Looking for a free museum in Washington state? We’ve got you covered! We’ve searched high and low to find every free museum in Washington State – and we’ve found more than 50 free museums and free museum days!
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This post is a long one! Because there are so many free museum opportunities in Seattle, we’ve given that city its own post. The rest of the museums are listed here.
If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, make sure you check out our other posts about free and discounted admission in Washington! If you have an EBT card, ProviderOne card or library card, you can get special discounts. You may also be able to get free admission to state parks!
Every Free Museum in Washington State, by City
We’ve organized our list alphabetically by city. Remember, Seattle has its own list!
Auburn
White River Valley Museum
Learn about the history of White River Valley through beautiful displays, photographs, and hundreds of artifacts. Interactive exhibits invite you aboard a 1924 caboose, into a settler’s cabin and Mrs. Hall’s hat shop – and more! Free every first Thursday and third Sunday.
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Just five minutes from the ferry terminal, the BIMA offers lectures, panel discussions and a multimedia permanent collection that includes ceramics, wood, jewelry, painting, photography and more. And thanks to donations, this museum is always free!
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Kids Discovery Museum
Sponsored by Wells Fargo, this super fun event invites children to explore the Pirate Tree House, Art Studio, Science and Literacy Hall and so much more. You can get in for free every first Thursday of the month.
Bellevue
Bellevue Arts Museum
In addition to numerous art exhibits, the Bellevue Arts Museum also offers engaging educational programs for people of all ages. Free admission on the first Friday of the month.
Camano Island
Center for Wooden Boats
There are three CWB locations that allow guests to look, touch and learn… but boat rentals have an extra charge. The museum exhibits reveal the history of the region’s watercraft with working exhibits, examples and experience. The Boathouse Gallery shows rotating exhibits. Admission is always free! For more information, visit the website.
Of all the places we’ve been, I regret not visiting this museum in Washington State!
Everett
Imagine Children’s Museum
The children’s museum offers a virtual tour on its website. Featuring exciting exhibits like the Wildlife Clinic, Imagine WaterWorks, Monte Cristo Railroad, Glow Zone, Construction Studio and more, this is a great place for kids to learn and explore! Admission is free on the third Friday of each month, from 5:30-9pm.
Granite Falls
Granite Falls Historical Museum
Step back into time and tour a home furnished as though it were still 1905! You can also see hats at the millinery shop, explore the logging industry, visit a doctor’s office and hardware store. You can also use the museum’s resources to research your family or your home! This museum is currently open on Sundays from 12-5pm and by appointment.
Lynnwood
Heritage Park
Discover Lynnwood’s heritage as rural Alderwood Manor. The entire park contains exhibits and historic structures that date back to 1919. These include the Wickers Museum, the Heritage Resource Center, the Sno-Isle Genealogy Library and more. For more information, please click here.
Monroe
Monroe Historical Museum
Discover the history of Monroe in the old two-story City Hall building. The museum contains local resources, photographs, artifacts and more. Public programs may also be available. For more information, please click here.
North Bend
Cedar River Watershed Education Center
The Cedar River Municipal Watershed provides 70% of the drinking water to the 1.4 million people living in the greater Seattle area. Learn about the complex issues surrounding the region’s wildlife, forests and drinking water. Easy hikes, storytelling, crafts and more may be available. Browse their website for more information.
Olympia
Hands On Children’s Museum
This museum is regularly recognized as one of the Top 5 Best Fun Places to Take Kids (by King5) and the Best Family Entertainment and Best Museum in the Best of the South Sound contest (by The Olympian newspaper). Obviously, kids and families love it!
This is hands-down one of my very favorite places. If you’re looking for a fun museum in Washington State, look no further than the absolutely incredible Hands on Children’s Museum!
This museum no longer has free for all days, but if you have an EBT card, you and another guest can enter for free, with additional tickets being just $2 each. And if you are a WSECU member, the first Wednesday of each month is 50% off.
Seattle
Seattle has so many, we separated it into a different post. Click here for the list.
Snohomish
Blackman House Museum
The Blackman House is the only remaining home out of the three built by the Blackman brothers. Their company dominated the early lumber industry in the Snohomish River Valley. Learn more about this interesting family at the museum.
Snoqualmie
Northwest Railway Museum
If your kids love trains as much as mine do, this is a must-visit museum in Washington state. Built in 1890, the Depot has been fully restored and functions as an operating train station. Museum visitors can purchase tickets (for a price) from the original ticket window and are encouraged to explore the railway exhibits. Learn more about the depot and it’s history by clicking here.
Spokane
Bing Crosby Collection @ Gonzaga University
American icon Bing Crosby’s life began in Spokane, where his father built their home in 1913. Today, the home is part of Crosby’s alma mater, Gonzaga University. It houses the largest collection of Bing Cosby memorabilia, including 1,400 records/albums, 800 audio cassettes and 2,000 discs of radio shows.
First Friday Program
Explore art and culture across Spokane! Participating venues are listed on this map.
Stanwood
Stanwood Area Historical Society
The SAHS discovers, preserves and displays materials that illustrate and interpret the heritage of the Stanwood area. A library and museum showcase exhibits and assist with genealogy and historical research. New volunteers and members are always welcome!
Tacoma
There are a lot of free things to do in Tacoma! The Tacoma Children’s Museum is another must-visit museum in Washington state for families. Click here to see the entire list.
Tenino
This cute town on the Oregon Trail, has the Train Depot Museum. It was built in an old Northern Pacific railway depot, and also includes an original 0ne-room schoolhouse next door. One unique attraction is the printing press used during the Depression and again in 2020, to print wooden money, which was actually able to be spent in Tenino shops.
Vancouver
Clark County Historical Museum
Browse the museum’s current exhibit list by clicking here. This museum is devoted to helping people understand how we are all impacted and shaped by our history.
