Your Complete List of the Best Free Days in Milwaukee

There are tons of things to do in Milwaukee, but besides outdoor activities like heading to the beach in summer, most things cost money. It’s nice once in a while to take advantage of free events to save money, especially when going with the whole family.

Milwaukee has numerous free days to take advantage of, especially at area museums and parks. It’s also worth watching for Milwaukee Museum Week, typically in January, when most museums have at least one day of free admission for children under seventeen, and discount rates for group ticket purchases.

If you don’t want to wait for January, then read below for a quick guide to free days at Milwaukee museums and parks.

Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Free Day

The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is like a wonderland for kids under thirteen. They have numerous exhibits that are both fun and educational, like science exhibits, a trivial pursuit area, children’s art, and an interactive kid-sized city where kids learn what makes a community run by playing a banker or customizing a Harley Davidson.

Located right at the end of Wisconsin Avenue, parking is easy and the location makes it easy to head to other area attractions.

Free day: Every third Thursday each month from 5 pm until 8 pm.
Address: 929 E. Wisconsin Ave.

Boerner Botanical Gardens Free Day

A little west of downtown is the Boerner Botanical Gardens. Few residents even know these fantastic gardens exist. The pretty large property holds everything from flower displays and vegetable gardens to experimental test gardens where new varieties are put to the test of Wisconsin weather.

There are over 500 annuals, perennials, and roses to enjoy while strolling through the gardens. Walking trails also line the campus. If the weather cooperates, entrance is free to the Boerner Botanical Gardens on the

Free Day: First Tuesday of every month from 8 am to 6 pm.
Address: 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners

Charles Allis Art Museum Free Day

Located right on Prospect Avenue on Milwaukee’s east side, the Charles Allis Art Museum is part of the broader museum row. The small art museum is inside a historic mansion, built by the prominent Allis family in Milwaukee specifically to hold their art collection.

The mansion manages to hold quite a bit of art, including paintings and objectives from around the world. Once inside, you can tell that the family had a special affinity for international artwork.

Free Day: First Wednesday of every month between 1 pm and 5 pm
Address: 1801 N. Prospect Ave.
Tel: (414) 278-8295

Harley Davidson Museum

The Harley Davidson Museum located between downtown and Walker’s Point draws visitors from all across the world. While the museum normally does not offer regular free days, a good insider secret is to check ahead of time for admission policy on Milwaukee Day. Every April 14th is Milwaukee’s day for the 414 area code of the city.

Most years if you show up at the Harley Davidson museum wearing any clothing that clearly says “Milwaukee” on it, you can get in free for the day. Once inside, there are always special discounts on food and merchandise to celebrate the holiday as well.

Free Day: April 14th (yearly), Mother’s Day (Moms Free), Father’s Day (Dads Free)
Address: 400 W. Canal St.
Phone: (877) 436-8738
Check for Free Days on the HD Museum Site

Nearby: City Light Brewing & other top Milwaukee Breweries

Jewish Museum Milwaukee

Jewish Museum Milwaukee, located on Milwaukee’s east side, is part of the museum row. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Jewish community in Milwaukee, and always has a rotating exhibit on interesting topics. Be sure to park behind the building since finding a spot in the area can be difficult.

Check online for free community days. They often have four during the running of a special exhibit often times on Mondays.

Free Day: Varys
Address: 1360 N. Prospect Ave.
Phone: (414) 390-5730

Milwaukee Art Museum Free Day

The Milwaukee Art Museum is the most distinct-looking building in the city. In fact, the iconic wingspan on the building has become something of a symbol for the city.

Once inside, visitors get to take advantage of great views, awesome rotating special exhibits, and world-class permanent exhibits featuring famous artists from around the world. 2021 the Milwaukee Art Museum is not offering any free days, we will make sure to update the article once they start the free day up again.

Free Day: Not currently offered in 2021
Address: 700 N. Art Museum Dr.
Phone: (414) 224-3200

Related: Top Attractions in Milwaukee

Milwaukee County Zoo Free Day

The Milwaukee County Zoo is a great destination when visiting Milwaukee. The zoo is surprisingly large for a mid-size city like Milwaukee and holds all sorts of animals from around the world. The zoo has all sorts of fun kids activities but is also a great way to spend a day for adults without the kids.

There are occasional family free days at the Zoo. The next one is on March 2 from 9 am until 4:30 pm. If you check online you can often find when the next family free day is coming up.

Free Day: Various Family Free Days (Monthly/Quarterly)
Address: 10001 W. Bluemound Rd.
Phone: (414) 771-3040
Check for Free Days

Milwaukee Public Museum

Located in the western part of downtown, the Milwaukee Public Museum has tens of thousands of artifacts and really fun exhibits, ranging from cultures around the world, ancient artifacts and prehistoric bones, to the museum’s most popular exhibit, the Streets of Old Milwaukee, meant to replicate what the city looked like in the nineteenth century. Give yourself a full day to explore the museum.

Free Day: First Thursday of every month between regular operating hours: 9 am-8 pm.
Address: 800 W. Wells St.
Phone: (414) 278-2728
Website

Mitchell Park Domes

The Mitchell Park Domes, known locally as the Domes, are a pretty unique activity to take advantage of while in Milwaukee. Basically, there are three domes with botanical gardens inside, each with a different theme, climate, and fauna.

There are also numerous special events inside of the Domes throughout the year.

Free Day: First Thursday of every month between 9 am and 5 pm.
Address: 524 S. Layton Blvd.
Phone: (414) 257-5611
Domes Website

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum is an awesome mansion on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. When the person died who built it, he dedicated the mansion to the city. Since then, it has served as a decorative arts museum with fantastic gardens leading down toward the lake, in addition to being a popular spot for weddings.