A museum visit can open the door to discovery, creativity, and connection and foster a life-long love of learning. Whether children are exploring dinosaurs, airplanes, art, gardens, history, or hands-on science, museums give families a chance to learn together in a fun and memorable way.
Discounted Admission
Many museums believe their exhibits and educational experiences should be accessible to all families, so they offer free or discounted admission to infants and toddlers, free admission days, and even reduced ticket prices for visitors who participate in eligible assistance programs. Many are a part of Museums for All (indicated with a * below), a national access program that provides reduced admission, ranging from free to $5, for visitors who present a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The program includes more than 1,600 museums across the country. Each participating museum can customize its involvement, so requirements may vary. Some museums may accept a Medicaid card or other proof of eligibility, and many allow additional family members to receive the discounted rate as well.
The Central Texas area is rich with amazing and varied museums! If you are ready to take your crew to a local museum, please give them a call to verify their current days and hours of operation, as well as pricing before you go, as these details tend to change!
Arlington
Arlington Museum of Art*
The Arlington Museum of Art offers a creative space for families to experience art, culture, and rotating exhibitions. The community galleries are always free! Special exhibits rotate, and discounted tickets are available to those exhibits for visitors with SNAP or Medicaid cards.
Dallas
African American Museum
The African American Museum of Dallas offers families the opportunity to explore African American art, history, and culture through exhibits, collections, and educational programs. Admission to the museum is free!
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden*
The Dallas Arboretum offers beautiful gardens, seasonal displays, children’s learning areas, and plenty of space to explore outdoors. The Arboretum offers discounted daytime admission for guests with SNAP benefits and includes complimentary parking. Visitors should confirm current requirements, including whether Medicaid or other documentation may qualify.
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum*
The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum offers an age-appropriate opportunity for older children and teens to learn about history, human rights, courage, and the importance of standing against hatred and indifference. Visitors may present a SNAP EBT card to receive $3 admission per person for up to four people. Please contact the museum before visiting to confirm current eligibility requirements, including whether Medicaid is accepted.
Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art offers families the chance to explore artwork from many cultures, time periods, and styles. General admission to the DMA is free for everyone, making it an accessible option for a family outing. Special exhibitions require an additional fee; however, every first Sunday of the month in 2026, the DMA will offer free exhibition admission as well.
Frontiers of Flight Museum
The Frontiers of Flight Museum is located at Dallas Love Field airport and presents aviation and space flight history and innovation through comprehensive exhibits, collections, programming, and STEM curriculum. The museum offers dollar admission dates to assist families in attending. Contact the museum for upcoming dates or other available discounts.
Nasher Sculpture Center*
The Nasher Sculpture Center offers families a chance to experience modern and contemporary sculpture in both indoor galleries and an outdoor garden. The Nasher also hosts free family programming on the first Saturday of each month, including hands-on activities, local artists, and short guided tours for all ages. Please confirm exact discounts available before visiting.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum offers exciting, hands-on learning in science, nature, engineering, space, dinosaurs, and more. Participants who show a WIC EBT card, Lone Star card, Medicaid card, CHIP card, or other eligible proof receive $3 general admission, and special exhibition tickets which may also extend to additional family members.
SPARK! Adventures in Creativity*
SPARK! is designed to encourage imagination, creativity, play, and hands-on exploration. Community members with Medicaid are invited to attend Open Play at a discounted rate of $5 per person. This can be a great option for kids who enjoy climbing, building, creating, and engaging in interactive activities.
Texas Discovery Gardens*
Texas Discovery Gardens gives families the opportunity to explore nature, plants, butterflies, and hands-on environmental learning. Discounted admission of $5 is available for individuals with a Medicaid card.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth Aviation Museum*
The Fort Worth Aviation Museum is a great stop for children who love airplanes, military history, and aviation. Kids 3 and under are free. Discounted tickets are available for individuals with proof of SNAP benefits or a Medicaid card.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden*
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers families a peaceful outdoor experience with walking paths, gardens, plants, and seasonal beauty. As a Museums for All participant, the garden offers free admission for the individual with Medicaid or SNAP benefits.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History*
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History includes interactive exhibits, the Noble Planetarium, and the Cattle Raisers Museum. Families can explore science, history, innovation, and Texas heritage in one place. The museum offers $3 tickets for up to four individuals with presentation of a Medicaid card and a valid photo ID.
Institute for Creation Research
The ICR museum offers a Bible-based journey through Earth's history with animatronic creatures, interactive displays, and an Ice Age Theater in the exhibit hall, as well as Planetarium shows. This museum does not offer stated discounts.
Kimbell Art Museum*
The Kimbell Art Museum is known for its world-class art collection and beautiful architecture. Admission to the Kimbell’s permanent collection is always free. The museum also offers half-price admission to special exhibitions on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Fridays from 5–8 p.m. SNAP recipients may receive $3 special exhibition admission, and this rate applies to the cardholder and all present family members when the SNAP card is shown at the box office.
Log Cabin Village*
Log Cabin Village gives families a hands-on look at pioneer life in Texas. Children can explore historic cabins, learn about daily life in the past, and experience history in an interactive setting. Admission is discounted to $2.50 with proof of SNAP benefits. Museum staff have indicated that a Medicaid card may also be accepted, but families should call ahead for advance confirmation before visiting.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth*
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth offers families the chance to experience modern and contemporary art in a beautiful museum setting. The museum offers half-price tickets on Sundays and free admission on Fridays. Through Museums for All, free admission may be available for up to four people with presentation of a SNAP EBT card.
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame*
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame celebrates the women of the American West through exhibits on courage, leadership, art, ranching, rodeo, and history. The museum offers $3 exhibit admission per individual for up to four people with presentation of a SNAP EBT card and valid photo ID.
Sid Richardson Art Museum
The Sid Richardson Museum is located in historic Sundance Square and features permanent and special exhibits of paintings from the late 19th and 20th century artists who worked in the American West. Admission is free to the museum.
Frisco
National Videogame Museum
The National Videogame Museum is a captivating destination for gamers and game enthusiasts. It allows guests to play videogames as well as experience the history and culture of gaming through interactive exhibits. This museum does not offer stated discounts.
Museum of the American Railroad
The Museum of the American Railroad has more than 70 pieces of steam, diesel, passenger, and freight railroad equipment sitting on 15 acres making it one of the largest historic rail collections in the US. They offer both tours and access to the exhibits; however, they do not provide any stated discounts.
Sci-Tech Discovery Center*
Sci-Tech Discovery Center offers hands-on STEM learning for children through science, technology, engineering, and math activities. Through Museums for All, admission is discounted to $3 with an EBT card and valid photo ID.
McKinney
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary*
The Heard Museum offers a wonderful mix of nature, wildlife, trails, exhibits, and outdoor exploration. Families can learn about animals, habitats, fossils, and the natural world. Visitors with a WIC or EBT card receive admission for up to four people at $5 per person.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Visit
Before heading out, take a few minutes to call the museum or check its website. The details can change, so be sure to ask what discount documentation is accepted, how many family members can receive the discount, whether tickets must be purchased in person or online, and whether special exhibits are included. It is also a good idea to confirm parking information, age-based free admission, accessibility needs, and current hours.
With a little planning, museum adventures can be an affordable way for families to enjoy time together, explore new interests, and create meaningful memories close to home.
