Free/Reduced Price Admission for 2024 CT Summer Museums

Are you looking for free activities to do with your kids this summer? Here are the big ways to score free admission: 

  • Library Passes: 
    • Did you know you can typically check out library museum passes from ANY Connecticut Library using a card from your Home Library? It’s true- thanks to the CT Open Access Program! I like to look at the libraries in towns surrounding the museum I want to visit- chances are, they’ll have a pass. It’s always good to call ahead and check with individual library policy before heading out.
  • Museums for All:
    • Anyone who has an EBT Card qualifies for Museums for All, which offers reduced price or free admission to participating museums!
  • Blue Star Museums: 
    • Military Families receive free admission to participating museums from May 18-September 7.
  • The Connecticut Art Trail: 
    • 24 Museums that you can access all year long using a $35 pass. They also have fun contests if you’d like to participate!
  • Reciprocal Programs:
    • Many Museums belong to programs that allow you to gain access to partner museums at certain times. It’s a fantastic way to maximize membership benefits! (The Connecticut Science Center Membership is a great example here- it gives you access to Mystic Aquarium, Norwalk Aquarium, the Beardsley Zoo, and the Pequot Museum at different times of the year!)

Hartford County Low Cost/Free Museum Options

MuseumFree Admission OptionsReduced/Low Cost Admission Options
American Clock and Watch Museum, Bristol
  • Free with a Library pass
  • Members are always free
  • Blue Star Museum
  • Free Under 5
Art Museum at USJ, West Hartford
  • Free All the Time
Connecticut Museum of History and Culture
  • Free on First Weekends
  • Free with Library Pass
  • Free Under 5
  • $10 Student
Connecticut Science Center, Hartford
  • Members are always free
  • Free reciprocals with Pequot Museum, Mystic Aquarium, Norwalk Aquarium select months
  • Access Membership for EBT/SNAP
  • 20% off admission with library pass
Connecticut Trolley Museum, Windsor
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • Blue Star Museum
  • Members are always free
Connecticut Old State House, Hartford
  • Free with a Library pass
  • Free for CT Museum Members
  • Free for Active Duty/Veterans
  • Free Under 5
  • $4 Child, College Students, AAA Members, Seniors
Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, Hartford
  • Free for Hartford Residents
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • $3 EBT/SNAP
  • Free Under 6
Hillstead Museum, Farmington
  • Blue Star Museum
  • Free with a CT Art Trail Pass
  • Free for SNAP/EBT
  • Members are always free
  • 50% off with Library Pass
  • Free Under 6
Lutz Museum, Manchester
  • Members are always free
  • Blue Star Museum
  • 50% off with Library Pass
New Britain Museum of American Art
  • Free on Saturday Mornings
  • Members are always free
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • Blue Star Museum
  • Free with CT Art Trail Pass
New Britain Youth Museum/Hungerford Nature Center
  • Free for NARM Members
  • Free for ANCA Members
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • $50 Family Membership, includes 180 other Nature Centers $
  • 100 Family Membership, 1000 Museums with NARM
New England Carousel Museum, Bristol
  • Free for Kids
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • Free with CT Art Trail Pass
  • Members are always free
New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks
  • Members are always free
  • Free for NARM Members
  • 50% off with a Library Pass
  • $12 for Veterans
  • Free under 3
Noah Webster House, West Hartford
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • Free NARM Members
  • Members are always free
  • Free Under 6
Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine, E Granby
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • Blue Star Museum
Stanley Whitman House, Farmington
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • Blue Star Museum
  • Free for NARM Members
  • Free for EBT/SNAP
  • Kids Under 18 Free
The Children’s Museum, West Hartford
  • Members are always free
  • Buy-one-get-one admission with a Library Pass
Mark Twain House, Hartford
  • Free for NARM Members
  • Free for Members
  • Blue Star Museum
  • Buy-one-get-one admission with a Library Pass
Vintage Radio and Communications Museum, Windsor
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • Summer Heat Wave Program: Free for 2 children under 18 with purchase of adult admission
  • Children Under 5 Free
  • $5 Military
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford
  • Free on Second Saturdays
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • Free with CT Art Trail Pass
  • Free Under 18
Webb Stearns Museum, Wethersfield
  • Free with a Library Pass
  • Free for Active Duty & Veterans
  • Free for Members
  • Free under 5
Wickham Park, Manchester
  • Free with a Library Pass
Can purchase a pass for $100 for the season

click here for more free activities across the state.