Philly Science Museums with Free Admission 

1. The Science History Institute — Old City

Budding scientists will love the always-free Science History Institute, where visitors can take in historical artifacts highlighting milestones in scientific breakthroughs. Kids love the hands-on Object Explorer, featuring an interactive table with things like soda bottles and light bulbs to place and discover the history and technology of everyday things. In addition to the exhibition spaces and interactives, the Institute regularly hosts family days for kids. A 2025 renovation brought a lobby design and new exhibition space, exploring the history and science of 20 minerals donated to the institute.

Insider Tips: Use the "Object Explorer" to take a deeper dive into exhibits. This museum is great for the science buffs in the family but may not be as interesting to younger kids. The museum lacks food services, but there are several low-cost eateries within walking distance, as well as food carts during warm weather near 3rd, 4th, and 5th streets and along Chestnut and Market.

2. Wagner Free Institute of Science — North Philadelphia

Here's another one of the few museums in Philly that's always free to visitors of any age. Ascend to the brightly-lit second floor, where you’ll find over 100,000 specimens in an enchanting Victorian-era building, including full-size skeletons of buffalo and draft horses. On Saturdays, Wagner runs special programming with activities like scavenger hunts and crafts, which are free, but donations are welcome to support the mission.

Insider Tips: Dress comfortably, since the historic building does not have air conditioning, and summertime temps will be higher. There's limited parking nearby, but the site is easily accessed by the Broad Street Line or buses. Be sure to respec the no-photo rule upstairs.

3. Delaware County Institute of Science — Media

Founded nearly 200 years ago to bring knowledge to the general public, the DCIS museum contains both a natural history museum and a lending library. Located in an historic building at the corners of Jasper Street and Veterans Square in Media, the museum exhibits include mounted birds and animals, an herbarium of Delaware County plants, fossils, shells, and corals from around the world, and much more, such as Native American tools and pottery, late 1800’s radios, and microscopes. The museum is open to the public on most Thursdays from 10am to 1pm.

Insider Tips: Ask the volunteers to guide you to hidden gems like "Charlie the skeleton" or interesting historical artifacts. Check out the schedule for free lectures, which go in-depth into scientific topics and will appeal to the science buffs in the family. 

Philly Art Museums with Free Admission

4. Barnes Foundation — Fairmount 

The first Sunday of every month is free admission day at the Barnes Foundation, where you can get lost for hours in its impressive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and modern art. To make the most of these days, the museum holds massive family festivals on its free first Sundays, complete with art activities, guest artists, performers, and more. Advance registration is required.

Insider Tips: Use the Art Kids audio guide on their app for more in-depth exploration. Take advantage of free family programs. Check bulkier items in the complimentary lockers to enjoy your visit unencumbered by coats and bags.

5. The Fabric Workshop and Museum — Center City

The Fabric Workshop is always free for visitors of any age, with a suggested $5 donation. Originally established as a place where artists could work with textiles and fabric, the museum now showcases innovative contemporary art exhibitions alongside a prestigious artist-in-residence program and often holds workshops and classes for kids.

Insider Tips: Check the schedule for hands-on fun and events featuring the current Artist in Residence. Exhibits change often, so if you enjoy your visit, plan to come back and see new works. 

6. Institute of Contemporary Art — University City

Head up to Penn to visit this free contemporary art museum, where Andy Warhol got his first museum show. Immersive installations, innovative exhibitions, murals, and more adorn these cutting-edge galleries. The ICA closes on occasion to rotate out its exhibitions, so check online to see what's new.

Insider Tips: Encourage kids to sketch what they see (in pencil; no pens). Since contemporary art tends to be more conceptual, ask kids open-ended questions such as "How does it make you feel" instead of "What is it?" Look for the interactive exhibits for more engagement. Go early to find easier street parking, or look for a nearby lot.

7. Philadelphia Art Museum — Fairmount 

Kids 18 and under are always free at this Philly landmark, and adults can enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission on the first Sunday of the month. Family festivals are held on pay-what-you-wish Sundays, where artists of all ages can enjoy art making in the Art Kids Studio, performances in the Great Stair Hall, family gallery tours, and artist activations around the museum. Due to a large-scale maintenance project through 2026, some galleries may be unavailable during your visit, so check the website first to find out what's open.

Insider Tips: The museum is large, so grab a map and plan a route, focusing first on the collections the family members most want to see. Free tours are available daily, and the audio guide takes a deeper look. Large strollers are not permitted in some galleries, but single strollers can be borrowed from the coat check.  

8. Rodin Museum — Fairmount 

Admission at the Rodin Museum is always pay-what-you-wish for visitors of any age, although it's free for children and youth under age 18. The only museum dedicated to the acclaimed sculptor outside France, this collection of masterpieces takes your breath away without breaking the bank. 

Insider Tips: Start with the outdoor sculptures, where kids may enjoy mimicking poses for photos. Don't feel pressured to see everything; focus on the great pieces for a shorter visit. For a longer visit, combine the Rodin Museum with a visit to the nearby Philadelphia Art Museum.

9. Woodmere Art Museum — Chestnut Hill

Admission to the Woodmere Art Museum is free every Sunday for all ages, and is always free for children. Explore the stunning sculpture garden and wander the exhibitions dedicated to showcasing Philadelphia artists, some of which are curated especially with families in mind. The museum also holds regular family programs.

Insider Tips: In warmer months, explore the outdoor Sculpture Garden. Indoor highlights include the Millard Children's Gallery for student art. To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday morning, if possible.

Admire vintage fire engines at Fireman's Hall. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Philly History Museums with Free Admission 

10. Carpenter’s Hall — Old City

This little-known and free gem in Philly’s Historic District allows visitors to walk through the halls of an 18th-century mansion to see furniture, architecture, and art dating back hundreds of years. The building hosted the first Continental Congress, in addition to housing Franklin's Library Company, the First and Second Banks of the United States, and The American Philosophical Society. Carpenter's Hall gives directions to an hour-long historical walking tour of Old City and Society Hill, available to anyone online. 

Insider's Tips: Point out the LEGO replica of the hall to make the history relatable. For a quick visit, focus on the main meeting room where the First Continental Congress met. Combine your visit with other historic locations like Independence Hall to walk in the steps of historic American figures.

11. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site — Old City

Your kids may or may not read Poe in school, but they can definitely see where the literary great lived. Poe’s former home has been converted into a free museum that shows how the city impacted his work. The site is currently closed for a utilities improvement project and will reopen in 2026. Check the website for the reopening date.

Insider's Tips: Pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet for puzzles, historic facts, creative challenges, and the opportunity to earn a sticker badge. Watch the short introductory film to learn more about Poe before visiting the house. Keep in mind that the rooms are sparse, so use facts from the pamphlet to help imagine his life in the house. Be sure to check out the raven statue outside, which is great for photos.

12. Fireman’s Hall Museum — Old City

This free museum is a must-see if your little one is fascinated by fire trucks. One of the city's most kid-friendly spots, Fireman's Hall has an array of historic equipment from the Philadelphia Fire Department and encourages visitors to play dress-up with firefighter gear. 

Insider Tips: Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Betsy Ross House for a longer outing. The museum will take one hour to see, or up to two hours for fans of things that go. 

13. Independence Hall — Old City

Admission to this historic site is free, but with a $1 ticket handling fee. Show your kids where our nation declared its independence and tour a landmark full of original artifacts. From George Washington's "rising sun" chair to the inkstand used by Jefferson, you'll get an up-close look at some of our country's most important foundations. Timed tickets are required from March through December. 

Insider Tips: Get timed tickets online for guided tours (free with a $1 service charge per ticket). Or go between 9 and 9:50 a.m., when tickets are not required and self-guided tours are available. Park rangers are available during that time to answer questions. Ask the rangers about collectible trading cards through the Junior Ranger program.

14. Liberty Bell Center — Old City

The Liberty Bell stands proud on Independence Mall in its home under the U.S National Park Service banner as a symbol of American pride, strength, and independence for centuries. Check out impressive visuals and documents to learn more about its story, all against the landmark's incredible backdrop of Independence Hall.

Insider Tips: Check out the interactive touchable inscription replica and other exhibits before seeing the bell. Be patient while waiting for photos if it's crowded. Admission is free, but at busier times, the wait might be long. The nearest bathrooms are in the Independence Visitor Center, so consider stopping there first before getting in line.

15. Ryerss Museum — Northeast Philadelphia

This Northeast Philly gem once served as the home of the wealthy Ryerss family. The museum preserves the family's huge collection of international artifacts and art, with an adjoining library that bookworms will love. Parking is free, as well. Ryerss is conveniently situated within the 65-acre Burholme Park, which has ball fields, a playground, miniature golf courses, and picnic areas to enjoy after exploring the museum. 

Insider Tips: Focus on the quirky collections and take a quick look at the original parlors for a glimpse of the family life. The attached library often offers used book sales. Since the museum is in Burholme Park, plan to spend time outside running around. In winter, it's a great place for sledding.

16. SEPTA Transit Gift Store — Center City

This one's not technically a museum, but kids love visiting the SEPTA Transit Gift Store to see its models and learn about the history of the city’s transit agency. Displays teach children about the inner workings of trains, trolleys, and buses. After some train education, pick up a transit-themed souvenir. 

Insider Tips: It's a perfect indoor activity to keep kids busy on a rainy day. Because of its unique merchandise, the store can be a terrific place to find a souvenir. Train enthusiasts will enjoy the interactive exhibits.

17. Temple University Shoe Museum — Center City

If you thought your kids’ closets were crowded, check out Temple’s Shoe Museum. Families will find more than 1,000 shoes here, displayed throughout exhibits like Mummer Shoes, Shoes that Serve, and Shoes in the Arts. Guests take self-guided tours with educational audio clips provided by QR codes. This off-the-beaten-path museum is a little-known treasure, where admission is free, but visits must be scheduled in advance.

Insider Tips: The museum is the place to enjoy local history and cultural appreciation, not for hands-on activities. Keep that in mind when bringing younger visitors. Parking can be found in a nearby lot on North 8th Street or in university garages.

18. United States Mint — Old City

Money, money, and more money! Learn how coins are made at the United States Mint located in Philadelphia. Visitors can expect to see the factory, view the first coin press, and meet Peter the Mint Eagle during free tours. 

Insider Tips: The best time to visit is on a weekday morning when coins are actively being made. Use the push-button video stations for interactive storytelling. Check the schedule, as the hours do change.

19. Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History — Old City

Snap a photo with the "YO/OY" sculpture, then head on into the Weitzman, a free museum on Independence Mall dedicated to the history of the Jewish-American experience. Evocative artifacts, portraits capturing moments in history, and cutting-edge interactive displays all come together for an immersive experience for those from any background eager to learn or share stories about their journey.

Insider Tips: Head for the fun interactives such as the Covered Wagon Playroom, about the immigrant experience; and the Sleepaway Camp Gallery, with hands-on activities related to Jewish summer camp culture. Don't forget to stop in the "It's Your Story" booth to record your own family stories to share.

Philly Zoos and Gardens with Free Admission

20. Brandywine Zoo — Wilmington, DE

The Brandywine Zoo offers free admission from January through February 28, because fewer animals are visible. However, kids can still see over 20 different animals that don't mind coming out in the cold. 

Insider Tips: Visit in the mornings while animals are active. Pack snacks and a drink or a picnic lunch to enjoy in a nearby park. For free admission in the warmer months, see if your local library has an available pass through the library pass program.

21. Awbury Arboretum — Germantown

Always free and open to the public, the Awbury Arboretum offers nature lovers a chance to explore the outdoors with their families. Take an awe-inspiring walk through its grounds, open daily from sunrise to sunset. 

Insider Tips: Use the provided maps to find specific areas like the farm, featuring goats! Nature Play Zones allow kids to climb and use their imaginations.

22. Bartram's Gardens — South Philadelphia

There is no cost to visit Bartram’s independently, and it’s open 365 days a year from sunup to sundown. 

Insider Tips: Bring an app for plant ID. Check online for family-friendly events. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds.

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

Temple University Shoe Museum — Center City

Free admission.

Ages: 8+; great for those interested in fashion and colorful history.

Why we love it: Many items in the museum are surprising and can spark conversations.

The Fabric Workshop and Museum — Center City

Free admission.

Ages: 8+; especially for kids interested in contemporary art and hands-on experiences.

Why we love it: The hands-on activities help young visitors to create their own art.

Which Free Museums in Philadelphia Are Best for Different Ages?

Toddlers & Preschoolers

• Philadelphia Art Museum — Fairmount (Hands-on activities for all ages)

• Fireman’s Hall Museum — Old City (Great for those who love firetrucks)

• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History — Old City (Interactive exhibits to learn about history and culture)

Elementary Kids

• The Science History Institute — Old City (Explore the history of scientific artifacts)

• Woodmere Art Museum — Chestnut Hill (The sculpture garden offers a more immersive view of art.)

•  Ryerss Museum — Northeast Philadelphia (Fascinating collection with a nearby playground and a park for picnics.)

Tweens & Teens

• Delaware County Institute of Science — Media (In-depth free lectures for science fans.)

• Independence Hall — Old City (Terrific tour guides provide little-known facts about early America.)

• Rodin Museum — Fairmount (Less busy than larger art museums, with plenty of opportunity for selfies.)

How To Make the Most of Free Museum Days

Arrive early to avoid long lines and get better parking spots. Weekdays are often best to avoid crowds.

Keep kids happy by bringing snacks and water (but check the site's policies!) If outside food isn't allowed, plan the trip around lunchtime and find a family-friendly place to eat nearby.

Check for free family workshops or story hours, or opportunities for special experiences, such as seeing artists in action or watching animals.

Combine your visit with a nearby park or playground, especially in warmer weather. Look for air-conditioned museums to get out of the heat on hotter days.

Avoid school field trip hours, which tend to be during the early afternoon.

Free Museum Days in Philadelphia FAQ

Q: What museums are always free in Philadelphia?

A: Several local favorites include year-round free admission. Check out The Fabric Workshop and Museum, the Rodin Museum, and the Fireman's Hall Museum.

Q: When are free museum days in Philadelphia?

A: Many major museums offer free admission on select days — like the first Friday or first Sunday of each month. For example, the Philadelphia Art Museum is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Q: Are free museums in Philadelphia good for kids?

A: Yes! Many provide hands-on exhibits and family-friendly activities or workshops. Some art and history museums are more interesting to older kids and tweens.

Q: Do I need tickets or reservations for free museum days?

A: Since some popular museums still require timed-entry passes on free days, plan ahead and book early.

Q: What’s the best time to visit free museums with kids?

A: If by the best time you mean the least crowded, then mornings are typically best. Lines may be longer at midday or on weekends.