Springtime is here and if you, like many Angelenos, are looking for something to do outside, we have just the activity – and L.A. County residents can get in for free.
It’s true, the iconic Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has free admission for all L.A. County residents on Monday through Friday, from 3 pm to 5 pm. Just be sure to bring your ID!
What’s there to do at the Natural History Museum?
The museum boasts a massive collection of dinosaur and mammal fossils, a Nature Gardens exhibition outside, and gem and mineral halls. And you can’t miss the North American and African Mammal Halls, which feature detailed and lifelike wildlife displays.
Then there’s the seasonal Butterfly Pavilion, which just reopened to the public for the summer season.
What’s the Butterfly Pavilion?
The Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is home to dozens of native butterfly species, including Monarchs and the largest butterflies in the Americas, the Owl butterfly.
Angelenos can also learn how to attract California butterflies to their own gardens at home. “We have a whole list of [butterfly] host plants and encourage people to plant native plants,” Lisa Gonzalez, the Pavilion program manager, tells Secret Los Angeles.
The pavilion became open to the public on March 22 and will remain open through August 23, 2026. Admission is $10 for this exhibit, and reservations are advised. People are allowed in in 30-minute increments.
Other ways to get free admission to the Natural History Museum
If you’re just visiting, don’t have your ID, or can’t stop by during the free hours, there are a few other ways to get in for free.
- Free Daily Admission (with ID):
- California PreK–12 teachers.
- Active or retired U.S. military.
- EBT cardholders (Museums for All initiative).
- USC students and faculty.
- Children 2 and under.
- Library Passes: Free passes for up to 2 adults and 4 children are available via the LA County Library Discover & Go program.
See you there?
📍 Natural History Museum, Exposition Park at 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007.
