Fun Summer Ideas for Families

Summer is the perfect time for families to explore, learn, and make memories together. However, keeping children entertained during school break can be expensive. Families that participate in WIC or CalFresh may be eligible for free or discounted admission on activites throughout the summer.

WIC will receive Aquarium of the Pacific coupons in Fall 2026.

Museums for All

Museums for All is a nationwide program that makes museums affordable for families with EBT benefits. Over 1,600 participating museums, zoos, aquariums, sciFind a participating museum and present your EBT card and a valid ID.

Discover & Go – Library Pass Program

Discover & Go is a program provided by local libraries that offer free and low cost passes for library cardholders to museums, science centers, zoos, theaters, and other cultural destinations. Select your county below to find out which passes are available to you.

Tips for Visiting

  • Call ahead or check online first for ticket and visitation information.
  • Take advantage of library pass programs that offer free passes to museums, state parks, and other local destinations.
  • Visit farmers’ markets and community events for that offer free admission, family activites, and more.

Free or Low Cost Summer Activites for the Family this Summer

Alf Museum of Paleontology - Located in Claremont
Free admission for WIC and EBT participants and 3 additional family members. Participant must be present with benefits card and a photo ID. 

California Science Center - Located in Exposition Park
Core exhibit galleries are free and do not require a reservation. Special exhibits or the IMAX Theater are available at an extra cost. 

Cayton Children's Museum - Located in Santa Monica
Free for children under age 1. Discounted PLAY4ALL memberships (year-long) at $27.50 for families receiving Medi-Cal, WIC, CalWORKs, or CalFresh.

The Getty Center - Located in Los Angeles
Admission is free, and requires a timed-entry reservation. Parking fees may apply. 

The Huntington - Located in San Marino
Free for children under 4. Museums for All: $5 admission for EBT cardholders.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum - Located in Los Angeles (Closes July 7 for a 2-year renovation)
Free admission for LA County Residents, Monday to Friday from 3PM - 5PM, PreK - 12 teachers and school staff, United States military, EBT cardholders, and children 2 and under. Valid ID required. Parking fees may apply.  

Museum of Neon Art - Located in Glendale
Free for children 12 and under and veterans with ID. Discounted admission at $3 for EBT cardholders. 

Natural History Museum - Located in Exposition Park
Free admission for LA County Residents, Monday to Friday from 3PM - 5PM, PreK - 12 teachers and school staff, United States military, EBT cardholders, and children 2 and under. Valid ID required. Parking fees may apply.  

Santa Monica History Museum - Located in Santa Monica
Free for children under 17, students, seniors, military, and EBT cardholders. General admission is $5. 

Skirball Cultural Center - Located in Los Angeles
Free to all on Thursdays and for children under 2. Reservations are recommended due to limited visitor capacity. 

Bowers Museum - Located in Santa Ana
Free for children under 12. Adult admission is $18.

Discovery Cube - Located in Santa Ana
Free for Santa Ana residents with a government-issued photo ID on the first Tuesday of every month.

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center - Located in Anaheim
Free for children 3 and under. Participating in Museums for All, EBT participants can gain free or reduced admission. 

Kimberly Crest House & Gardens - Located in Redlands
Museums for all: Freeadmission for up to 4 guests to EBT cardholders with a valid ID

San Bernardino County Museum - Located in Redlands 
Free for children 5 years and under. Participating in Museum for All: $1 admission for EBT card holders with a valid ID (maximum 9 in party).