Two family-friendly museums in Downtown Mesa – the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the i.d.e.a. Museum – will offer free admission 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, as part of the City of Mesa’s Museum Discovery series.
Complimentary access is part of a move toward offering Museum Discovery events on select days or evenings by City of Mesa cultural institutions. These free days and evening events are aimed at making science, art and hands-on activities accessible to families of all economic backgrounds.
Free days are very popular and attract crowds. If a museum nears visitor capacity, the staff at that museum may implement timed tickets at the door on a first-come, first-served basis to better serve guests. No advanced tickets will be distributed.
The Arizona Museum of Natural History, located at 53 N. Macdonald, has dinosaurs that roar and so much more. Visitors can try their luck at gold panning, wonder through an ancient Hohokam village or take a selfie with a T. rex. There is something exciting for everyone.
At the i.d.e.a. Museum, guests can enjoy imaginative and creative experiences in ArtVille and the HUB Gallery. They are encouraged to journey into current art exhibition, Roadside USA, where visitors will enjoy art and hands-on activities that take you on a virtual summer road trip to learn about people and places from coast to coast.
Please note: AZMNH and the i.d.e.a. Museum participate in Museums for All – a discounted admission program for economically challenged families, so they may experience the museum without the crowds typical on free days. Families who present their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card qualify for a $2 admission per person (up to 6 people) and may visit both museums during business hours that are convenient for their families.