6 Massachusetts-specific listings plus 4 programs that apply across New England. Last verified 2026-10-17.
Massachusetts EBT Card to Culture (also WIC and ConnectorCare)
Low costProgram / passMA
Free or steeply discounted admission at hundreds of participating Massachusetts arts, history and science organizations. Current discounts listed as valid through Dec 31, 2026.
Who it's for: Massachusetts EBT, WIC or ConnectorCare cardholders
How: Show your card at the front desk (it is only proof of eligibility, not payment). Each organization sets its own discount; the official directory is organized by region with CSV download.
Source: official page · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17
Massachusetts state parks and beaches
Low costOutdoorsMA
State parks are free to enter, but most charge daily parking during posted fee hours. Some parks have free parking, for example Houghton's Pond (Milton) and Callahan State Park (Framingham). Free parking was offered statewide July 3-5, 2026. Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend was June 6-7, 2026 (next date not yet announced).
Who it's for: Everyone
How: Check the individual park page and the DCR parking guide before you go.
Source: official page · more · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Free days / free for someMuseumCambridge, MA
Free to Massachusetts residents every Sunday 9am-12pm and every Wednesday 3-5pm. Youth ages 3-18 otherwise $15; under 3 free. The same ticket covers the other Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (same day).
Who it's for: Massachusetts residents (proof of residency)
How: Bring proof of Massachusetts residency. Library passes (up to 4 people) are offered by some libraries, e.g., Cambridge.
Source: official page · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Boston
FreeMuseumBoston, MA
Free for youth 18 and under always. Free for everyone on Thursday nights 5-9pm (advance tickets required). Play Date family art days: up to 2 adults free with kids 12 and under (promo code PLAYDATE); listed Sundays Nov 1, Dec 6 and Feb 7, 2027, 10am-3pm.
Who it's for: Youth 18 and under; everyone on Thursday nights
How: Reserve tickets online; use the promo code listed on the ICA page for Play Dates.
Source: official page · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17
Boston Children's Museum: $1 Sunday Afternoons
Low costMuseumBoston, MA
$1 admission for all visitors on Sundays 1-4pm. Online reservations required. Museum open Wed-Mon 9am-4pm, closed Tuesdays.
Who it's for: Everyone
How: Reserve a Sunday-afternoon timeslot online. Boston Public Library also lists a $12-per-person pass for up to 4.
Older third-party sites still list $1 Friday nights; the museum's own current page does not.
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: $5 Third Thursdays
Low costMuseumBoston, MA
$5 admission on the third Thursday of every month, 5-10pm. Regular youth ages 7-17 are $14 and ages 0-6 are free, so this is mainly a savings for ages 7+ and adults.
Who it's for: Everyone
How: Confirm the next date on the MFA series page (computed: Nov 19, 2026).
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17
Museums for All (SNAP EBT card admission)
Low costProgram / passAll New England
Free to $5 admission for up to 4 people per SNAP EBT card at participating museums (1,600+ nationwide). EBT cards from any state are accepted.
Who it's for: EBT cardholders
How: Bring your EBT card and a photo ID. No registration. Each museum sets its own rate and some ask for walk-in purchase, so check the museum page.
Participating list by state: see source. Rates vary by museum.
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17
Bank of America Museums on Us
Free days / free for someProgram / passAll New England
Free general admission on the first full weekend of every month to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders at participating museums. Next weekend: Nov 7-8, 2026.
Who it's for: Bank of America / Merrill cardholders
How: Show your active card and a government photo ID. One general admission per cardholder; special exhibitions excluded. Check the museum's listing on the Bank of America map.
Not a Bank of America endorsement; this is an informational listing with no affiliation.
Source: official page · Last verified 2026-10-17
Every Kid Outdoors (4th grade pass)
FreeProgram / passAll New England
2026-27 school year pass: free entry at federal lands and waters (national parks, wildlife refuges, etc.) for the 4th grader, all children under 16 and up to 3 adults in one private vehicle. Expires Aug 31, 2027.
Who it's for: Families with a 4th grader
How: The 4th grader completes a short online activity and prints a paper voucher at EveryKidOutdoors.gov (we never collect any information). Does not cover state parks, parking, camping or tours.
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17
Library museum and park passes
DiscountedProgram / passAll New England
Many public libraries lend or reserve free or discounted passes for museums, zoos, farms and parks. Examples: Boston Public Library lists Boston Children's Museum at $12 per person for up to 4; Oxford (MA) and Athol (MA) list free-admission passes to several museums; Attleboro (MA) lists a free RISD Museum pass.
Who it's for: Library cardholders (rules vary by library)
How: Search your own library's website for 'museum passes'. Each library has its own pass list, reservation system and return rules. Passes are limited and set by the participating attractions.
Example pages only; your library's list will differ.
Source: official page · more · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17