Museum Admission & Membership Discounts (2025)

Interested in saving some money on local Museum admission, memberships or tours in Hampton Roads?

Here is our list of current, and upcoming local discounts for museum admission and/or membership… If we missed a local discount you are aware of please let us know! Additions to this list can be Submitted Here!

Multiple Locations

Chesapeake Public Library
If you are a member of Chesapeake Public Library, be sure to check out their program that provides free passes to local museums (Chrysler Museum and Virginia Zoo). Call the library at 757-410-7124 for more information.

Explore Museums with your Library Card
Explore with Your Library Card – a program to offer FREE admission to a selection of local cultural and historical sites throughout Hampton Roads. All you need is your library card!

York County Residents
If you live in York County you can take advantage of special discounts just for residents, including admission at local museums.

Chesapeake

Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum

• Free admission with your library card (any local library card) to Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum on December 7, 2025

Hampton

The Sea To Stars Combination Ticket offers a package rate to The Hampton History Museum, The Virginia Air and Space Science Center, and a tour of the harbor in the Hampton Queen

Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center

• Free admission daily, Tuesday thru Saturday from 10am-6pm.

Hampton History Museum

• Saturday, November 15th: Free admission for community day from 9am-5pm

Virginia Air & Space Science Center – 

• Veterans Day Discount: November 11, 2025: 25% Discount for Veterans and Active Duty Military
• Museums for All – This initiative supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting the Virginia Air & Space Science Center for a discounted fee, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This admission is good for our exhibits; extra fees are required for IMAX or our MAXFlight program. A general Family Membership can also be purchased for a discounted price, which includes IMAX passes for the family.

Newport News

Mariners’ Museum

• The price of admission to The Mariners’ Museum is just $1 per person, every day.
• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering discounted individual admission fees to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Virginia Living Museum –

• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering discounted admission fees to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.
• Military Discount: The VLM offers active military personnel and veterans $1.00 off admission with valid ID.
• Senior Discount: The VLM offers seniors 65 and older $1.00 off admission. Must present a photo ID at the front admissions desk to receive discount.
• AAA Discount: The VLM offers $1.00 off admission to AAA members. To receive the discount, you must present a current AAA membership card at the front admissions desk.
• Membership Discounts:
  • The Virginia Living Museum offers $15 savings on any level of general membership. Seniors (+65) and college students also receive a $15 discount on any level of general membership. These discounts are only available at the Admission Desk of the Museum and ID is required.
  • Employees of the following corporations receive a $5 discount on membership: Ferguson/Wolseley, Newport News Shipbuilding, Riverside. Please present staff ID for discount.

Virginia War Museum

• Veterans Day – Saturday, November 8, 2025 – Enjoy free admission to the museum all day (9 AM – 4 PM) as we celebrate the bravery and dedication of our nation’s veterans.

Norfolk

The Chrysler Museum

• Admission to the Chrysler Museum is always free. The Wonder Studio is an interactive family-friendly gallery to learn about the Chrysler Museum’s collection.
• Norfolk Public Library: Check out a pass to enjoy discounted rates for classes and workshops at the Chrysler Museum of Art.

Hampton Roads Naval Museum

• Museum Admission at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum is always free.

Hermitage Museum & Gardens

• Admission to the Hermitage Museum & Gardens is FREE and open to the public.

Hunter House Victorian Museum

• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering discounted individual admission fees to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Nauticus

• WinterFest Veterans Day Military Discount – Saturday, Nov 15 only – In honor of Veterans Day, we’re celebrating those who serve with a night of holiday magic aboard the Battleship Wisconsin! Nauticus is offering 500 FREE tickets to Winterfest for active-duty, veterans and their families. Tickets valid only on Saturday, Nov. 15 Tickets available online beginning Monday, Nov. 10 at 10AM — first-come, first-served. Valid military ID required at check-in.
• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission fees ranging from free to $3.00 to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

• Museums for All – Tickets are available for purchase in person upon arrival at the NBG Tollbooth. Please show your SNAP, EBT, or WIC card with a valid ID. Tickets are $3/person and can be used for up to 2 adults and 9 children (age 3-17). Discount not valid during special events and cannot be applied toward seasonal boat tours.
  • A Museums for All membership level is now offered! Medicaid/PowerUp! is included in this membership option. Museums for All memberships must be purchased in person from our Front Desk in Baker Hall Visitor Center. Please show your SNAP, EBT, WIC, or Medicaid card with a valid ID. Museums for All memberships are also discounted and equivalent to Garden Family membership.
• Through the PowerUp! Program: Tickets are available in person upon arrival at the Tollbooth. Guests receive free admission into the Garden for up to 6 people total with a Medicaid card. Discount not valid during special events and cannot be applied toward seasonal boat tours.

The Virginia Zoo

• The Virginia Zoo is offering free admission to all federal government employees starting Saturday, November 8 until further notice with valid proof of federal ID.  Additional guest tickets purchased in the same transaction will receive 50% off. The Zoo team will continue to monitor the status of the government shutdown and notify the community of any changes to this admissions deal. The Zoo recognizes the importance of the work done by federal employees and extends this offer as a token of our appreciation for them considering the ongoing government shutdown.
• Norfolk Public Library: Check out a pass good for regular admission for 6 guests (one of whom must be an adult) during the Zoo’s normal business hours. Special events are not included.
• Individuals with ADA-Recognized Disability and One Companion can receive free admission upon request.
• Through the PowerUp! Program:  Discounted general admission to any Medicaid recipient age 2 and up (free admission to babies younger than 2).  Please bring any valid Medicaid or qualifying insurance card with you upon arrival for each ticket purchased.
• Additional discounts are also available (valid ID required):
  • AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program – A membership at the Virginia Zoo or Virginia Aquarium allows for a discount on admission to the others & all participating Zoos and Museums.
  • Zoo Member Guests: $2 off admission
  • Military: $2 off admission
  • First Responder: $2 off admission
  • Norfolk Residents: $2 off admission
  • City of Norfolk Employees: $2 off admission
  • All College and University Students: $9.95 admission

Portsmouth

Children’s Museum of Virginia

• Family Friday Discount: On Friday, November 7 & November 14, families with a Federal Employment ID, Military ID, EBT, or VA WIC card can enjoy free museum admission for up to 4 guests. Tickets must be reserved in advance online. Choose the “Family Friday” ticket type and bring your ID to check-in. Get your tickets here: https://brnw.ch/21wXeYa
• Museums On Us – Children’s Museum of VA Bank of America and Merrill Lynch Cardholders can enjoy FREE admission at select Museums on the first weekend of each month. In Hampton Roads, this promotion is accepted at the Children’s Museum of VA.
• Museum for All Initiative – Children’s Museum of VA – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission discounts to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.
• Discounts are also available for:
  • Portsmouth city employees – must present their employee identification card on-site to receive the discount.
  • Teacher Discount – Discount limited to PreK-12th grade Virginia teachers with valid identification
  • Reciprocal museum program members (ACM, ASTC, and NARM) must present valid museum membership that meets the requirements of the program as well as valid picture identification on-site to receive the discount.
  • SHRMF members must present museum identification and valid picture identification on-site to receive the discount.

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum & Lightship Portsmouth all have $3 admissions for ages 5 & up. Free admission for Portsmouth Museum members!

Portsmouth Museum Membership Packages – This pass provides admission to the Children’s Museum of Virginia, Lightship Portsmouth, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, and the Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum.

Virginia Beach

Cape Henry Lighthouse

• Cape Henry Lighthouse – save with this offer for discounted admission for 1, 2, and 4 visitors
• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering discounted admission fees to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

The Adam Thoroughgood House
The Thoroughgood House is NOW OPEN for free tours! No advanced registration required. Tours available on a first come first served basis. Check the weblink for tour hours.

Military Aviation Museum
Members, Children 4 & Under, and WWII Veterans are Free. Group rates are available for groups of 10+ when planned in advance.

Union/Kempsville
The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum (PACTS/UKHS) is NOW OPEN for FREE, self-guided tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

• Children ages 0-4 enjoy free admission
• Active and retired military families receive a $2 discount on adult and youth rates. (Must present valid military ID.)
• Groups of 15+ with a scheduled reservation at least 24 hours ahead of the visit may have access to discounted group pricing.
• Locals: Save On Memberships! Starting July 1, 2024, Virginia Beach residents can enjoy $20 off when you purchase or renew any Membership plan, including our new Family & Friends plan! Just bring your valid photo ID, state-issued driver’s license, or DMV ID card with a Virginia Beach address to the Aquarium to establish proof of residency and purchase the Membership in person.
• AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program – A membership at the Virginia Zoo or Virginia Aquarium allows for a discount on admission to the others & all participating Zoos and Museums.

Virginia MOCA

• Virginia MOCA – Admission to the current exhibits is free for Museum Members and Virginia residents! (Non-residents of VA: $16.50 | Children under 12: FREE)
• Discounted Admission *Adults 65+, Active Military, First Responders, Teachers, and Students: $11 *Must present ID to qualify.
• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual discounted admission to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Williamsburg

Jamestown Settlement 

• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission discounts to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Historic Endview Plantation

• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission discounts to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Colonial Williamsburg

• NEW – Reduced admission pricing in 2025. Read more here.
• PowerUp! Participants receive $5 single day admission ticket per cardholder ages 6+, under 6 years old free. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.
• Veterans Day Weekend – Military discount – Active-duty Military, Reservists, National Guard Personnel, Retired military and veterans enjoy FREE Admission to Colonial Williamsburg on select days each year.
• Good Neighbor Pass – A special pass for Williamsburg residents. Unlimited admission, discounts, and more.
  • Seasonal discounts may be available – click here for the current promotions.
• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission discounts to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

Yorktown

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

• Museums for All – Participating museums have committed to offering individual admission discounts to individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

A Bit Of A Drive

James Madison Museum in Orange, VA
Admission for Two, Three, or Four Adults to James Madison Museum (Up to 20% Off)

Historic St Luke’s Church in Smithfield
Enjoy a 45 minute Guided Tour for 2 or 4 people.

Find even more Free or Discounted Events on the MyActiveChild.com Community Calendar!