Mon, Sat, Sun 10am–5pm; Thu–Fri 10am–9pm; closed Tue–Wed
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art · Kansas City
The Nelson-Atkins holds more than 5,000 years of art and is free every day for everyone. Check in at the door or reserve a free timed entry online before you go. The museum is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and stays open until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays. The garage on Oak Street costs $20; the KC Streetcar has an art museum stop.
Verified Oct 28 · nelson-atkins.org
Catch: Free check-in required (in person or online)
Galleries Mon–Fri 10am–5pm and second Saturdays 10am–2pm; arboretum daily 5am–11pm
The Linda Hall Library · Kansas City
The Linda Hall science library's exhibition Alchemy of Knowledge shows rare first editions by Galileo, Newton and others, an alchemist's workshop and a dragon sculpture made with Kansas City Art Institute students. Outside, a 14-acre arboretum holds 300+ trees and is open to the public 5am–11pm. Free parking in the library lot.
Monday–Friday 9:30am–4pm (last entry 3:30pm); closed weekends and bank holidays
Money Museum, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
See how the Kansas City Fed processes millions in cash, lift a real gold bar and view Harry S. Truman's coin collection. The museum is free, walk-in and self-guided, with free parking on the west side of the building. Adults 18+ need a photo ID, and there's airport-style security (no pocketknives or pepper spray).
Verified Oct 28 · kansascityfed.org
Catch: Photo ID required for ages 18+ and security screening
Monday–Saturday 9am–4pm; closed Sundays and holidays
Wyandotte County Historical Museum · Kansas City
The county history museum traces Wyandotte County from the Kansas City Hopewell people to modern times, with short-term exhibits in its auditorium and a research collection (archives by appointment). Admission is free. Open Monday through Saturday.
Verified Oct 28 · wycokck.org
No catch
AttractionsFree (worth about $40)Eligibility applies
Museum Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm (Apr–Dec); closed Sundays Jan 2–Mar 31
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum (pass from any MCPL branch) · Independence
Adult Mid-Continent Public Library cardholders can check out a Harry S. Truman Library & Museum pass for up to a week. Each pass admits four people (adults, seniors or children) for general admission. Every branch has one pass, so ask your branch about availability. Late or lost passes are fined.
Verified Oct 28 · mymcpl.org
Catch: MCPL library card, age 18+ · One pass per branch: check out for up to 7 days
AttractionsFree (worth about $25)Eligibility appliesHappening now
Any day in November or December, 9:30am–4pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Jackson and Clay County households get a Postcard to Adventure in the mail; October's postcard is good for one free visit any day in November or December. It admits the resident, one more adult and their dependents 18 and under. Bring the postcard and proof of address. No postcard? Bring a photo ID or utility bill with your county address to Guest Relations and sign for one the same day. Not valid for GloWild. Parking is free.
Verified Oct 28 · kansascityzoo.org
Catch: Jackson or Clay County residents only: postcard plus proof of address · One free visit per postcard · Not valid for GloWild
Kansas City's contemporary art museum is free, including its special exhibitions and community programs. Current shows include Barbara Takenaga: Awestruck. Open Wednesday through Sunday, with late hours until 9pm on Thursdays. Free street parking is plentiful around the museum.
Harry S Truman National Historic Site · Independence
Tour the home Harry and Bess Truman lived in. Tours are free but need a ticket from the visitor center (223 N. Main St.), issued the same day, first come, first served, for groups of up to 8. Across the street, the first floor of the Noland Home has exhibits on Truman's life. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Verified Oct 28 · National Park Service
Catch: Free same-day ticket from the visitor center; tours limited to 8
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (JCCC) · Overland Park
Johnson County Community College's 41,000-square-foot contemporary art museum has 10 major galleries, the Oppenheimer Collection and hundreds of works by international, national and regional artists on view in the museum and around campus. Admission and parking are free. Call 913-469-3000 for hours.
Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden · Kansas City
A tranquil European-style garden with perennial beds, fountains, stone walls and bronze sculptures by Tom Corbin, with annual displays changed at least four times a year. Admission and parking are free and it's open year-round. No dogs (except service animals), bikes or portrait photo sessions.
Verified Oct 28 · kauffman.org
No catch
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