There are a multitude of FREE museums in the Phoenix area – that might be a great way to spend time with your children. Some of them are more child-friendly than others (and we noted those below!)
We tried to be as thorough as we could to find ALL of the museums that offer FREE admission – some offer free admission every day and some, on certain days. With one, admission is FREE with your POGO Pass. Read more about the POGO Pass HERE.
Arizona Capitol Museum – More than 20 exhibits tell Arizona’s story from territorial days to the present.
Admission is always free.
African American Multicultural Museum in Scottsdale – emphasises contributions of races and cultures while incorporating the African American culture.
Admission is free, Thursday to Saturday, 1 – 5 p.m.
Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park – your kids can learn about early settlements, World War II and the Copper Mines. They can also see a closeup of minerals/gems.
Admission is FREE for Veterans/Active Military and AHS Members.
Arizona Military Museum – operated by the National Guard Historical Society.
Admission is always free.
Arizona Railway Museum – dedicated to the railways of Arizona and the Southwest.
Admission to the Rail Yard is always free, when they are open, September through May. Display cars are a cost!
ASU Art Museum – a contemporary Art Museum with 5 galleries located in the Nelson Fine Arts Center. The
Admission is always free.. and on the 1st Saturday each month, from 11 – 3 p.m., the museum hosts first Saturdays for families.
Chandler Museum – learn about the history of the city of Chandler, AZ.
Admission is always free.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Admission is free the first Friday of every month, from 5 – 9 p.m.
Desert Botanical Garden – home to over 50,000 plants from arid climates around the world.
Admission is FREE the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
Fiesta Bowl Museum – memorabilia from Fiesta Bowl events and games to help you relive history.
Admission is always free.
Gallery – at City Hall, Downtown Phoenix – exhibitions from the city’s historic and contemporary art collection.
Admission is always free.
Heard Museum – more than 35,000 artifacts displayed in 10 exhibit galleries, focusing on traditional and Native American Art.
Admission is free the first Friday of every month from 6 – 10 p.m. (except in March). Native Americans are always admitted free. Admission is free for Active Duty Military and their Families Memorial Day through Labor Day, too.
i.d.e.a. Museum – combines art, science and technology with hands-on fun. There are MANY hands on activities from Foam blocks to legos, puppets & more.
Admission is FREE with POGO Pass (2 visits per person per 12 month period).
Mesa Contemporary Arts – 5 galleries showcasing contemporary art and international artists.
Admission is always free.
Phoenix Art Museum – a permanent collection of over 17,000 works of Asian, European, Latin American, Western American art and American art & Fashion.
Admission is free Wednesdays from 3 – 9 p.m. and voluntary donation the first Friday of the month from 6 – 10 p.m.
Phoenix Police Museum – learn about the history of law enforcement in Phoenix.
Admission is always free.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Museum – at Terminal 4, 3rd floor.
Admission is always free.
Phoenix Trolley Museum – started in 1975!
Admission is always free.
Sahuaro Ranch Historical Area in Glendale – one of the Valley’s oldest ranches, the 17 acre park is a historic area with 13 original buildings & more.
Admission is always free.
Schemer Art Center/Museum East Phoenix – offers classes and workshops to artists of all levels. They also have exhibitions and a sculpture garden.
Admission is always free. Donations are also welcome.
Scottsdale Historical Museum – focuses on history and heritage of Scottsdale and the Southwest.
Admission is always free but they are not open July or August.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art in Scottsdale – exhibitions on contemporary and modern art, architecture and design.
Admission is free on Thursdays. Admission is also free Fridays and Saturdays after 5 p.m. During the winter and spring,, get in free during the Sunday A’Fair event. (February 21st, and 28th, March 6th and 20th and April 3rd)
Tempe History Museum – explores the history of the City of Tempe… very child friendly.
Admission is always free… and there is an area called the Kids Place where the kids can climb on a police motorcycle, hear music and play in a miniature Sun Devil Stadium.
Wells Fargo History Museum – includes exhibits such as a replica stagecoach, telegraph & more.
Admission is always free.
West Valley Art Museum – focuses on Arizona art, ethnic dress, international fine prints & more.
Admission is free Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery of Western American and Native American Art – Chandler – The focus of the collection lies in two specific areas: Contemporary Western American Art and Contemporary American Indian Art.
Admission is always free