FREE MUSEUM ADMISSIONS

Please feel free to browse through my other postings where you will see listings of different museums that offer free admission everyday or on certain days. It is not a guarantee that these museums will be open on the specified days listed. Before you visit these museums, I highly recommend that you check their website or call to make sure that they are open. These museums are closed on some holidays, when changing exhibits, special events, renovations, or filming. I hope your family will enjoy visiting these museums as much as we do! If you know of any other museums that are free, please let me know so we can share it with our readers. Have fun!

FREE EVERYDAY
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences (Beverly Hills)
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum (Palm Springs)
Annenberg Space for Photography (Century City) Wed to Sun
Arcadia Historical Museum (Arcadia) Tues to Sun
Bunny Museum (Pasadena) Open 365 days a year by appointment only
California African American Museum (Los Angeles)
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (San Pedro)- donations suggested
California Science Center (Los Angeles)
Centennial Farm (Costa Mesa)
Corita Art Center (Los Angeles)
Corona Heritage Park & Museum (Corona) Tues to Sun
Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum (Rancho Dominguez)
Flight Path Museum (Los Angeles) Tues to Sun
Forest Lawn Museum (several locations - check website)
Getty Center (Los Angeles)
Griffith Park Observatory (Los Angeles)
Hollywood Bowl Museum (Los Angeles)
Homestead Museum (Industry) Wed to Sun @ scheduled times
Justice Brothers Racing Museum (Duarte)
Los Angeles Maritime Museum (San Pedro) Tues to Sun 10 to 4:30 pm
Mak Center (West Hollywood) - children under 12
Nethercutt Collection (Sylmar)
Ontario Museum of History & Art (Ontario) Thurs to Sun
Orange County Museum of the Art (Newport Beach) - children under 12
Palm Springs Air Museum (Palm Springs)Free to Active Military & Family
Perris Valley Historical & Museum (Perris) Thurs to Sun
Point Fermin Lighthouse (San Pedro)
The Paley Center (Beverly Hills) Wed to Sun (donations suggested)
Rancho Los Alamitos (Long Beach) Wed to Sunday
Rancho Los Cerritos (Long Beach) Wed to Sunday
Roundhouse Aquarium (Manhattan Beach) (donation suggested)
San Jacinto Museum (San Jacinto)
Santa Monica Museum of Art (Santa Monica)
Temecula Valley Museum (Temecula) (donation suggested)
The Old Mill-El Molino Viejo (San Marino)
Torrance Art Museum (Torrance)
UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History (Westwood)
USC Fisher Gallery (Los Angeles) Tuesday to Saturday
Wells Fargo History Museum (Los Angeles)
William S. Hart Ranch and Museum (Newhall) Wed to Sunday

FREE TUESDAYS
Autry National Center (Los Angeles) - 2nd Tuesday
Bolton Hall Historical Museum (Tujunga) 1 to 4pm
Bowers Museum (Santa Ana) - 3rd Tuesday to Santa Ana residents only
Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits (Los Angeles) - 1st Tuesday
Kidspace Children's Museum (Pasadena) - 1st Tuesday 5-8 p.m.
L.A. County Arboretum (Arcadia)- 3rd Tuesday
L.A. County Museum of Art (Los Angeles)- 2nd Tuesday after 5pm
Natural History Museum of L.A. County (Los Angeles) - 1st Tuesday
Santa Ana Zoo (Santa Ana) 2nd Tuesday for Santa Ana residents only

FREE WEDNESDAYS
Craft and Folk Art Museum (Los Angeles) - 1st Wednesday
Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology (Claremont)

FREE THURSDAYS
Huntington Library (San Marino) 1st Thurs (Advanced Ticket required)
Japanese American Natl Museum (Los Angeles) 5 to 8pm & every 3rd Thurs 10 to 8pm
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) (Los Angeles) 5 to 8pm
Museum of Jurassic Technology (Culver City) after 7:45 p.m.
Museum of Neon Art (Los Angeles) - 2nd Thursday 5-8 pm
Riverside Metropolitan Museum (Riverside) 3rd Thursday 1 to 4:30pm
Skirball Cultural Center (Los Angeles) Advanced reservation required
Hammer Museum @UCLA (Westwood)

FREE FRIDAYS
Chino Youth Museum (Chino) 1st Friday 3-5 p.m.
Claremont Museum of Art (Claremont) - 1st Friday 5 to 8:30 pm
Long Beach Museum of Art (Long Beach)
http://www.makcenter.org/(West Hollywood) 4 to 6pm
Museum of Jurassic Technology (Culver City) after 5:45 pm
Museum of Latin American Art (Long Beach)
Norton Simon Museum (Pasadena) - 1st Friday 6 to 9 pm
Pacific Asia Museum (Pasadena) - 4th Friday of the month
Pasadena Museum of California Art (Pasadena) - 1st Friday
Wende Museum (Culver City)

FREE SATURDAYS
Children's Museum of La Habra (La Habra)- 1st Saturday
Hermosa Beach Historical Society Museum (Hermosa Beach)
Museum of Jurassic Technology (Culver City) after 5:45 pm
Los Angeles Fire Department Museum (Hollywood) 10 to 4pm
Los Angeles Fire Department Museum(San Pedro) 10 to 3pm
Western Center for Archaeology & Paleontology (Hemet) 1st Saturday 10 to 1pm

FREE SUNDAYS
Bolton Hall Historical Museum (Tujunga) 1 to 4pm
Bowers Museum (Santa Ana) - 1st Sunday
Centennial Heritage Museum (Santa Ana) - 1st Sunday for Santa Ana residents only)
Hermosa Beach Historical Society Museum (Hermosa Beach)
Mission Inn Museum (Riverside) 1st Sunday
Muller House Museum (San Pedro) 1st three Sundays
Museum of Jurassic Technology (Culver City) after 5:45 pm
Orange County Museum of the Art (Newport Beach) - 2nd Sunday
Riverside Arts Museum (Riverside) 1st Sunday
Riverside Metropolitan Museum (Riverside) 1st Sunday 1 to 4pm
UCR California Museum of Photography (Riverside) 1st Sunday
UCR Sweeney Art Gallery (Riverside) 1st Sunday

ACTIVITIES FOR PARENTS

Obviously, you're on this site to look for fun things to do with your family. But what about you, the parent. Have you done anything for yourself lately? As a parent, you need respite...an "alone time" away from your kids to recharge. You'll probably ask "When?" Well, you can find the time, if you really want to. Do it while the kids are in school. Don't do the housechores or paperwork when the kids are not at home. In fact, do it when the kids are at home. You can do it together...delegate responsibilities. If you work, do it on your lunch break or take an hour or day off. Ask a relative or hire a sitter for couple of hours to watch the kids. You and your spouse/partner can also take turn watching the kids...give each other a few hours or a full day once a month away from the family. A happy parent results in happy marriage and happy kids! Click here for CHILDCARE OPTIONS

Here are fun activities that you or spouse/partner can do:

EL TORITO RESTAURANTS Nobody can beat a $3 happy hour drinks at El Torito - Monday through Friday 3-8 p.m. $3 margaritas, beer, well drinks, and special pricing on food.

MONDAY MORNING MOMMY MOVIES (several locations) Moms, Dads, Caregivers – come see a first-run adult movie…with your baby @ 11a.m. at participating Pacific Theaters! No one will mind if your baby cries, so pick up your diaper bag and stroller!

FREE YOGA (Glendale) The Americana at Brand - Lululemon Athletica hosts yoga on The Green every Sunday from 9:30-10:30a.m.

PASADENA PACERS - Being with a group like this is a good motivator. Membership is free and they meet 7am every Saturday (rain or shine)

FREE FITNESS PROGRAM (Glendale) Getting in shape has never been so fun! Join Stroller Strides for a total fitness program that moms can enjoy with their babies! Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 to 10 a.m.

MOVIE DATE NIGHT - 2 ADMISSIONS, 2 POPCORNS & 2 SODAS (ALL FOR $10) (multiple locations) This special is available Wednesdays after 6pm at Regency Theaters. Go to the website for locations near you. For other days, movie tickets range from $2 to $7.

CHILDCARE OPTIONS

For working parents, stay-at-home parents or those with homeschooled kids who just need few hours of break or respite, here are childcare suggestions:

CHINO YOUTH MUSEUM (Chino) $12/child 3-12 years old) Parents can drop off their children at the Museum from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a fun-filled Friday evening including supervised activities and dinner.

CITY OF ARTESIA PARKS & RECREATION (Artesia) $5 Resident/$8 Non-Resident (ages 4 to 12) Kid's Night Out - Drop off your kids for a supervised evening of themed fun. Dinner will be served. Every second Friday of each month 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

FROGGY'S ARTS & CRAFTS (Toluca Lake) Parent's Night Out $25/child, $15 sibling (ages 3 to 10) Drop your kids from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Froggy's staff will entertain your children with painting, playing games, and eating pizza dinner. One wood project is included for each child and an endless amount of paper, paint, art and lots of fun. Check website for schedule.

GYMNASTIKIDS (Pasadena) $10/hour Drop your child off at GymnastiKids for 3 hours of fun & fitness. Their energetic instructors will lead your child through obstacle courses, trampoline fun, foam pit games, parachute, fort building, arts & crafts, movement games, popsicle breaks, rope swing, rock wall climbing & so much more!! No experience necessary, ages 3 & above.

JUMP 'N JAMMIN (Arcadia/Mission Viejo) $10/hour, $6/hour sibling (3 to 12 years old). Jump 'n Jammin's J-Care program gives you flexibility and puts you in control. You decide when to drop off your youngster(s) and when you want to pick them up. This center has a security procedure in place.

KIDS ISLAND (Arcadia) $6/hour, $4/hour sibling (potty trained to 12 years old) From 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., Kids Island staff and teachers will offer games, movies, arts & crafts, dinner, and supervision in its indoor playground, parents can have a night out on the town!

KIDS KLUB (Pasadena) $6.50-$8.50/hr depending on age (6 wks old to 12 years old) 20% on 2 or more children. Kids Klub is open evenings and weekends, which is helpful for those times when you have to work late or just need a parent's night out.

KIDSPARK (Corona) $8/hr; $4/$3 sibling It is a unique childcare solution that offers a safe and fun play space that is available without reservations so you can drop in days, evenings and weekends whenever you need childcare.

MY GYM (Several Locations) My Gym’s Parents’ Night Out gives parents the opportunity to take a well-deserved break. This incredible evening for your children is filled with a variety of fun games, rides and activities, including food. Check their website for the location nearest you.

24-HOUR FITNESS (Several Locations) - Work out while your kids have fun. Just because your kids come first doesn’t mean your fitness has to come last. That’s why 24 Hour Fitness offers Kids’ Club, a place where your kids can hang out while you achieve your fitness goals - not bad for $3 for 2 hours of supervision per day (ages 6 months to 12 years).

SPECTRUM CLUBS (Several Locations) This club offers Parent's Night Out so parents can enjoy four hours of freedom away from the kids. The evening begins with a yummy dinner, followed by interactive play, themed games and lots of delicious treats! Check their website for the location nearest you.

THE IDEAS STUDIO (Pacific Palisades) Parent's Night Out every friday night 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Ages 3 & up

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

FREE FISHING CLINIC FOR KIDS Dana Wharf is proud to offer a dockside experience for young anglers for FREE every Sunday 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. Ask the experts and learn new fishing techniques, new hook tying secrets, win raffle prizes and so much more! No reservations are needed!

FREE ARCHERY LESSON The Southern California Archery Association offers FREE lessons and FREE use of their equipment every Saturday at 11AM at various archery ranges across LA.

FREE CONCERTS The Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra provides high-quality, admission-free concerts from the classical and contemporary symphony repertoire. Check their website for concert schedules.

FREE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE offered by Quality West Wing Foundation (Corona) Every student's introduction to our government should be one that leaves a lasting impression of how fortunate they are to be living in America. Naturally a trip to Washington, D.C. featuring a tour of Capitol Hill, viewing the Congress and the Senate in session, along with seeing our Supreme Court in action would be the most desirable. But now, there is a local option for your children.

http://www.daytrippen.com/goathilljunction.html Goat Hill Junction Miniature Trains operated by the Orange County Model Engineers for about 16 years. They offer train rides every 3rd Saturday and Sunday of the month from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Rides are free but they do accept donations. The free train rides are very popular so arrive early to avoid long waits. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy riding the trains adults of all ages climb aboard and have a fun ride around the park

http://www.lals.org/index2.html Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum is open to the general public to ride from 11am to 3 pm every Sunday (weather permitting). except for the Sunday before Memorial Day and 1st Sunday in October. The gate is open from 10:45 am to 3 pm. Train rides begin at 11 am. Passengers must be at least 34" in height and weigh under 350 lbs. to ride. LALSRM survives solely on donations by railfans who visit and ride its trains. (Suggested donation $3.00)

http://www.southerncalifornialivesteamers.com/ Southern California Live Steamers Miniature Railroad offers train rides every 1st Sunday of each month (11am to 3pm) & 3rd Saturday of each month (12nn to 3pm). Rides are free, but donations are graciously accepted.

http://www.southbaypavilion.com/index.php?s=52&item=6 (Carson) The Kid's club meets on the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Lots of free fun activities - click here for the 2009 schedule.

http://www.americanaatbrand.com/ (Glendale) Free kids club on The Green - Enjoy a terrific selection of enriching activities for kids, parents, and caregivers. Tuesdays, 11am to 1pm.

http://www.thegrovela.com/kidsclub.php (Los Angeles) Enjoy a free kids club program designed to give your children and special outing to look forward to every Thursday 11am to 1pm. This club offers a terrific selection of enriching activities for kids, parents and caregivers. Activities are appropriate for all age levels. Free Kids Club T-shirt for every kid who joins and special birthday treats in the mail.

ACTIVITIES FOR $5 & UNDER

AMERICAN MILITARY MUSEUM (El Monte) $5 Adults; $4 Veterans & Seniors; $3 (10-16 yrs.); $1 (5-9 yrs.): FREE (under 5) The American Military Museum has been collecting, preserving, restoring, and sharing the largest inter-service collection of military equipment in the Western United States for over 45 years.

ATLANTIS PLAY CENTER (Garden Grove) $1 per person, children under 2 are free Kids will have a blast here playing on the concrete animals or sliding down the sea serpent slide. All of the other expected playground amenities are here as well, from swings to climbers. Adults are not allowed without kids, and kids are not allowed without adults, so it's the perfect chance for a little together time.

CHINO YOUTH MUSEUM (Chino) $3 per child, adults are free This museum display the history of the Chino area.

CREATIVE LEAP (Northridge) $5 per child after 6:00 p.m.An educational play & activity center offers the most amazing spot to jump, climb, bounce, spin, slide, explore, create, design, and interact in a safe, clean, and most importantly, fun environment!

FINGERPRINTS YOUTH MUSEUM (Hemet) $5 per person; FREE under 2 This is an interactive youth museum which offers a passport to adventure, exploration, learning and fun for your whole family!

LOMITA RAILROAD MUSEUM (Lomita) $4.00 Adults; $2 (under 12) Dedicated to the proud era of the steam engine, complete authenticity is the hallmark of the Museum. It also displays miniature steam operated locomotives.

GULL WINGS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM (Oxnard) $6 per person; $5 (2-16) FREE under 2 This museum provides a fun, hands-on, interactive and educational place for children.

ORANGE COUNTY ZOO (Orange) $2 per person; FREE under 2 The Zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre of Irvine park. Animals on exhibit include black bears, mountain lions, bald eagle, island foxes, ocelot, red-tailed hawk, great horned owls, porcupine, coyotes, turkey vultures, coati and more. The zoo also features a barnyard with domestic goats, chevoit sheep, jacob sheep, pot-bellied pigs, doves and pheasants.

SANTA MONICA PIER AQUARIUM (Santa Monica) $5 donation per person; FREE for kids 12 and under A marine science aquarium located beach-level, just below the Carousel, at the Santa Monica Pier. Visitors will get a unique view into the ocean world just outside its doors and dozens of species of marine animals and plants.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MEDICAL MUSEUM (Riverside) $2 per person The Southern California Medical Museum is the only museum in Southern California dedicated to the collection and preservation of medical artifacts and the recording of the history of medicine in the Inland Empire, California and the West.

TEMECULA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM (Temecula) $4.50 per person Children of all ages are welcome in the home workshop of Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle, Ph.D., scientist, time traveler, and inventor of wacky and wonderful contraptions that amaze, delight and educate! Your whole family will enjoy exploring the Professor's latest inventions, secret passageways, puzzles, machines, and whimsical gadgets & gizmos found in this innovative, award-winning facility.

ZOOMARS PETTING ZOO (San Juan Capistrano) $6 adult; $5 children ZOOMARS has over 100 friendly animals to pet, feed, love and learn from.

ACTIVITIES FOR $10 & UNDER

ANGELS ATTIC MUSEUM (Santa Monica) $8 Adults; $7 Seniors; $5 (Under 12) Angels Attic is a museum of antique and contemporary dollhouses, miniatures, dolls, and toys.

AMY'S INDOOR PLAYGROUND (South Pasadena) $9 (ages 2 & up); $7 (siblings & under 2); Free (parents & caregivers) A large air-conditioned 3,000 sq.ft. facility filled with toys and activities to challenge kids’ bodies and minds. Arts & crafts on Fridays 2 to 4pm.

CALIFORNIA HERITAGE MUSEUM (Santa Monica) $8 per person; $5 (Seniors & Students); FREE (Under 12 & members) This museum is a historic landmark building located in the heart of Santa Monica's Main Street. It offers exciting exhibits and programs year round.

FENDER MUSEUM OF MUSIC & THE ARTS (Corona) $10 Adult; $8 Student & Senior; Free 12 & under with each paid adult) The museum and education facility houses Kids Rock Free® classrooms, Johnny Cash Exhibit, Studio FM a 48-track digital recording studio, outdoor TLC Amphitheater, Visual Arts Gallery and the Celebrate the Legacy...the Fender Story exhibit which presents a 50-year history of the famous Fender electric guitar and its impact on the world of entertainment.

FUN CITY BOUNCE (Santa Fe Springs) $6 Child; $3 Adult Open Play Tues 10am to 12nn & Fri 5 to 7pm

KIDS ISLAND (Arcadia) $8(ages 1+ w/ accompanying adult); $4 (add'l adults) An indoor playground with 2 large bounce houses, air hockey table, play kitchen sets, dress-up closets filled with princess dresses and super-hero costumes, playhouses, roller racers, tree house with swings, and slide.

LOS ANGELES POLICE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM (Los Angeles) $8 (13-61 yrs); $7(62+) FREE(12 & under) This museum is a one stop spot showing the history of LAPD. Parking is free.

MARCH FIELD MUSEUM (Riverside) $10 (ages 12+); $5 (ages 5-11); Free (under 5) This museum serves as home to over 60 historic aircraft and many inside displays relating to the history of March Field.

PAINTBOX KIDS (Pasadena) $8 hourly rate per art-maker and includes all materials. Walk in and make art with your child.

SANTA ANA ZOO (Santa Ana) Weekend $8 (ages 13+); $5 (ages 3-12); FREE 2 and under Along with at least 50 monkeys, you will find a rain forest, endangered species, aviary, electrical trainM and children's zoo right in the middle of the Orange County urban jungle.

THE JUMP AROUND (Canoga Park) $7 (ages 2-17); $5 (8 mos. to 2) Indoor playground with bouncers, arcade, and infant/toddler room.

UNDER THE SEA (several locations) $9 (ages 9mos-14yo); Free( under 9 mos old not using the facility & Adults) Indoor playground with floor-to-ceiling murals depict the world under the sea, with pirates, mermaids, and other sea life.

ZIMMER CHILDRENS' MUSEUM (Los Angeles) $8 Adults; $5(3-12); FREE(2&Under and Grandparents when accompanied by a grandchild) The Museum is a unique cultural institution, featuring hands-on exhibits for children to explore BIG IDEAS in creative and inspiring settings.