Smithsonian's National Zoo: free admission (free entry pass required)
FreeOutdoorsWashington, DC
Admission to the Smithsonian's National Zoo is free, but every visitor, including children and babies, needs a free Entry Pass. Passes are released on a rolling basis 30 days ahead, with a small number released a week before, the day before and the day of, and a limited number of walk-up passes at the pedestrian entrances. Children under 18 must be with an adult (one adult per up to ten children). Parking is not free: $30 per vehicle bought at least a day ahead, $40 on the day.
Who it's for: Everyone
How: Reserve free Entry Passes online before you go; take transit or buy a Parking Pass ahead to save $10.
Source: official page · Last verified 2026-10-20. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Some of these list examples from specific libraries or states; check that the program is offered where you live.
Museums for All (SNAP EBT card admission)
Low costProgram / passMultiple states
Free to $5 admission for up to 4 people per SNAP EBT card at participating museums (1,600+ nationwide). EBT cards from any state are accepted.
Who it's for: EBT cardholders
How: Bring your EBT card and a photo ID. No registration. Each museum sets its own rate and some ask for walk-in purchase, so check the museum page.
Participating list by state: see source. Rates vary by museum.
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Bank of America Museums on Us
Free days / free for someProgram / passMultiple states
Free general admission on the first full weekend of every month to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders at participating museums. Next weekend: Nov 7-8, 2026.
Who it's for: Bank of America / Merrill cardholders
How: Show your active card and a government photo ID. One general admission per cardholder; special exhibitions excluded. Check the museum's listing on the Bank of America map.
Not a Bank of America endorsement; this is an informational listing with no affiliation.
Source: official page · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Every Kid Outdoors (4th grade pass)
FreeProgram / passMultiple states
2026-27 school year pass: free entry at federal lands and waters (national parks, wildlife refuges, etc.) for the 4th grader, all children under 16 and up to 3 adults in one private vehicle. Expires Aug 31, 2027.
Who it's for: Families with a 4th grader
How: The 4th grader completes a short online activity and prints a paper voucher at EveryKidOutdoors.gov (this site does not ask for or collect information about you or your child). Does not cover state parks, parking, camping or tours.
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Library museum and park passes
DiscountedProgram / passMultiple states
Many public libraries lend or reserve free or discounted passes for museums, zoos, farms and parks. Examples: Boston Public Library lists Boston Children's Museum at $12 per person for up to 4; Oxford (MA) and Athol (MA) list free-admission passes to several museums; Attleboro (MA) lists a free RISD Museum pass.
Who it's for: Library cardholders (rules vary by library)
How: Search your own library's website for 'museum passes'. Each library has its own pass list, reservation system and return rules. Passes are limited and set by the participating attractions.
Example pages only; your library's list will differ.
Source: official page · more · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
