Nelson-Atkins, Saint Louis Art Museum and the Saint Louis Zoo entrance each print free admission, and Governor's Mansion tours are free.
Each row below was read on the page named in its last column on October 30, 2026. Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm with the operator before you go. Items we could not read are listed under What We Could Not Verify.
freeNelson-Atkins
freeSaint Louis Zoo entrance
Background
- Parking is separate: Nelson-Atkins garage $20, SLAM garage $15 Mar-Oct. (nelson-atkins.org)
- SLAM has free lots north of Fine Arts Drive. (slam.org)
- SLAM's free-main-exhibition note applies on Friday. (slam.org)
Where to Go
| Place | Town | What It Is | Hours or Price as Printed | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Kansas City | Art museum with a free outdoor sculpture park. | Mon 10-5, Tue and Wed closed, Thu-Fri 10-9, Sat-Sun 10-5; admission free every day (check-in required); Oak Street garage parking $20; sculpture park free sunrise to sundown | nelson-atkins.org |
| Saint Louis Art Museum | St. Louis | Art museum in Forest Park. | Tue-Sun 10-5, Fri 10-9, closed Monday; admission free every day; free main exhibitions on Friday; sculpture garden daily 6am-10pm; garage parking $15 Mar-Oct, $10 off-peak | slam.org |
| Saint Louis Zoo | St. Louis | 90-acre zoo in Forest Park per Visit Missouri; entrance is free, paid attractions extra. | Open today 9-4 as printed; open daily year-round, closed Jan 1 and Dec 25; entrance free | stlzoo.org |
| Missouri Governor's Mansion tours | Jefferson City | Guided tours of the mansion run through the State Museum. | Free; reservations required 72 hours ahead; Tue-Thu 10-1 Sept-Oct; no tours Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug; no regular tours Nov-Dec; candlelight tours 6-8pm Dec 4 and Dec 7, walk-in, free | mostateparks.com |
| Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park | Kansas City | Outdoor sculpture park. | Free, sunrise to sundown | nelson-atkins.org |
What We Could Not Verify
- State parks entry-fee statement (mostateparks.com pages checked did not state it)
More Missouri Guides
Things To Do in MissouriMissouri State ParksWildlifeMissouri HistoryDrive TimesEvents by RegionAnswers
Questions People Ask
Are the museums free?
Nelson-Atkins and SLAM print free admission.
Are Governor's Mansion tours free?
Yes, per the tour page.
Zoo free?
Entrance yes; extras cost.
Sources
Checked October 30, 2026 by It’s Missouri. Cite this page: It’s Missouri (https://itsmissouri.com/things-to-do/free-things-to-do/), checked October 30, 2026. Free to quote with a link.