Make Your Parenting Affordable: Visit Best Museums in NJ & NY for FREE
Contents hide 1 2026 Museums on Us Full Schedule 2 Top Kid-Friendly Museums in NJ & NY 2.1 1. Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ) 2.2 2. The Metropolitan Museum…
Looking for free museum days in NJ & NY? The 2026 Bank of America ‘Museums on Us’ program is the ultimate way to make your parenting affordable while exploring world-class exhibits with your family.
As a mom living in New Jersey with a 1st grader and a Pre-K little one, I know how quickly weekend outing costs can add up. Admission for a family of four can easily cross $100! But did you know your credit or debit card could be your “Golden Ticket”?
Today, I’m sharing my favorite savvy parenting hack to visit top-tier museums in New Jersey and New York for free.
It’s a fantastic program where Bank of America, Merrill, or BoA Private Bank cardholders get one free general admission to participating museums on the first full weekend of every month.
Checklist for Moms:
Who: Valid cardholders only (1 free ticket per card).
What: Bring your BoA credit/debit card and a photo ID.
When: The first Saturday and Sunday of the month.
2026 Museums on Us Full Schedule
Planning your family weekends for the rest of the year? Save this table or bookmark this post! Here are all the remaining free weekends for 2026:
Month
Dates (Saturday & Sunday)
April
April 4 – 5
May
May 2 – 3
June
June 6 – 7
July
July 4 – 5
August
August 1 – 2
September
September 5 – 6
October
October 3 – 4
November
November 7 – 8
December
December 5 – 6
(Note: The program always takes place on the first full weekend of each month.)
Top Kid-Friendly Museums in NJ & NY
Here are my top picks that are perfect for elementary and preschool-aged children:
This is the ultimate “value” pick! Since regular admission is pricey, using the BoA benefit here is a huge win. From the “Wobbly World” for toddlers to the massive Planetarium, it’s a paradise for curious kids.
The Met is a classic adventure. My kids especially love the Egyptian Wing (Temple of Dendur) and the Arms and Armor section. Plus, kids under 12 are often free or discounted, so you only need the BoA card for the adults!
If your kids love planes and big ships, they will be thrilled to walk on this massive aircraft carrier. The Exploreum interactive hall is specifically designed for kids to touch and climb.
A hidden gem for families. Their MakerSPACE allows kids to create and play with art and science materials. It’s very hands-on and much more “kid-friendly” than you might think! I visited here several times with this benefit.
Check for Reservations: Some museums (like Liberty Science Center) recommend or require you to “book” your BoA time slot online. Always check the links above before you leave!
One Card per Adult: Remember, the free entry is only for the cardholder. If both parents have a BoA card, you both get in free!
Don’t Forget Your ID: You must show a photo ID that matches the name on your card.
Arrive Early: These weekends can get crowded. Aim to arrive right when they open to enjoy the exhibits before the rush.
Final Thoughts
Parenting doesn’t have to be expensive to be enriching. With a little planning, we can give our children world-class cultural experiences right here in NJ and NY! I’ve been actively taking advantage of these benefits, visiting nearly every famous, kid-friendly museum in the area — from the Newark Museum of Art to The Met. It’s proof that the best classroom often doesn’t have four walls.
Which museum are you planning to visit this weekend? Let me know in the comments below!
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