Looking for something fun — and free — to do with your family? Seattle’s First Thursday museum days offer a perfect way to explore some of the region’s best cultural institutions without spending a dime.
On the first Thursday of every month, many Seattle-area museums open their doors with free admission. From kid-friendly spots like the Museum of Flight and MOHAI to iconic spaces like the Seattle Art Museum, there’s something for every kind of explorer. Some places offer extended evening hours, others add hands-on activities or exhibits geared toward families.
Just be ready for a crowd — First Thursdays are popular. Plan ahead, check hours, and let the museum magic begin.
[Find more fun in our Things to Do section and Family Event Calendar. ]
Seattle Museums with Free Admission on First Thursdays
Henry Art Gallery on First Thursday
- Location: 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St, University of Washington
- Free admission: First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Located on the UW campus, the Henry Art Gallery is known for its innovative and often surprising contemporary art exhibitions. Admission is technically donation-based ($0–20) year-round, but First Thursdays offer free admission all day — no ticket required.
This museum may be best for older kids or teens with a creative streak. Take it slow and let the art spark conversation. Bonus: Educators, students, and children are always free, and you can also use a Seattle Public Library Museum Pass if you’re visiting another day.
Located on the UW campus, the Henry Art Gallery offers free admission on First Thursdays. (Image: Jonathan Vanderweit)
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) on First Thursday
- Location: 860 Terry Ave N, South Lake Union
- Free admission: First Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
MOHAI brings Seattle’s past to life — from its maritime roots to modern tech innovations. On First Thursdays, admission is free for everyone from 5 to 8 p.m., and many of the museum’s most popular exhibits are included, like the Bezos Center for Innovation, True Northwest: The Seattle Journey, and the Kid-Struction Zone.
It’s a great spot for school-age kids, and the interactive scavenger hunt keeps them engaged while exploring local history. Arrive on the early side for easier parking and more time to explore.
The Towers of Tomorrow LEGO exhibit at MOHAI — one of several rotating exhibits included in free First Thursday admission. (Image courtesy MOHAI)
Museum of Flight on First Thursday
- Location: 9404 E Marginal Way S, Tukwila
- Free admission: First Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Got a future astronaut or pilot in the family? The Museum of Flight is a First Thursday favorite, with free evening admission from 5 to 9 p.m. each month. You’ll have access to the Simonyi Space Gallery, Aviation Pavilion, and Personal Courage Wing, plus rotating exhibits and historic aircraft inside and out.
It’s ideal for all ages, but especially great for elementary-aged kids and up. Bonus points: Parking is always free, and no reservations are required — just show up and take off.
Step inside the Museum of Flight’s massive main gallery — open for free on First Thursday evenings. (Image courtesy Museum of Flight)
Seattle Art Museum on First Thursday
- Location: 1300 1st Ave, Downtown Seattle
- Free admission: On First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
SAM is one of the top destinations for First Thursday in Seattle. Admission to both permanent collections and special exhibitions is free on the first Thursday of each month — and the extended evening hours make it a perfect after-school or after-work outing.
Children 14 and under are always free, and teens/students receive discounted tickets year-round. Want to keep the art experience going? Don’t miss the nearby First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square, just a short stroll away. If a trip downtown isn’t in the cards for you this month, try 4 easy art projects inspired by a visit to Seattle Art Museum.
Check the current exhibits at SAM.
During the pandemic and beyond, SAM continued to offer safe, inspiring visits on First Thursdays. (Image: Jen Au / Seattle Art Museum)
Seattle Asian Art Museum on First Thursday
- Location: 1400 E Prospect St, Volunteer Park
- Free admission: First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Housed in a stunning Art Deco building in Volunteer Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) offers a quiet, contemplative space to explore artworks from China, Korea, Japan, and across South and Southeast Asia. Admission is free all day on First Thursdays.
SAAM is a great intro to global art for kids who enjoy color, storytelling, or mythology — and the nearby park and conservatory make it easy to turn your visit into a full morning or afternoon outing.
Tip: SAAM also offers Family Saturdays (October–May), with hands-on programming for ages 2–12.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum, housed in an Art Deco gem in Volunteer Park, offers free admission on First Thursdays. (Image courtesy LMN Architects / Seattle Asian Art Museum)
Burke Museum on First Thursday
- Location: 4300 15th Ave NE, UW Campus
- Free admission: First Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The Burke Museum is where science, culture, and hands-on exploration come together — perfect for curious kids and budding paleontologists. On First Thursdays, the museum offers free admission in the evening from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Be sure to reserve an entry time.
Highlights include giant dino skeletons, Northwest Native art and archaeology, and behind-the-scenes views of real research labs. It’s super family-friendly and easy to pair with a meal on the Ave or a campus stroll.
T. rex, meet tiny explorer. Dinosaur skeletons are a top attraction at the Burke Museum. (Image courtesy Burke Museum)
National Nordic Museum on First Thursday
- Location: 2655 NW Market St, Ballard
- Free admission: First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
In the heart of Ballard, the National Nordic Museum shares the stories and heritage of immigrants from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Admission is free all day on First Thursdays (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), with permanent exhibits included and special exhibits available for just $5.
Expect immersive experiences, from Viking history to modern design. It’s a peaceful, walkable museum that’s ideal for older kids, teens, or a culture-forward family night out. Plus, Ballard has plenty of nearby spots to grab a bite before or after your visit.
Check hours and exhibits at the Nordic Museum.
Emotions in bloom: The Nordic Museum’s whimsical Emojiflowers exhibit is one of many surprises you’ll find on a free First Thursday visit.(Image courtesy National Nordic Museum)
Northwest African American Museum on First Thursday
- Location: 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle
- Free admission: First Thursdays, all day
The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) explores the rich and ongoing history of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest — from migration and civil rights to art, music, and community building. Admission is free all day on the first Thursday of each month, making it an impactful addition to your monthly cultural circuit.
Exhibits blend historical storytelling with contemporary art, and the museum frequently hosts public programs, discussions, and youth-focused events. Plan to spend time in the Journey Gallery and check the events calendar for something new each visit.
Families create together during a community art event at the Northwest African American Museum — always free on First Thursdays. (Image courtesy NAAM)
Seattle Japanese Garden (Free First Thursdays – Select Months)
- 1075 Lake Washington Blvd E, Seattle (in the Arboretum)
- Free admission: First Thursdays (select months), all day
While it’s not your typical museum, the Seattle Japanese Garden offers a rich cultural experience worth including in your First Thursday plans. This peaceful, 3.5-acre oasis features meandering paths, koi ponds, and traditional Japanese landscaping — a living museum of design and nature.
Admission is free on select First Thursdays, typically during the warmer months, with hours starting at 10 a.m. Kids 5 and under are always free, and Family Saturdays (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) often include hands-on activities and free admission for youth 12 and under.
It’s a perfect low-key pairing with other nearby museums or a way to enjoy art and history in the open air.
Check seasonal hours and free days.
Seasonal beauty at the Seattle Japanese Garden, where admission is free on select First Thursdays. (Image courtesy Seattle Japanese Garden)
Free Museum Days Beyond First Thursday
Not all free admission programs happen on First Thursdays! Some museums and cultural centers offer free entry on different days of the month, or through special community access programs designed for families and visitors with specific needs. Here’s a roundup:
Washington State History Museum (Tacoma)
- Free on Third Thursdays from 3 – 8 p.m.
Located in downtown Tacoma, this museum dives deep into Washington state’s history — from Indigenous heritage and immigration to civil rights and innovation. Great for school-aged kids with a curiosity for timelines, trains, and interactive exhibits.
Plan your visit.
Train joy! The Washington State History Museum’s model railway delights kids during free Third Thursday evenings. (Image courtesy Washington State History Museum)
Imagine Children’s Museum (Everett)
- Free on Third Fridays, 5 – 9 p.m.
Hands-on learning meets kid-sized adventure at this popular museum for children 12 and under. The monthly Community Access Night welcomes families for an evening of playful exploration — no tickets or reservations needed.
Also available:
- GRANDfamilies First Sunday (9 a.m. – 11 a.m.)
- Sensory Time on Third Sundays (9 a.m. – 11 a.m.) for kids with sensory processing needs (registration required)
See free night and sensory event details.
Community Access Night at Imagine Children’s Museum welcomes families for a free, playful evening each month. (Image courtesy Imagine Children’s Museum)
Pacific Science Center (Seattle Center)
- Free sensory-friendly hours on select dates
PacSci’s Sensory-Friendly Hours offer quiet, low-stimulation access to exhibits — perfect for visitors with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
Reserve sensory-friendly tickets.
Jurassic vibes at PacSci! Select sensory-friendly hours offer quieter access to dino exhibits — for free. (Image courtesy PacSci)
Free Museum Days Outside Seattle
You don’t have to stay in Seattle city limits to find incredible (and free!) museum experiences. These cultural gems north of the city offer First Thursday access — or are always free to visit.
Hibulb Cultural Center (Tulalip)
- Location: 6410 23rd Ave NE, Tulalip
- Free admission: First Thursdays, all day
Located about 35 miles north of Seattle, the Hibulb Cultural Center offers an immersive introduction to the history, culture, and traditions of the Tulalip Tribes. Explore exhibits inside the interactive Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve, including a longhouse replica, canoe hall, and rotating art displays.
Free for all visitors on the first Thursday of each month. Kids under 5 and Tulalip tribal members are always free.
Welcome figures greet visitors at the Hibulb Cultural Center, which offers free admission on First Thursdays. (Image courtesy of Hibulb Cultural Center)
Museums that are Always Free to Visit
- Bug and Reptile Museum
- Center for Wooden Boats
- Center for Contemporary Art
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
- Klondike Gold Rush Museum
- Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
- Gates Foundation Discovery Center
- Harbor History Museum
- Loghouse Museum
- Snoqualmie Depot at the NW Railway Museum
- Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center
- Puget Sound Navy Museum
- Washington Park Arboretum
- White River Valley Museum
- Padilla Bay Estuary and Museum
- Frye Art Museum
- Olympic Sculpture Park
