalent, roughly age 10) during the current school year. Educators and group leaders can also download passes for the kids in their care.
How to get it: Complete the short activity at everykidoutdoors.gov to print a paper voucher, then exchange it for a physical annual pass at many participating federal sites.
Free or reduced; income based (requires SNAP/EBT) · National
Free or steeply reduced admission (often 0 to 3 dollars) at participating museums when you show a SNAP EBT card.
Who qualifies: Households receiving SNAP food benefits. You must present your EBT card plus photo ID. Some venues also accept WIC or Medicaid cards, but that varies by museum.
How to get it: Find a participating museum in the directory at museums4all.org, then present your EBT card and photo ID at the admission desk.
Free (military only) · National
Free general admission at participating museums during the summer for active-duty military families.
Who qualifies: Active-duty military, including National Guard and Reserve, plus up to five family members. Show a valid military ID. Eligibility is military only.
How to get it: Find a participating museum on the map at arts.gov and show a military ID at the desk during the program window.
Free (requires being a Bank of America cardholder) · National
Free general admission on the first full weekend of every month for Bank of America cardholders.
Who qualifies: Anyone holding an eligible Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card. Show the card plus a government-issued photo ID.
How to get it: On the first full Saturday or Sunday of the month, show your eligible card and photo ID at a participating museum. Find venues on the Museums on Us map.
Free · National
Free admission to the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, with no ticket purchase required.
Who qualifies: Everyone. No eligibility requirement. A few high-demand museums require a free timed-entry pass reserved in advance.
How to get it: Walk in at most locations. For museums that require it (for example the National Museum of African American History and Culture), reserve a free timed pass online first.
Free (requires a local library card) · Varies by location
Borrow free or discounted museum and attraction passes using your library card, through programs like NYC Culture Pass, Discover and Go, and Museum Adventure Pass.
Who qualifies: Cardholders at a participating library system. Availability, age rules, and included venues vary by library. The NYC Culture Pass example is for cardholders age 13 and older.
How to get it: Ask your city or county library, or check its website, for its museum-pass program, then reserve a pass online or at the desk (passes are limited and first come, first served).
