Free Museum Days in Denver

Visiting museums can get expensive, especially for families. However, many museums offer FREE admission at least once a month — some even offer special activities on those days. The free days are funded, in part, by taxes collected through the Science and Cultural Facilities District. Because free days are, well, FREE, expect large crowds and plan accordingly. Arrive early to secure a parking spot or consider using public transit.

Note: While admission is FREE, special exhibitions or other add-on activities may incur a fee. Dates may change, so it’s always best to double-check before you plan your visit. Here’s the list for 2018:

2018

Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus – January 2, February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4. FREE days are on the first Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Clyfford Still Museum – January 26, February 23, March 30, April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26, November 30, December 28. Museum is free every Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Colorado Railroad Museum – March 8, April 12, October 11.

Denver Art Museum – January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1. General admission free for kids 18 and younger every day.

Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street – January 15, February 19, March 22, April 8, June 5, July 19, August 29, November 3.

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms – January 2, February 6, March 6, April 3, June 5, July 3, August 7, November 6.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science – January 8 & 28, February 12, April 9 & 29, June 3, July 5 (Night at the Museum), August 13, September 12 (Night at the Museum) & 30, October 14, November 3 (Night at the Museum part of Denver Arts Week), December 9. Night at the Museum on July 5 and September 12 is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Check here for more information on programming. (Note: FREE admission does not include IMAX or Planetarium.)

Denver Zoo – January 11, 19, & 20, February 4 & 5, November 9 & 12.

Four Mile Historic Park – January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14. FREE days are the second Friday of every month (except holidays) from noon to 4 p.m.

In addition:

Aurora History Museum is FREE Tuesday to Sunday.

Broomfield Veterans Memorial Museum is FREE Thursday & Saturday.

Hudson Gardens is FREE every day.

MOA (Museum Outdoor Arts) indoor museum galleries are FREE Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.