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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 2025 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 2025
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
All guests (excluding groups*) 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. The Museum’s 2025 Community Access Days will take place: January 16 | February 20 | March 20 | April 17 | May 15 | June 19 | July 17 | August 21 | September 18
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. Free admission dates in 2025 are: January 2 | February 6 | March 6 | April 3 | May 1 | June 5 | July 3 | August 7 | September 4 | October 2 | November 6 | December 4
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 will receive free admission on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11), military members will receive free admission on Armed Forces Day (Saturday, May 17), dads will receive free admission on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 15), and veterans will receive free admission for Veterans Day (Tuesday, Nov. 11).
Always Free Milwaukee Museums
- 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.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t forget Milwaukee Museum Days happening January 23 – February 2, 2025 for even more deals.
- Call your local library to see if they carry day passes that you can check out.
Discounted Admission
Milwaukee County Zoo – Discounted Wednesdays
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.
Honorable Mentions
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.
Honorable Mention: Grohman Museum ($5 admission)
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.
Outdoor Art
The city of Milwaukee has a thriving outdoor arts scene, evidenced by the giant murals in Black Cat Alley, the innovative sculptures that make up Sculpture Milwaukee, the art-filled Riverwalk, and impressive murals found all over the city.
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!
Exploring Milwaukee’s free museums is just the beginning. Keep your kids’ curiosity alive with our roundup of free educational websites for kids! From interactive math games to science experiments and virtual field trips, these resources are perfect for learning at home.
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.
