Philly Science Museums with Free Admission 

1. Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion - Northeast Philadelphia 

The first Saturday of every month is pay what you wish at this unique museum full of exotic fish, fluttering butterflies, and cascading waterfalls. Learn about amazing critters like praying mantises, cockroaches, and tarantulas as you discover their true environmental value. 

2. The Science History Institute—Old City

Budding scientists will love the always-free Science History Institute, where visitors can take in historical artifacts highlighting milestones in scientific breakthroughs. Kids love the hands-on Object Explorer, featuring an interactive table with things like soda bottles and light bulbs to place and discover the history and technology of everyday things. In addition to the exhibition spaces and interactives, the Institute regularly hosts family days for kids.

3. Wagner Free Institute of Science—North Philadelphia

Here's another one of the few museums in Philly that's always free to visitors of any age. Ascend to the brightly lit second floor, where you’ll find over 100,000 specimens in an enchanting Victorian-era building, including full-size skeletons of buffalos and draft horses. On Saturdays, Wagner runs special programming with activities like scavenger hunts and crafts, with a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for college students and children.

On the first Sunday of the month, the Barnes Foundation offers free admission to all visitors, plus tons of family activities. Photo courtesy of the museum

Philly Art Museums with Free Admission

4. Barnes Foundation—Fairmount 

The first Sunday of every month is free admission day at the Barnes Foundation, where you can get lost for hours in its impressive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modern Art. To make the most of these days, the museum holds massive family festivals on its free first Sundays, complete with art activities, guest artists, performers, and more. Advance registration is required.

5. The Fabric Workshop and Museum—Center City

The Fabric Workshop is always free for visitors of any age, with a suggested $5 donation. Originally established as a place where artists could work with textiles and fabric, the museum now showcases innovative contemporary art exhibitions alongside a prestigious artist-in-residence program and often holds workshops and classes for kids.

6. Institute of Contemporary Art—University City

Head up to Penn to visit this free contemporary art museum, where Andy Warhol got his first museum show. Immersive installations, innovative exhibitions, murals, and more adorn these cutting-edge galleries. The ICA closes on occasion to rotate out its exhibitions so check online to see what's new.

7. Philadelphia Museum of Art—Fairmount 

Kids 18 and under are always free at this Philly landmark, and adults can enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission on Fridays from 5pm to 8:45pm as well as the first Sunday of the month. Family festivals are held on pay-what-you-wish Sundays, where artists of all ages can enjoy art making in the Art Kids Studio, performances in the Great Stair Hall, family gallery tours, and artist activations around the museum. 

8. Rodin Museum—Fairmount 

Admission at the Rodin Museum is always pay what you wish for visitors of any age. The only museum dedicated to the acclaimed sculptor outside France, this collection of masterpieces takes your breath away without breaking the bank. 

9. Woodmere Art Museum—Chestnut Hill

Admission to the Woodmere Art Museum is free every Sunday for all ages, and is always free for children. Explore the stunning sculpture garden and wander the exhibitions dedicated to showcasing Philadelphia artists, some of which are curated especially with families in mind. The museum also holds regular family programs.

Admire vintage fire engines at Fireman's Hall. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Philly History Museums with Free Admission 

10. Carpenter’s Hall—Old City

This little-known and free gem in Philly’s Historic District allows visitors to walk through the halls of an 18th-century mansion to see furniture, architecture, and art dating back hundreds of years. The building hosted the first Continental Congress in addition to housing Franklin's Library Company, the First and Second Banks of the United States, and The American Philosophical Society. Carpenter's Hall gives directions to an hour-long historical walking tour of Old City and Society Hill, available to anyone online. 

11. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site—Old City

Your kids may or may not read Poe in school, but they can definitely see where the literary great lived. Poe’s former home has been converted into a free museum that shows how the city impacted his work.

12. Fireman’s Hall Museum—Old City

This free museum is a must-see if your little one is fascinated by fire trucks. One of the city's most kid-friendly spots, Fireman's Hall has an array of historic equipment from the Philadelphia Fire Department and encourages visitors to play dress-up with firefighter gear. 

13. Independence Hall—Old City

Admission to this historic site is free, but with a $1 ticket handling fee. Show your kids where our nation declared its independence and tour a landmark full of original artifacts. From George Washington's "rising sun" chair to the inkstand used by Jefferson, you'll get an up-close look at some of our country's most important foundations. Timed tickets are required from March through December. 

Inspire your little historian with a trip to see the Liberty Bell. Photo courtesy of National Park Service

14. Liberty Bell Center—Old City

The Liberty Bell stands proud on Independence Mall in its home under the U.S National Park Service banner as a symbol of American pride, strength, and independence for centuries. Check out impressive visuals and documents to learn more about its story, all against the landmark's incredible backdrop of Independence Hall.

15. Polish American Cultural Center Museum—Old City

Located in the heart of Old City, this museum explores the rich Polish heritage in the area. The Cultural Center and Museum Exhibit Hall highlight customs, traditions, folk art, and historical information from the last thousand years. 

16. Ryerss Museum—Northeast Philadelphia

This Northeast Philly gem once served as the home of the wealthy Ryerss family. The museum preserves the family's huge collection of international artifacts and art, with an adjoining library that bookworms will love. Parking is free as well. Ryerss is conveniently situated within the 65-acre Burholme Park, which has ball fields, a playground, miniature golf courses, and picnic areas to enjoy after exploring the museum. 

17. SEPTA Transit Gift Store—Center City

This one's not technically a museum, but kids love visiting the SEPTA Transit Gift Store to see its models and learn about the history of the city’s transit agency. Displays teach children about the inner workings of trains, trolleys, and buses. After some train education, pick up a transit-themed souvenir. 

18. Temple University Shoe Museum—Center City

If you thought your kids’ closets were crowded, check out Temple’s Shoe Museum. Families will find more than 1000 shoes here, displayed throughout exhibits like Mummer Shoes, Shoes that Serve, and Shoes in the Arts. Guests take self-guided tours with educational audio clips provided by QR codes. This off-the-beaten-path museum is a little-known treasure, where admission is free, but visits must be scheduled in advance.

19. United States Mint—Old City

Money, money, and more money! Learn how coins are made at the United States Mint located in Philadelphia. Visitors can expect to see the factory, view the first coin press, and meet Peter the Mint Eagle during free tours. 

20. Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History—Old City

Snap a photo with the "YO/OY" sculpture, then head on into the Weitzman, a free museum on Independence Mall dedicated to the history of the Jewish-American experience. Evocative artifacts, portraits capturing moments in history, and cutting-edge interactive displays all come together for an immersive experience for those from any background eager to learn or share stories about their journey.

Visit the Red Pandas at the Bradywine Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo

Philly Zoos and Gardens with Free Admission

21. Brandywine Zoo—Wilmington, DE

The Brandywine Zoo offers free admission from January through mid-March because fewer animals are visible. However, kids can still see over 20 different animals that don't mind coming out in the cold. 

22. Awbury Arboretum—Germantown

Always free and open to the public, the Awbury Arboretum offers nature lovers a chance to explore the outdoors with their families. Take an awe-inspiring walk through its grounds, open daily from sunrise to sunset. 

23. Bartram's Gardens—South Philadelphia

There is no cost to visit Bartram’s independently, and it’s open 365 days a year from sunup to sundown. 

This post has been updated for 2023. Additional reporting by Victoria Fox.