Explore history, art, and more at these Boston museums with free admission! USS Constitution photo by Michael Blanchard for the Museum

How To Visit Great Museums Without Spending a Dime

From a very early age, bringing your kids to a museum will expand their little horizons beyond playgroups. Free museums in Boston are rich with art, natural history and culture. Free museum days help parents create a conversation with kids about the world beyond their home's four walls! Mommy Poppins has scouted out the best museum options to make sure they’re worth the drive. And best of all? This list includes truly free museums and free museum days for Boston families.

What Are the Best Kid-Friendly Always-Free Museums in Boston?

Some of Boston's best museums and attractions are free whenever your family visits!

Bunker Hill Museum - Charlestown

Bunker Hill has both the massive monument, with incredible views of the city, and a museum detailing the historic Revolutionary site.

Good to know: It's about 300 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument, and there is no elevator.

Boston Fire Museum - South Boston

Kids do love a fire truck! This museum has all kinds of vehicles, historic fire pumps, and cool gear for young fans to check out.

Good to know: The museum is only open on Saturdays.

Metropolitan Waterworks Museum - Chestnut Hill

Right by the Chestnut Hill Reservoir (a stone's throw from Boston College), the museum is a must-visit for STEAM fans. See engines that are three stories tall at this free Boston museum.

Good to know: The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum is constantly hosting fun, engaging, and FREE events and activities for Boston kids.

Saugus Iron Works - Saugus

The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site has a reconstruction of the first colonial iron works in America. There are reconstructed buildings and a museum.

Good to know: The 12-acre grounds are open all year, and they are definitely worth the visit. The museum and visitors' center is typically open from May through October.

Harvard Art Museums - Cambridge

The Harvard Art Museum have artifacts from around the world and throughout history. The art collections and rotating exhibits have everything from ancient treasures to modern masterpieces.

Good to know: Parking can be tricky in Harvard Square. The T station is right across Harvard Yard from the museum.

Arnold Arboretum - Jamaica Plain/Roslindale

Home to some of Boston's most beautiful cherry blossoms and more, this 280-acre open air museum is always free for visitors. Indoor spaces include greenhouses and bonsai collections.

Good to know: Lilac Sunday is celebrated every May. It's a free event dedicated to one of the Arboretum's signature flowers.

USS Constitution Museum 

The museum is filled with engaging, hands-on exhibits that demonstrate life in the early navy. Kids will love exploring the ropes, hammocks, and other parts of the sailor's life. But the star will alwas be "Old Ironsides," complete with sails, cannons, and amazing views of the city.

Good to know: The museum has a suggested donation $5-$10 for kids, $10-$15 for adults; however, the donation is completely voluntary.

 
Show your kids some world-class art at these FREE Boston museums. Museum of Fine Arts photo by JR P via Flickr 2.0

When Are the Free Museum Days in Boston?

ICA - Institute of Contemporary Art - Seaport

Visitors 18 & under are always FREE. Admission is also FREE on Thurday evenings, MLK Day, Juneteenth, and Memorial Day.

Discovery Museum - Acton

First Friday night each month is FREE for everyone.

JFK Presidential Library and Museum - Dorchester

The museum is FREE for Boston students, Pre-K through grade 12, and two guests on 1st & 2nd Sundays each month. See the website for more details.

Harvard Museum of Natural History - Cambridge

Admission is FREE for Massachusetts residents on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, see the museum website for hours.

New England Aquarium - Waterfront

The aquarium is FREE for Boston students, Pre-K through grade 12, and two guests on 1st & 2nd Sundays each month, see the aquarium website for details.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - Longwood

The Gardner is Free every first Thursday after 3pm; the museum is always FREE for visitors 17 & under and for those named "Isabella."

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) - Longwood

The MFA is FREE for all visitors on MLK Day, Memorial Day & Juneteenth. Visitors 17 and under are free after 3 pm on weekdays, weekends; and public school holidays. 

Honorable Mention: Boston Children's Museum - Seaport

On TJX Sundays, admission is $1 (valid from 1pm to 4pm).

Are There Any Hidden Gem or Off-the-Beaten-Path Free Museums in Boston?

Fuller Craft Museum - Brockton

Learn about the history, and the modern takes, on crafting at this Brockton museum. The Fuller Craft Museum also has a range of free crafting and STEAM events for kids.

Ages 8 & up

Good to know: While not required, donations are encouraged.

Longyear Museum - Brookline

Learn about the life and times of Mary Baker Eddy at this museum packed with 19th century artifacts that illuminate the world of the founder of the Church of Christ Scientist.

Ages 9 & up

Armory Museum of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company - Faneuil Hall

Tucked into Faneuil Hall, this museum is filled with artifacts from the history of America's oldest artillery company.

Ages 12 & up

Good to know: the museum is open from Wednesday to Friday.

Museum of Bad Art - Dorchester

Tired of bringing the family to view masterpieces? You can enjoy some epic catastrophes at this unique local museum that pays tribute to the worst of human creativity.

Ages 14 & up

Good to know: The Museum of Bad Art is 21+ after 6pm on weekends.

Which Free Museums Are Best for Different Ages?

Toddlers & Preschoolers: smaller children’s museums, touch exhibits, or nature centers

• Arnold Arboretum
• Boston Fire Museum
• U.S.S. Constitution

Elementary Kids: interactive science, local history, or transportation museums

• Bunker Hill
• Metropolitan Waterworks

Tweens & Teens: art, cultural, and design museums with deeper engagement

• Harvard Art Museums
• Museum of Bad Art
• Fuller Craft Museum

How To Make the Most of Free Museum Days

• Avoid large school groups by not heading out to the museum at the end of the school year
• Come prepared with a little cash for gift shops and museum store (yes, the kids will see them!)
• Plan ahead and know how long the drive will be - yessir, I do allow handheld games for rides over 45 minutes!
• Either bring food with you or locate an inexpensive place near the museum you will be visiting

Free Museum Days in Boston FAQ

Q: What museums are always free in Boston?
A: Several local favorites like Bunker Hill Museum, Harvard Art Museums, and the U.S.S. Constitution Museum offer free admission year-round for everyone.

Q: When are free museum days in Boston?
A: Many major museums offer free admission on select days — like the first and Second Sunday of each month.

Q: Are free museums in Boston good for kids?
A: Yes! Many are hands-on and family-friendly, with play zones and interactive exhibits. Some art museums are better for older kids and tweens.

Q: Do I need tickets or reservations for free museum days?
A: Some popular museums require timed-entry passes even on free days, so plan ahead and book early online.

Q: What’s the best time to visit free museums with kids?
A: Mornings are typically less crowded; avoid midday or rainy weekends when lines get long.

Originally published 2015
Updated January 2024, 2025, 2026