Free Thinking: Free/Almost Free Museum Admission050

Many local museums offer free or reduced admission on certain days throughout the year.

Our editors make every attempt to keep this list as current as possible, but changes to these programs do happen. We recommend that you visit the museum websites for exceptions, other qualifying details, and any updates before visiting the museums themselves.

2009 SCFD Free Days

Since 1989, Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) has distributed funds from a voter-approved sales and use tax to cultural facilities throughout the seven-county Denver metropolitan area. In addition to supporting the operation of participating attractions, many facilities also offer free or almost free admission to Colorado residents on select days throughout the year. Look for gate charge discounts in 2009 on the dates indicated below.

Denver Zoo: February 14 and 24, October 7 and 25, and November 8 and 11.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science: February 2, March 18, April 19, May 31, June 10, July 13, August 12, September 13, October 4, and November 2 and 22.

Denver Botanic Gardens: February 16, March 16, July 20, August 20, September 19, and October 23.

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Extension: February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, August 7, November 6, and December 4.

Denver Art Museum: February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, August 1, September 5, and October 3. Kids are always free on Saturdays.

Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys: First Sunday of every month.

Colorado Railroad Museum: January 24, August 1, and November 28.

Colorado Firefighters Museum: TBA

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver: Pay just one cent for admission on the first Saturday of every month. Kids under 6 are always free.

Colorado History Museum: Kids, ages 12 and under, free on Saturdays.

More Free Days:

Children's Museum of Denver: The first Tuesday evening of each month, from 4pm to 8pm.

Museo de las Americas: Admission is free every second Saturday of the month from 12n-4pm.

Know of more free stuff, events, and activities for kids and families around Denver? Add a comment below and we'll get right on it!