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Are you ready to discover Milwaukee’s best museums without spending a penny?
This guide to free museum days in Milwaukee shows you exactly when and where you can enjoy top attractions – from the Milwaukee Public Museum to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum – completely free.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, saving money on a date, or looking for fun things to do with kids, these free admission days in 2026 make it easy to explore Milwaukee’s culture, art, history, and science.
💡Want more ideas? Check out our roundup of free things to do with kids in Milwaukee.
Free Admission Days at Milwaukee Museums in 2026
Planning around a free day can open the door to some of Milwaukee’s most popular museums.
These museums offer free admission on specific days throughout the year or for certain groups, making it easier to plan a budget-friendly visit in 2026. Dates, hours, and eligibility can vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before you go.
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
All guests (excluding groups of 10 or more) receive FREE admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum on the third Thursday of every month from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Capacity restrictions apply and walkup tickets are subject to availability and not guaranteed. Guests will not be admitted past 6:30 p.m.
Milwaukee Public Museum
ALL visitors* (excluding groups) receive FREE access to the permanent exhibits of Milwaukee Public Museum on the first Thursday of every month during Kohl’s Thank You Thursday. Children must be accompanied by an adult to receive free admission.
Milwaukee Art Museum
Kids 12 and under and Wisconsin K–12 teachers always receive free Milwaukee Art Museum general admission. Teachers must provide a valid school ID or pay stub.
Harley-Davidson Museum
Explore the legacy of iconic motorcycles at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Moms typically receive free admission on Mother’s Day, military members typically receive free admission on Armed Forces Day, dads typically receive free admission on Father’s Day, and veterans typically receive free admission for Veterans Day.
Above and Beyond Children’s Museum (Sheboygan)
Above & Beyond Children’s Museum in Sheboygan will offer 12 free admission days in 2026 – one each month – thanks to a sponsorship from Acuity Insurance. Free Days of Play will be held on January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 16, October 21, November 18, and December 16.
Pro Tips for Visiting Milwaukee Museums for Free
- Don’t forget Milwaukee Museum Days happening in January and February each year. Area museums often offer discounted admission during this time.
- Call your local library to see if they carry day passes that you can check out.
Best Always-Free Museums in Milwaukee
You don’t need a free day or special pass to visit these spots — they’re always free.
These Milwaukee-area museums and cultural spaces offer year-round admission at no cost, making them easy wins for a quick outing, rainy-day plan, or spontaneous family adventure.
- Milwaukee Fire Museum: Explore the history of firefighting.
- Mitchell Gallery of Flight: Aviation history at your fingertips.
- Model Railroad Club of Milwaukee Inc.: A paradise for train enthusiasts.
- Latino Arts, Inc.: A canvas of Hispanic and Latinx brilliance.
- Cedarburg History Museum: Step back in time in Cedarburg.
- Dinosaur Discovery Museum: Where the prehistoric world comes alive.
- Haggerty Museum of Art: A modern art oasis in Marquette.
- Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel: Art and elegance combined.
- Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club: An interactive blend of history and railroad charm.
Free & Discounted Admission at the Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo offers Family Free Days on select Saturdays throughout the year, with free admission for all visitors. In 2026, free zoo days will take place on January 3, February 7, March 7, October 3, November 7, and December 5. Parking and attraction fees still apply.
Milwaukee County residents receive discounted admission every Wednesday, year-round.
- Adults: $11.50
- Children ages 3–12: $9
Bring a valid photo ID showing Milwaukee County residency. Parking is not included.
💡Before you go, check out our Family Guide to the Milwaukee County Zoo for the best things to do and see.
Low-Cost Museums Worth the Visit
National Bobblehead Hall Of Fame & Museum ($5 Admission)
170 S. 1st St., 2nd Floor, Milwaukee, WI 53204
bobbleheadhall.com
For sports fans and those who love quirky destinations, this one-of-a-kind museum houses the world’s largest collection of bobbleheads from all genres and periods.
There are also dozens of exhibits related to the history of bobbleheads, the making of bobbleheads, and more.
Grohman Museum
The Grohmann Museum is home to the world’s most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evolution of human work. There are over 1700 paintings and sculptures, as well as an impressive rooftop garden with a great view of the city.
Free admission: Children 12 and under are always free.
Free Outdoor Art in Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s outdoor art scene makes the city itself feel like an open-air museum. You’ll find bold murals, large-scale sculptures, and public art installations throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Highlights include:
- Gallery hopping and public art throughout the Historic Third Ward
- Black Cat Alley and murals throughout the city (including the Giannis mural downtown)
- Sculpture Milwaukee, featuring rotating installations along Wisconsin Avenue
- The Milwaukee Riverwalk, lined with public art and sculptures
You can also take a stroll through the Historic Third Ward, where you can marvel at the stunning works of art in several galleries throughout the neighborhood.
Keep the Learning Going at Home
If your kids want to keep exploring at home, check out our favorite free educational websites for kids, trivia questions for kids, and fun facts for kids—perfect for curious minds, rainy days, or quick learning breaks.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
