Did you know most of the museums around Seattle have a free day, once a month? I’m always astonished by how many of my friends don’t know about this perk. Now that summer’s here and we’re looking for fun activities to keep the kids entertained, free museum visits are a great way to keep their minds busy (and get some exercise while you’re at it).
A handful of museums are always free on the first Thursday of each month — see the list below. BUT — here’s something I didn’t even know! — did you know you can print free passes for most Seattle museums if you have a Seattle Public Library card? Just choose your museum and the day you want to attend (up to 30 days in advance), print out the pass and bring it with you. There are some limitations so check out the free museum pass details on the Seattle Public Library website. They’ve got free admission to all sorts of awesome places, including the Experience Music Project (EMP) and the Seattle Aquarium too!
If you don’t have a Seattle Public Library card, here’s a list of museums that give free admission on the first Thursday of every month*:
Museum of Flight
This one is only free from 5 – 9 pm on the first Thursday, but it is entirely worth it. They’ve got awesome airplanes to climb inside, an inspiring World War II room, a kids play area, lots of Seattle’s aeronautic history (including the birthplace of Boeing) and, outside in the Airpark, real airplanes like the Concorde and JFK’s Air Force One that you can walk inside. My boys love this museum, and every out-of-town visitor we’ve brought has loved it too.
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Located on the University of Washington (UW) campus, this museum features lots of Washington’s natural history, including the first (and only) dinosaur skeleton found in the state!
Henry Art Gallery
Also located at UW, the Henry was Washington state’s first art museum and currently the only contemporary art museum in our region. They feature exhibits, lectures and hands-on activities for children.
Museum of History and Industry
The MOHAI sits right on Seattle’s Lake Union in a picturesque spot, next to the Center for Wooden Boats (another museum that’s always free!). It’s full of fun, hands-on exhibits all about Seattle. I especially loved the section about TV shows and movies that were filmed in or inspired by Seattle.
Kids Discovery Museum
KiDiMu is located on Bainbridge Island, just a short walk from the ferry terminal, so you can make a full day out of traveling to the island (and stop for ice cream after the museum). Explore science, art, and culture in a fun, hands-on way.
Also free on first Thursdays (but a little less kid-friendly): the Nordic Heritage Museum, the Northwest African American Museum, and the downtown Seattle Art Museum.
Happy exploring!
*Museums may have special events or change their policies at any time – always check their website or call to verify the free admission day before heading out.
Very informative article. I am bookmarking this post so that if ever we are in the area, we’d take advantage of visiting museums for free. I will also let my nephew know about this. He might want to take his daughter there. They live fairly close to Seattle.
I love to visit museum like this where you became more knowledgeable of everything that is around you
My husband has been wanting to go to the Museum of Flight in Seattle for the longest. Thank you for these tips, we will definitely be using them when we go!
I have several friends that live in the Seattle area and they had no idea about this information when I passed it along! I’m thrilled that they are going to be able to benefit from this post and I am looking forward to hearing all about their museum excursions. This post makes me wish I lived in Seattle too. 🙂
Library cards are a great free ticket to so many great and amazing things. My daughter just got access to a newspaper with her card the other day.
This is an awesome way for Seattle families to spend the summer! I love that all you need is a library card to get in for free!
If I ever make it to Seattle again I would definitely check out this museum. It looks awesome!
I go to Seattle from time to time and would totally go give this place a visit.
I love going to museums. Free makes them even better!
Wow. Thanks for the list! I love that most of the museums have hands on and other learning activities for both kids and adults. I will have to check these out if I get to be in the area.
I used to live in Seattle. I loved all of the museums and activities they had there. What a great place to live.
This is great. Love museums and if we ever visit Seattle this will be great to know! Who doesnt love museums!
This is amazing! I am sure my son will truly enjoy here! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Seattle has always been on my travel bucket list. Now with a child, this info is amazing! It makes it so much more cost effective to have some entertainment be free.
I love museums! We are going on a road trip in July, and I have museums marked along the way that we need to see! This looks like a great one!
We’ve been to a few of those museums. so great for the kids and saving money.
This is a great guide for parents who would like to cut costs but take their kids to see museums and galleries! I think it’s awesome that they offer a free admission!
Museums are awesome and they’re a fun learning experience for the kids. I love the fact that you get the chance to visit a museum for free! That’s just pure awesome.
Wow, this is a really nice guide! You could definitely cut some traveling costs by planning around the free entry Thursdays!
Seattle has such a great choice of museums and getting in for free is a great idea for summer activities. I unfortunately don’t know if I will get there my loss.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m bookmarking this for our next trip to Seattle.
Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this. I love scoring free admission to museums and such.
It is amazing to be able to make the most of free entry to museum. There is nothing quite like the fun and education they bring.
I love ways to get into museums for free like this. I am always looking for Boston museum deals.