If you’re searching for a family-friendly adventure in Tennessee, these five museums offer free admission days throughout the year.
These museums are not only educational but also fun for the entire family. Whether it’s exploring history, art, science or nature, these places offer interactive experiences and exhibits that will interest both kids and adults.
Here are five kid-friendly museums that offer free admission days in Tennessee:
1. The Pink Palace Museum (Memphis)
The Pink Palace Museum is an ideal family destination, with exhibits focused on science, history and Mid-Southern culture. Kids are able to enjoy interactive exhibits on natural history, space and dinosaurs, so no one’s interests are left out.
The museum also has a 3D theater and a planetarium, both of which are crowd-pleasers when it comes to curious kids. The museum offers free admission to its permanent exhibits on the first Monday of every month.
Free Admission: First Monday of each month.
Address: 3050 Central Ave Memphis, TN 38111
Reviews: “Why do we like this museum so much? I really can’t pinpoint what it is that we like so much about it but it’s a hit for the entire family: 2,6, and even 13 years old. So many rocks and minerals to see. Skeletons for different animals. A huge dinosaur exhibit with fossils and even a robotic full size T. rex that roars. There’s something for everyone here.” –Natalie Q.
2. Frist Art Museum (Nashville)
This museum has one of the most family-friendly environments on the list, with special hands-on art activities and workshops for children. They also offer something called the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, which is a hands-on space for kids to make various types of art, including digital drawings, printmaking and virtual art.
The Frist Art Museum’s immersive approach allows children to hone their artistic skills and learn about art history. On the first Saturday of each month, the museum hosts a “family day,” where they offer free admission for families to their weekend viewing exhibits and completing activities together.
Free Admission: First Saturday of each month.
Address: 919 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203
Review: “What a lovely museum! It was busy during our visit, but the open layout of the exhibits allowed for enough space between visitors to enjoy the installations. Although we specifically came for ‘Journey through Japan’, we found ourselves spending just as much time in the ‘María Magdalena Campos-Pons’ and ‘LaJuné McMillian’ exhibits. My son and daughter spent a lot of time in Martin Art Quest. This was the busiest space since it was interactive with several fun, creative activities for all ages.” –Rochelle M.
3. National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis)
The National Civil Rights Museum offers a powerful and important educational experience for kids and adults alike with its unique exhibits that center around the Civil Rights Movement. The museum provides opportunities for children to learn about social justice, equality and history in an appropriate, fun and kid-friendly way through interactive displays and educational programs. Every Tuesday they offer free admission, making it an accessible outing for families.
Free Admission: Tuesdays.
Address: 450 Mulberry St Memphis, TN 38103
Review: “While visiting Memphis over the holidays, we came to the National Civil Rights Museum. This was hands down one of the most powerful and moving exhibits I have ever seen. I was in awe of the depth of information presented but thoroughly impressed by how accessible it was. There really are no words when you stand right where MLK Jr. took his final breaths. It feels foolish to even try and explain it. I think every single American should be required to come experience this museum and learn the impactful history it presents.” –Courtney P.
4. Discovery Park of America (Union City)
This massive, interactive museum and park is located in Union City and blends together history, science and nature. The Discovery Park of America houses a multitude of exhibits, some of the most fun are a 4-D earthquake simulation, a 20,000-gallon aquarium and their 50-acre outdoor area. This area is beautiful, with gardens, a planetarium and a historic train, kids definitely won’t be bored here.
Their Discovery Center is another unique aspect. It has hands-on learning experiences for kids and allows parents to peruse exhibits covering history, science and technology. They also offer free admission to everyone on their annual “Community Day,” which is usually some time in the spring. The Discovery Park offers free admission on other select days as well, so be sure to check their website for updates.
Free Admission: Community Day (typically in the spring). Free for kids 17 and under in January 2025.
Address: 830 Everett Blvd Union City, TN 38261
Review: “This place was so much fun to visit! It’s just far enough away from Memphis to be considered a “trip” but definitely a quick day trip! And definitely worth the trek!!! We went with three different generations of our family and all three had a great time. (And all three generations went down the massive multi-story indoor slide!!!) The grounds are LOVELY and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to explore all the outdoor exhibits.” –Ali D.
5. Museum of Appalachia (Clinton)
The Museum of Appalachia is one of the state’s many hidden gems and offers the perfect opportunity for families to learn about the Appalachian region’s unique culture, heritage and history. Their collection of artifacts is unlike any other, featuring tools, folk art and antiques from early settlers and natives of the Appalachian Mountains.
Their outdoor exhibit is one of its most unique aspects, with restored cabins, barns and other historic buildings available for guests to browse. They also live Appalachian music and several hands-on displays, making it an immersive, interesting experience for all ages. They also have a restaurant in the museum in case your little one wants a snack. The Museum of Appalachia offers free admission every first Friday of the month, so don’t hesitate to make memories with your family here while going on a walk through time.
Free Admission: First Friday of each month.
Address: 2819 Andersonville Hwy Clinton, TN 37716
Review: “This is an amazing tour back in time! We just happened to see the billboard and decided why not!!? Let’s go see it! Beautiful general store with all kinds of wonderful items, old style children’s story books, old time candy to an array of wonderful items! And the smell coming from the kitchen convinces you lunch is a must in the adjoining cafe. The self-guided tour takes you through a village with cabins from Mark Twain’s family cabin to Daniel Boons and many more… I believe 26! A Museum that holds so much history it’s mind boggling. A must see to appreciate and understand!” –Janet C.
