How to Get Free Entrance and Family Passes for Museums and State Parks in California

Planning a summer full of learning and fun doesn’t have to break the bank! For families in California, there are amazing ways to get free or heavily discounted access to museums, zoos, science centers, and even beautiful state parks. From library programs to credit card perks, this guide will show you how to make the most of these resources — especially if you have kids!

✨ Summary Table of Free Pass Options

Program	Covers	How to Get It	Website
Discover & Go	Museums	Via local library login	discoverandgo.com
CA State Parks Library Pass	State Parks (1 vehicle)	Borrow from public library	parks.ca.gov
Museums for All	Museums	Show EBT card & ID	museums4all.org
Museums on Us	1 museum entry	BoA credit card & ID	bankofamerica.com/museum

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📚 1. Discover & Go: Free Museum Passes with Your Library Card

What it is: Discover & Go is a partnership between libraries and cultural institutions that gives free or low-cost tickets to attractions when you reserve through your library account.

• Eligibility: You must be a cardholder in a participating library system.
• Who’s Included: Each offer shows the number of adults and children allowed — often 1 adult + 1 – 2 kids. Multiple library cards can be used to get more benefit.
• Pro Tip: Passes get released monthly and go fast. Set a reminder for the first of the month!

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🏞️ 2. California State Parks Library Pass – Free Day Use for Your Family

What it is: The California State Library Parks Pass provides free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 state parks for families.

• Where to Get It:
  • Visit your local public library and check out the pass just like a book!
  • Details: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30806
• Covers: Free entry for one vehicle and its passengers (perfect for families!)
• Popular Parks Included:
  • Big Basin Redwoods
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods
  • Half Moon Bay State Beach
  • Castle Rock State Park
• How Long You Can Keep It: Typically for 2–3 weeks.
• Pro Tip: Some libraries let you place a hold or reserve the pass in advance. Combine your trip with a picnic, and it’s a full day of free fun!

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🖼️ 3. Museums for All – $3 Entry with EBT Card

What it is: Families who receive SNAP/EBT benefits can visit hundreds of museums across the U.S. — including in the Bay Area — for as little as $1–$3 per person.

• Website: https://museums4all.org
• No need to pre-register — just show your EBT card and valid ID at the ticket counter.
• Participating Museums:
  • Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
  • Bay Area Discovery Museum
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • CuriOdyssey (San Mateo)
• Who’s Included: Usually 4 people per card (but policies vary slightly).
• Pro Tip: You still need to reserve online in advance at some places — check their website before visiting.

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🎟️ 4. Bank of America’s “Museums on Us” (1st Weekend of Every Month)

What it is: Bank of America, Merrill, and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders get one free general admission the first full weekend of every month.

• Website: https://www.bankofamerica.com/museum
• How It Works:
  • Show your credit/debit card and ID at the ticket window.
• Bay Area Museums Participating:
  • de Young Museum
  • Contemporary Jewish Museum
  • San Jose Museum of Art
• Pro Tip: Only the cardholder gets free admission, but you can combine this with other discounts or go on a parent-child day.

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💳 5. Check with Your Employer, Credit Union, or Health Insurance

You’d be surprised — many employers and benefit programs offer museum discounts or passes, especially larger companies or city/county jobs.

• Examples:
  • Kaiser Permanente members may get special discounts at science centers and theme parks.
  • Tech companies like Google or Meta often offer ticket reimbursements or perks through employee portals.
  • Some credit unions or banks offer “perk” platforms like TicketsAtWork or Working Advantage.
• Pro Tip: Ask your HR department or login to your benefits site to explore “entertainment” or “discounts” sections.

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🏖️ When using Discover & Go passes, keep these in mind:

• Limited uses per year: Popular spots like the California Academy of Sciences often allow just one free visit per library card per year.
• Reserve smartly: You can hold up to two passes at a time, so plan ahead if you’re eyeing busy summer dates.
• Bring ID: The pass is tied to the library cardholder’s name, and a photo ID may be required at entry.
• Check format: Some venues accept digital passes, but others require a printed copy—double-check before you go!