Looking for free things to do in DC with kids? Bring them to one of the many free museums in the DC area that are engaging, fun, and provide a much-needed dose of culture. While many of these free museums in DC and Northern Virginia are Smithsonian institutions, there are also several other great ones relating to language and words, the US Army and Marines, and more.

Here are 18 free museums near DC that will excite kids of all ages and interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs to airplane and dinosaur fanatics. Some of these museum's have designated children's exhibits and/or play areas and free family programs like art workshops and storytimes.

Read reviews of some of these museums in our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Washington, DC, and check out our guide to free things to do in DC with kids for more fun ideas that won't cost you a penny.

Take kids to FREE museums in Orlando for great entertainment that's easy on the wallet. Orlando museums are a great way to open children's eyes to the world around them, offering lessons in history, art, and science without them even realizing they're learning. And by focusing on museums that feature free admission every day or on certain days, these centers offer limitless opportunities.

Orlando obviously does theme parks and big ticket attractions well, but these magical spots can really empty wallets. Free museums in Orlando focus more on the small picture and how to introduce kids and adults to new and interesting subjects...without the financial drain. 

LA is home to Beverly Hills, Selling Sunset, and the world’s most famous celebrities, and it can be expensive to live here. Shocker, right? That is why I’ve scoured the city to find the best family-friendly fun under $5. If you’re looking for budget-friendly fun for families in LA, Mommy Poppins is your spot. We are constantly looking for all the best deals and affordable hidden gems in LA. 

Looking for FREE museums and museum days in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Check out our exhaustive list below!

Westchester and the Hudson Valley are rife with enrichment opportunities, and some of the best places for these experiences take place in our area museums. While frequent visits can get costly, many of the museums on this list are FREE or have FREE days or times. Our vetted picks range from free art museums to nature centers and even include a free marine education center that features live fish exhibits and touch tanks.

Some programs still require registration, so we suggest you check with the museum before you head out. And, as a reminder: In addition to the days and times listed here, many libraries offer a number of FREE museum passes as well. 

Get more ideas for FREE fun delivered to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters, and discover all the FREE events and activities near you in our Westchester Guide to Free Things To Do with Kids.

When bad weather strikes, no one feels it more than a parent whose kids have gone stir crazy. They're torturing siblings, and the house is reaching its boiling point.

Have no fear: This hand-picked list of free play spaces and indoor playgrounds will keep your kids happily occupied, and it includes some of my family's top favorites. Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, I'm looking at you. 

So there's no need to stay home just because cold weather is upon us. From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of free fun to be had on Long Island for kids. Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember that most venues require that a parent/adult be present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget to check out our guide to rainy-day activities on Long Island, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our guide to Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.

One thing I truly love about the Garden State is that you don't need to break the bank to have a great day out in New Jersey. NJ is home to fantastic FREE museums that my family loves, and that spark interest in art, history, animals, geology, and more.

Read on for museums to enjoy for FREE with kids. And be sure to check out our guide to the best NJ museums for families. 

When it comes to saving money on culture, there are tons of free museum days and free admission hours offered at a wide variety of New York City's top museums, zoos, gardens, and cultural institutions. Many of these local cultural hubs offer free admission on certain nights, days, or hours at least once a month—a city perk no busy, cash-strapped parent should miss!

It can be hard to keep track of when and where these free museum days in NYC are available, so we've compiled an exhaustive list of free admission days at our favorite NYC cultural spots from the Bronx Zoo to the Brooklyn Children's Museum and every free museum in between.

As always, you can visit our Family Activity Calendar for more budget-friendly kid activities every day or visit our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits for the latest kid-friendly exhibitions. Also, don't forget to put your library card to work for free admission at many of these same places any day.