6 free things to do and get in Davis, including 4 attractions, 2 kids & family. Each one checked against its official source, every catch spelled out.
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Open 24 hours, every day
UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
The UC Davis Arboretum's demonstration gardens, redwood grove and waterway trails along Putah Creek are free to visit, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Families and leashed dogs are welcome. Campus visitor parking is paid on weekdays and free on weekends and holidays.
Verified Oct 28 · arboretum.ucdavis.edu
No catch
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1–4:30pm (when UC Davis is in session)
Bohart Museum of Entomology, UC Davis
UC Davis's insect museum opens its displays and live insects and arachnids to walk-in visitors for free on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1 to 4:30pm, while the university is in session. Staffing can force closures, so check before you go. It's closed Nov. 11, Nov. 25 and Thanksgiving week, and over the winter break (Dec. 19 – Jan. 3).
Verified Oct 28 · bohart.ucdavis.edu
No catch
Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm (fall 2026 hours through Dec. 5)
Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of ArtDavis
UC Davis's contemporary art museum is free for everyone, with no tickets or reservations needed. Fall hours (through Dec. 5, 2026) are Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. It's closed on university holidays, including Nov. 11, Nov. 26 and for a special event Nov. 14, but open the day after Thanksgiving. Campus parking is paid on weekdays and free on weekends.
Verified Oct 28 · manettishremmuseum.ucdavis.edu
No catch
Sat, Nov 7, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Bohart Museum of Entomology, UC Davis
The Bohart Museum of Entomology opens on a Saturday afternoon for a free open house focused on UC Davis graduate and undergraduate student research. See the insect collections and live insects and arachnids, and talk with the students who study them. The museum's pages list 1–4pm and 1–4:30pm. Campus parking is free on weekends.
Verified Oct 28 · bohart.ucdavis.edu
No catch
Wed, Nov 18, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Shields Gazebo, UC Davis Arboretum
Warren Roberts, the arboretum's superintendent emeritus, leads a free one-hour midday walk through the gardens' seasonal highlights, with plenty of stories and puns. Open to everyone. Meet at Shields Gazebo. Short-term paid parking is along Garrod Drive.
Verified Oct 28 · arboretum.ucdavis.edu
No catch
Wed, Dec 16, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Shields Gazebo, UC Davis Arboretum
A free one-hour midday walk through the UC Davis Arboretum's winter gardens, led by superintendent emeritus Warren Roberts. Open to everyone. Meet at Shields Gazebo; short-term parking along Garrod Drive is paid.
Verified Oct 28 · arboretum.ucdavis.edu
No catch
