To select a museum, click “Details/Reserve”, then select which Pass to reserve.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
258 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
203-438-4519
https://thealdrich.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum was founded in 1964 by art collector and fashion designer Larry Aldrich. It sits on a 3-acre campus that includes indoor exhibition spaces and a sculpture garden. The non-collecting institution is dedicated to contemporary art, presenting first solo museum exhibitions by emerging artists, exhibitions of established artists, and thematic group exhibitions. The Aldrich is fully accessible to visitors who use mobility assistive devices. Elevators are available to access both floors. Service animals are welcome in the museum. Wheelchairs are available. Accessible restrooms are on the first floor of the Museum.
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Free general admission: 1 adult pass holder and 4 family members (galleries only). Passes cannot be used in combination with any other offers or for admission to members-only events or programs that require a non-member to pay a fee. However, if any event that is taking place is advertised as being "free with the price of admission," pass-holders will be able to enter that event at no additional charge.
Timed ticketing is available online for Library patrons. Library pass holders should select “Free Admission” on the drop down and present Library pass at the front desk.
American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
212-769-5100
https://www.amnh.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum in the world. The museum complex, located in New York City, contains 45 permanent exhibition halls, a planetarium, and a library. Its collections contain over 100 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts, as well as specialized collections for frozen tissue and genomic and astrophysical data. There is a museum shop on the premises, as well as many opportunities for food and drink.
Categories: Children, Family, Nature, Science
Pass Type: Coupon Pass (must be picked up from the branch, but does not require returning)
Pass Benefits
Free general admission to museum and one special exhibition film, or live animal show. 2 per family per year (while supplies last).
Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103
860-724-3623
https://www.ctsciencecenter.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Connecticut Science Center is a science museum located in Hartford, CT, with offerings for all age groups. Noted for its architecture, the nine-story building that houses the museum opened its doors in 2009. Visitors have access to more than 165 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater, four educational labs, and daily programs and events. All of the electricity required for the building comes from an on-site fuel cell which forces natural gas to undergo an electrochemical process that produces direct current electricity, heat, and water. There is a gift shop and eating opportunities on site.
Categories: Children, Family, Science, Technology
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
20% off general admission for up to 4 people on the date of your visit. Valid for one-time use during regular operating hours. Not valid for add-ons, special events, or when combined with other offers, discounts, or Memberships. Subject to blackout dates, changes, or termination without notice at the Science Center's discretion.
Connecticut State Parks and Forests
CT
860-424-3200
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Listing-of-State-Parks
[Details/Reserve]
Connecticut's 139 parks and forests offer a range of outdoor options year-round for rigorous outdoor activity, leisurely strolls, and interactions with history. Depending on the location and time of year, one may hike, camp, swim, boat, ski, skate, and bike, among other activities. Information about all locations, including park and forest maps, are available at their website.
Categories: Children, Family, Nature, Sports, Recreation
Pass Type: Circulating Pass (must be picked up and returned to the branch)
Pass Benefits
Entrance fees waived for 2 adults and 4 children (12 and younger) at Dinosaur State Park (Rocky Hill), Gillette Castle State Park (East Haddam), and Fort Trumbull State Park (New London).
Your Connecticut registered vehicle is your passport to Connecticut State Parks and Forests! Through the Passports to the Parks Program, anyone in a Connecticut-registered vehicle can park free of charge at all Connecticut State Parks and Forests and enjoy the parks’ attractions and beauty all year round.
Connecticut's Old State House
800 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
860-522-6766
https://www.cga.ct.gov/osh/
[Details/Reserve]
The Old State House at Hartford, a National Historic Landmark, was designed Charles Bullfinch and completed in 1796. Once the state capitol, then Hartford's city hall, the building now is host to numerous exhibits, programs, and a curiosity museum, providing hands-on activities for children and self-guided tours for visitors focused on democracy, citizenship, and history. Visitors have access to the courtroom where the famous Amistad trial took place, the Senate and House Chambers, and the “Curiosity Room,” which includes a two-headed calf. A museum shop is on the premises.
Categories: Architecture, Family, Governance, History
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Free admission for up to 4 visitors. Not valid for special or after hour events.
Danbury Museum & Historical Society
43 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810
203-743-5200
https://danburymuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Efforts to preserve the historical buildings and heritage of Danbury, Connecticut have been underway since the 1940s, and since 2008 have fallen under the purview of the Danbury Museum & Historical Society. Comprised of several historical buildings in downtown Danbury and a main museum which covers over 300 years of town history, the museum sheds light on many of the town's famous citizens and historical sites. The site includes early buildings like the Rider House from around 1785 and the 1790 Dodd Hat Shop. The museum also features the Marian Anderson Studio, dedicated to the trailblazing Black contralto who made Danbury her home for 50 years, and the Charles Ives Birthplace, which sheds light on the early days of one of America's most important composers. Guided tours for visitors or researchers are available but kept small, so advance registration online is requested. Check the website for hours and special events. There are also gardens open year-round on the museum's campus. The first floor of the Rider House and the Marian Anderson Studio, as well as some of the archives, are wheelchair accessible.
Categories: Art, Family, Governance, History
Pass Type: Coupon Pass (must be picked up from the branch, but does not require returning)
Pass Benefits
Admission granted with Danbury Library card. See website for hours and schedules.
Danbury Railway Museum
120 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810
203-778-8337
https://www.danburyrail.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Danbury Railway Museum, dedicated to the history of railroading in the northeast United States is home to a fully restored 1903 train station and an extensive rail yard. On display in Union Station are railroad lanterns, china and silverware, timetables, tools, historic photographs, uniforms, telegrams, and model trains. The 15-track, 10-acre historic yard is home to over 75 pieces of railroad rolling stock and locomotives. (For a full list, visit the website.) Every weekend between April and December, rides are offered aboard some of the historic trains which provide a tour of the railyard, including a pumphouse moved from the Danbury Fairgrounds. Both the railroad station and railyard are wheelchair accessible, but, due to their age, the trains are not.
Categories: Children, Family, History, Technology, Recreation
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Free general admission for up to 6 people. Additional charges apply for train rides and special events.
Discovery Science Center & Planetarium
4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
203-416-3521
https://www.shudiscovery.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Bridgeport's Discovery Museum has been helping children explore STEAM concepts since 1962. In addition to traveling exhibitions, the museum presents many opportunities for scientific learning in their permanent collection, including a simulated space flight, an animated Sphere, and several science-themed play spaces. The museum includes the Henry B. duPont III Planetarium, a 65-seat theater with a 4k laser projection system. All galleries and the planetarium are fully ADA-accessible. Concessions are available at the front desk, and a dining court overlooks the museum's offerings.
Categories: Children, Family, Science, Technology
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Library passes cover 4 children (under age 18) for admission and media experiences; one or more paying adult must accompany children throughout the visit, including the purchase of a media pass if the group wishes to attend a planetarium show or other presentation. CHILDREN ONLY are included in the membership.
Formerly known as the Mid-Farfield County Youth Museum, Earthplace has been providing Connecticuters with access to nature and science since 1960. This wildlife sanctuary boasts 62 acres, over 50 animals, and interactive exhibitions. Aside from the trails and recreation opportunities, the indoor sections have exhibits about the environment aimed at all ages. Also at Earthplace is a professional water quality research lab. Spend your time exploring the paths on campus or bring a picnic to the grove. Earthplace considers accessibility an important part of their mission, though much of the terrain on-site is uneven.
Categories: Family, Nature, Science, Recreation
Pass Type: Circulating Pass (must be picked up and returned to the branch)
Pass Benefits
One-day pass for two adults and up to three children for a visit to the nature center and animal sanctuary. The pass does not cover add-on paid programs that may be scheduled on the day of the visit.
EverWonder Children's Museum
11 Mile Hill Road, Suite 1, Newtown, CT 06470
203-364-4009
https://www.everwondermuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Founded in 2011, the EverWonder Children's Museum in Newtown presents hands-on exhibits and programming designed to engage children in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Areas include “Animal Exploration,” “Imagination Playground,” “Technology Corner” (some sections for 5 and older only), “Adventures in Engineering,” a Science Lab and Makerspace, “Wacky Weather Wonders,” “Sounds Around Us,” and “Young Explorers” (for 5 and under). There is a nut-free snack room for brought-from-home food. There is free parking. The bathrooms are accessible, and both wheelchairs and strollers may be used in any area of the one-story museum.
Categories: Children, Family, Science, Technology
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Everwonder Children's Museum: 50% off admission for up to 2 adults and up to 4 children.
Liberty Science Center
222 Jersey City Boulevard, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ 07305
201-200-1000
https://www.lsc.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Liberty Science Center is a 300,000-square-foot learning center located in Liberty State Park on the Jersey City bank of the Hudson near the Statue of Liberty. The Center houses 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater, live simulcast surgeries, hurricane- and tornado-force wind simulators, K-12 classrooms and labs, and the Western Hemisphere's biggest planetarium—the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater. Hearing accessibility devices and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first served basis. Food and drink are available within the museum, and there is a gift shop on the premises.
Categories: Children, Family, Science, Ocean, Sky
Pass Type: Coupon Pass (must be picked up from the branch, but does not require returning)
Pass Benefits
10% membership discount at the box office or $3 off any full-priced ticket (must be purchased on-site) with library card. One discount per library card.
Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702
203-753-0381
https://www.mattmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
What began as a historical society in 1877 has since become an art and regional history museum. The museum collects and exhibits American art and cultural history, with a focus on the history of the Naugatuck Valley and the artists of Connecticut. In addition to exhibitions focused on history, the museum presents more than 12 changing exhibitions every year which feature the work of contemporary artists and significant artists of the past. Included in the museum's holdings are works by Frederick Church, Yves Tanguy, Anni and Josef Albers, Alexander Calder, William Glackens, Jasper Johns, Sol LeWitt, Kiki Smith, and Doug and Mike Starn. The museum is also home to a button gallery, displaying 10,000 miniature works of art collected from around the globe and donated to the Museum in 1999 by the Waterbury Companies. Free parking is available. There is a museum shop on the premises.
Categories: Art, Family, History
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Free admission for 2 adults and their children.
New Britain Museum of American Art
56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT 06052
860-229-0257
https://www.nbmaa.org/
[Details/Reserve]
True to its name, the museum is dedicated to American Art, which it delivers through a permanent collection and special exhibitions. Its holdings include works by John Singleton Copley, Thomas Cole, Gilbert Stuart, Frederick Church, Albert Bierstadt, Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Thomas Eakins, and others. Somewhat more contemporary artists in the collection include N.C. and Andrew Wyeth, Rockwell Kent, Georgia O'Keefe, Sol LeWitt, Thomas Hart Benton, Chuck Closer, Eva Hesse, and Dan Flavin. The Museum is handicapped accessible. There is a gift shop and café (with limited hours) on the premises.
Categories: Art, Family, History
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Free regular price admission for 4 people. Excludes special programs/exhibits.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128
212-423-3500
https://www.guggenheim.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Guggenheim Museum's home in New York is in unique building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright which was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2008. Its permanent collection contains many well-known 20th century works, including art from various movements, including—but not limited to—Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, German and Austrian Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalist, Post-Minimalist, and Conceptual art. Temporary exhibitions draw from both the museum's collection and outside sources. A museum shop is on the premises.
Categories: Architecture, Art, Family
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
This pass provides free admission for up to four adults or students, plus $5 admission for a maximum of two additional guests.
Children under 12 years of age are always free.
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903
203-977-6521
https://www.stamfordmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Begun in the 1930s as a small collection focusing on natural history and sciences, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center has evolved into an important cultural destination. The grounds cover over 80 acres of trails, farms, and galleries, anchored by a neo-Tudor style mansion built by department store owner Henri Bendel. The mansion houses the art galleries, which are home to rotating traveling exhibits and selections from the museum's permanent collection. In addition, visitors can visit Heckscher Farm, a working farm, with opportunities to interact with animals. The Overbrook Nature Center is your gateway to the trails, as well as education about the outside world. There is also an otter pond on the premises, with daily feedings that are open to the public. Visit the museum's website for more information about special events, hours, and available trails. Some of the buildings are ADA compliant, and there is the Wheels in the Woods Universally Accessible Trail. Concessions and gifts are available at the nature center's Overbrook Gift Shop.
Categories: Architecture, Children, Family, History, Nature, Science
Pass Type: Circulating Pass (must be picked up and returned to the branch)
Pass Benefits
Free admission for 1 family, 2 adults and children of the house. 50% discount on admission to all Family Festival Days. Planetarium show tickets are available at the Member discount rate of $8 on the day of the visit. They can be purchased at the Lunar Lobby inside the Astronomy Building by presenting the library pass/plastic card to the visitor services rep at the desk.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children
303 West Avenue, Mathews Park, Norwalk, CT 06850
203-899-0606
http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Established in 2000, the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, CT, offers over 100 hands-on activities and exhibits throughout five main galleries. The museum delivers experiences aimed at specific age groups, all the way from birth to 7 years and older. Children can engage with the Energy Lab, Tot Town, Built It!, Color Coaster, special rotating exhibits, the open-air Celebration Courtyard, a multimedia theater, and the Community Garden. There is a café on the premises.
Pass Type: Circulating Pass (must be picked up and returned to the branch)
Pass Benefits
One free admission with every paid admission. A maximum of 3 free admissions. Not to be combined with other discounts.
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
600 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
860-278-2670
https://www.thewadsworth.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, located in Hartford, Connecticut, is the oldest continually operating public art museum in the country. The museum's collections of nearly 50,000 works of art span 5,000 years and feature the Greek and Roman antiquities and European decorative arts; baroque and surrealist paintings; Hudson River School landscapes; European and American Impressionist paintings; modernist masterpieces; the Serge Lifar collection of Ballets Russes drawings and costumes; prints; American colonial furniture and decorative arts; the Samuel Colt firearms collection; costumes and textiles; African American art and artifacts; and contemporary art. A museum shop is on the premises.
Pass Type: Printable/Digital Coupon Pass (link delivered by email)
Pass Benefits
Free general museum admission for 2 adults, age 18 and up. Youth ages 17 and under are free.
Danbury Library Membership Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511
203-432-8987
https://peabody.yale.edu/
[Details/Reserve]
The Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University, founded in 1866, is one of the most important university museums of its kind in the world. Occupying numerous buildings, the museum houses some important collections—the vertebrate paleontology collections; Incan artifacts from Machu Picchu; marine invertebrates; and the ornithology collection, to name a few. Permanent exhibits include the skeleton of a Brontosaurus, an exhibit dedicated to human evolution, an expansive mineral collection, the Hall of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts, 722 specimens of birds, Native American artifacts, dioramas on the plant and vertebrate ecology of Connecticut, and The Hall of Mammalian Evolution.
Categories: Family, Nature, Science
Pass Type: Coupon Pass (must be picked up from the branch, but does not require returning)
Pass Benefits
No pass needed — free and open to all. Pre-registration is highly encouraged through their website.