Whether you are looking to explore something new or simply excite your mind in a new way, museums are a fun way for families to spend time together while learning about our world. From art and science to history and more, Oklahoma City offers a wealth of high-quality museums, many of which are completely free.
Sometimes it is savvy to spend money to save money. Whether you are looking for a great deal or a great gift idea, memberships to attractions are a good way to get the most for your money!
[Editor’s Note: This list was last updated on Jan. 16, 2024. Know of any attractions that we missed? If so, please email tips@metrofamilymagazine.
Here is a list of museums that always offer FREE admission:
Oklahoma National Guard
2145 NE 36th St; 405-424-5313
Open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:130 p.m. & Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m.
See rare military artifacts narrating the history of Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Division of the National Guard and other aspects of American military history.
Charles B. Hall Air Park
Located at the Air Depot Blvd exit on Interstate 40
Open from dusk until dawn
People of all ages will find this park rich in Tinker Air Force Base History with several military aircrafts on display.
Edmond History Museum
431 S Boulevard, Edmond; 405-340-0078
Open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
Explore the story of Edmond, from Land Run to present day, through artifacts and photographs that highlight over a century of Edmond history.
Exhibit C First American Gallery & Gifts
1 E Sheridan Ave, Ste 100; 405-767-8900
Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Exhibit C is an art gallery and retail space located in the Bricktown district of downtown Oklahoma City. See authentic pieces of art handcrafted by Chickasaw and other First American artists.
Federal Judicial Learning Center & Museum
215 Dean A. McGee Ave; 405-420-6176; Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Examine documents and other significant memorabilia, see a moot courtroom, and more as you learn about the history of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Jim Thorpe Museum, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
20 S Mickey Mantle Dr: 405-427-1400; Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
See artifacts and memorabilia from the culture, accomplishments and achievements of legendary athlete and Oklahoma Native, Jim Thorpe.
National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
2801 NE 50th St; 405-424-5266; Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Learn about past players who had exceptional careers in the sport.
Oklahoma Contemporary
11 NW 11th St; 405-951-0000; Open Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, until 9 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
Oklahoma Contemporary focuses on living artists, the art of now and the art of what’s next. The museum’s art exhibitions are always free and they also offer free family-friendly programming throughout the year.
Oklahoma Railway Museum
3400 NE Grand Blvd; 405-424-8222; Open every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, 9-5 p.m. Trains operate on the first and third Saturdays, April-August.
Explore train engines, passenger cars, a caboose and more at the Oklahoma Railway Museum. Tickets are required to ride train.
Oklahoma State Capitol & Museum
2300 N Lincoln Blvd; 405-521-3356; Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
See more than 125 artifacts relating to the history of the Oklahoma State Capitol and the work of Oklahoma’s state government.
Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, Oklahoma City National Memorial
620 N Harvey Ave, 405-235-3313; Open daily
Once the footprint of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Fifth Street, the Athenian Building and Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial is now the Field of Empty Chairs, Reflecting Pool and Rescuers’ Orchard, honoring the now-sacred ground where the events of April 19, 1995, unfolded.
Porcelain Art Museum
2700 N Portland Ave; 405-521-1234; Open Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
As the headquarters of the World Organization of China Painters, this museum displays one of the finest collections of hand-painted porcelain in the United States.
Red Earth Museum (BancFirst Tower lobby)
100 N Broadway; 405-427-5228; Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
See original Native artwork, both contemporary and traditional, from throughout the United States.
Worth the drive:
Canadian County Historical Museum
300 S. Grand, El Reno; 405-262-5121; Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
The museum is a complex of buildings from the Old West that have been renovated and are open to visitors. Explore a barn, Indian jail, church, school and other historically significant sites.
Here are a few museums that offer FREE or discounted admission on select days throughout the year:
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
555 Elm Ave, Norman; 405-325-3272
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
See the Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism, 20th-century American painting and sculpture, traditional and contemporary Native American art and more. Kids under 18 are always free and everyone can get in free on the second Friday of each month.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
415 Couch Dr; 405-236-3100
Kids always get in free and, on the second Sunday each month, all members of the family can get free admission.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame
1400 Classen Dr; 405-235-4458
Visit the museum each month on the second Saturday for uniquely themed programming geared for the whole family. Each Saturday will include themed experiences and learning opportunities for families to enjoy together including crafts and guided tours.
Want even more ideas for FREE things to do with your family? Check out our guide to FREE fun and our searchable calendar.
