The Museums on Us program, offered in Orlando and various U.S. cities, provides free admission to participating museums the first weekend of the month for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch customers. Other free admission days center on certain holidays, age groups (young children), and working groups (Florida educators or county employees). And some museums are FREE all year round! Learn more about when you can attend these free Orlando museums and find the perfect spot to enhance your child's interests. 

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How to Visit Great Museums Without Spending a Dime

Orlando museums are important to expand our views of cultures and learn how the world works. So why not increase knowledge while saving money by planning museum visits minus the admission?! We've scouted the best Orlando options for a family day, with free museums and family-friendly spots we've explored and enjoyed.

What Are the Best Kid-Friendly Always-Free Museums in Orlando?

Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida - Maitland

Turning darkness into light, Orlando's Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center seeks to "use history and lessons of the Holocaust to build a just and caring community free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry."
Ages: 10+
Insider tip: This museum's subject matter covers a dark part of history so prepare for a heavy day.

Rollins Museum of Art - Winter Park

Part of Rollins College, this museum features collections and exhibitions displaying art and artifacts from ancient times, spanning to today's contemporary art.
Ages: 8+
Insider tip: Art available to view as well at the attached Alfond Inn at Rollins

Central Florida Railroad Museum - Winter Garden

If your kids love trains and the culture behind them, they will love visiting the Central Florida Railroad Museum. Highlights include a huge collection of dining car china and silver service, as well as photos, signs, charts, and the scale-model railroad. 
Ages: Everyone!
Insider tip: The Winter Garden Farmers Market is held across the street every Saturday 8am-1pm.

Winter Park History Museum - Winter Park

Learn about the history of Winter Park through the museum's educational exhibits, lecture series, and outreach programs.
Ages: 7+
Insider tip: Let kids get out some energy by taking the self-guide walking tour of Winter Park, with 20 stops on the main tour.

City of Sanford Museum - Sanford

Show your Sanford pride and learn all about the city by visiting the Sanford Museum. The local history covers city planning and engineering, sports, art, and achievements of Sanford famous natives.
Ages: 9+
Insider tip: Check out the sports collection from famed Sanford athletes over the years.

Mead Garden - Winter Park

Located in Winter Park, Mead Garden offers 47 acres of stunning, lush landscapes for visitors. Families can explore hiking trails, the creek, ponds, a butterfly garden, and much more. Admission is always free.
Ages: All ages!
Insider tip: The Great Duck Derby is a must-see event featuring rubber ducky races and lots of activities for kids.

Lake Mary Historical Museum - Lake Mary

Head to Lake Mary and learn about the city's history through its artifacts, photos, and documents.
Ages: Tweens and teens
Insider tip: Every first and third Saturday, the museum hosts model building, where you can bring your own or ask questions of experts.

When Are the Free Museum Days in Orlando?

Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) - Orlando

Free admission: First weekend each month as part of Bank of America's Museums on Us; always free for military and kids under 5
Ages: Best for older kids; toddlers may lose interest
Insider Tip: Free parking right outside of OMA; fun kids and family programs including holiday camps, family days, and more.

Mennello Museum of American Art - Orlando

Free admission: First weekend each month as part of Bank of America's Museums on Us; Free Family Funday the 2nd Sunday of each month; always free for military and kids under 6
Ages: Great for all ages with lots of family programming
Insider Tip: Pet memberships and pet events allow your four-legged babies entry at Mennello

RELATED: Central Florida and Orlando Attractions Offering Free Preschool Passes

Orange County Regional History Center - Orlando

Free admission: First weekend each month as part of Bank of America's Museums on Us; always free for all Orange County employees and free on the 2nd weekend of each month for up to six family members who accompany employees.
Ages: Great for kids 8+ learning about Central Florida.
Insider Tip: We're obsessed with the current exhibit, Animation Land; check out exhibits online before you arrive.

Orlando Science Center - Orlando

Free admission: First weekend each month as part of Bank of America's Museums on Us; always free for active Florida educators and kids under age 2
Ages: Perfect for toddlers, elementary kids, and tweens
Insider Tip: OSC makes for an amazing day of fun exploration for young kids! The museums is within walking distance of SunRail's AdventHealth stop so skip the driving.

Morse Museum of American Art - Winter Park

Free admission: Fridays 4pm-8pm (November - April); always free for children 12 and under
Ages: 9+
Insider Tip: Contains the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany's jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, and more; backpacks and large bags not permitted

Museum of Art - DeLand - DeLand

Free admission: First weekend each month as part of Bank of America's Museums on Us; select Fridays 4-7pm as part of the Art for All series; always free for children 12 and under
Ages: 5+
Insider Tip: Bring babies and toddlers to Storytime at the Museum, an interactive literacy program, once per month

Leu Gardens offers free admission certain times of the year and for kids under age 3. Photo courtesy Charlotte Blanton

Leu Gardens - Orlando

Free admission: Part of the Museums for All participants; select Free Days (posted on website) throughout the year; Plant Sale weekend; always free for military and children 3 and under
Ages: All ages
Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the outdoor sculpture garden; amazing special events for families, including movie nights, live music, and more.

Which Free Museums Are Best for Different Ages?

Some of our favorite Orlando museums that are ALWAYS FREE include:

• Toddlers & Preschoolers: Central Florida Railroad Museum, Leu Gardens, Mead Garden
• Elementary Kids: Orlando Science Center, Mead Garden, Mennello Museum of American Art
• Tweens and Teens: Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida, Morse Museum of American Art

How to Make the Most of Free Museum Days

• Visit museum websites before you arrive to check specific FREE admission days and times.
• Check for free children workshops, story hours, and family fundays
• Make a day of your museum visit by grabbing lunch at nearby restaurants.
• Avoid school field trip hours -- most museums post large group tours hours.​

Free Museum Days in Orlando FAQ

Q: What museums are always free in Orlando?
A: There are some great museums in Orlando, like Central Florida Railroad Museum, Rollins Museum of Art, Mead Garden that offer year-round, free admission!

Q: When are free museum days in Orlando?
A: Many of these local museums are part of Bank of America's Museums on Us, offering free admission the first weekend of the month. Friday afternoons are also reliable free days for some museums.

Q: Are free museums in Orlando good for kids?
A: Yes! Many free Orlando museums are wonderful for kids, with hands-on activities and age-appropriate events. Some art museums and history museums are better fits for tweens and teens.

Q: Do I need tickets or reservations for free museum days?
A: Museums on Us requires families to be Bank of America cardholders, shown on-site. Each museum varies on tickets so check individual websites.

Q: What’s the best time to visit free museums with kids?
A: Family-friendly events and rainy weekends attract crowds so be prepared. Less crowded times to visit are end-of-day to closing hours.