Museums with Select Free Admission Days in 2026
These museums offer free admission on specific days throughout the year. Dates can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check each museum’s website before you go.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Website: cincinnatizoo.org
Address: 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Free Admission Dates:
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Mother’s Day: May 10, 2026
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Father’s Day: June 21, 2026
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First Responders Weekend: September 11 – 13, 2026
Extra Savings:
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Half-price admission: January 5 – March 1, 2026
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Website: freedomcenter.org
Address: 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Free Admission Dates:
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Fifth and Third Sunday of each month
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19, 2026
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Juneteenth – June 19, 2026
Behringer-Crawford Museum
Website: bcmuseum.org
Address: 1600 Montague Road, Covington, KY 41011
Free Admission Days Typically Include:
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Mother’s Day – May 10, 2026
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Father’s Day – June 21, 2026
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Veterans Day – November 11, 2026
Weekly Perk:
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Wednesdays: One grandchild free with each paying grandparent
Always Free:
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Teachers (with ID)
Newport Aquarium
Website: newportaquarium.com
Address: 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071
Free Admission Opportunities:
- Check Newport Aquarium’s Facebook page often as they will host many promotions throughout the year such as Free Pre-K Memberships, Patriot Day Celebrations, and days where kiddos get in Free with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket.
Worth the Drive: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Website: childrensmuseum.org
Address: 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Free Admission Days in 2026:
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January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Advance ticket reservation required)
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February 16: Presidents Day
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September (Exact date TBD): Fiesta de la Familia
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December 24: Christmas Eve
Extra Savings:
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First Thursday Nights: $6 admission (4–8 pm)
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Children under 2 are always free
Museums That Are Always Free
These museums offer free admission every day, making them perfect for spontaneous family outings.
American Sign Museum
Website: americansignmuseum.org
Address: 1330 Monmouth Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45225
Discounts & Free Options:
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Free admission for up to three children (12 & under) with each paying adult
Ark Encounter & Creation Museum
Location: Williamstown & Petersburg, KY
Website: arkencounter.com / creationmuseum.org
Free Admission in 2026:
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Children ages 10 and under are free all year
Cincinnati Art Museum
Website: cincinnatiartmuseum.org
Address: 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Free admission 365 days a year
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Free family programs, including Baby Tours and activities in the Rosenthal Education Center
Contemporary Arts Center
Website: contemporaryartscenter.org
Address: 44 East 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Free admission every day
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Home to the Creativity Center, a free indoor play and exploration space for kids
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Website: visitnaha.com
Address: 1100 Spaatz Street, Dayton, OH 45433
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Free admission and free parking daily
William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Website: nps.gov/wiho/index.htm
Address: 2038 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219
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Free admission and guided tours every day
Airstream Museum
Website: airstream.com
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Factory tours are free
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Museum admission: free for children, $5 for adults
More Ways to Save on Museum Visits in 2026
Even if a museum isn’t free, these options can help families save year-round:
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POGO Pass: Includes admission to many Cincinnati and Dayton attractions for one low price
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Library Card Perks: Many local libraries offer free museum passes through Discovery Pass programs
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Memberships: Annual museum memberships often pay for themselves in just a few visits
