When To Visit NYC's Museums, Zoos, and Gardens Admission Free

Museums provide a day of educational fun, but who says you always need to pay full price or anything at all? Whether you’re looking for indoor family outing ideas in the winter or a way to escape the sweltering New York City heat in the summer, a trip to the museum is something kids (and adults) of all ages can enjoy. Consult our list below to find museums, zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens offering pay-what-you-wish or free admission throughout all five boroughs of New York City in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island and plan your next family outing for free.

The Bronx Zoo – General admission is free on Wednesdays. Visitors are asked to donate what they wish to support the zoo’s mission. Total Experience activities cost extra.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Free on Fridays from 8am-12pm from March-November.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Pay-what-you-wish on Thursdays, 2-6pm.

Children’s Museum of the Arts – Pay-what-you-wish on Thursdays, 4-6pm.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan – Free every first Friday of the month, 5-7pm.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum - Free Fridays April 26, May 31, June 21, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 27, and Oct. 25, 5-9pm

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Free on Fridays, 4-8pm; always free for children younger than 16.

New York Aquarium – Pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays from 3pm to last entry.