As you may already know, all foster children and youth under the age of 18 who were adopted from Minnesota foster care are covered by state paid insurance. Because of this, these children and their families may be eligible for free and reduced admissions to many attractions around the state. Families in foster care who are eligible for nutrition programs may be eligible for even more exhibits.
Please contact the organizations directly if you have any questions about these programs.
Free Admission to the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is committed to serving ALL Minnesotans. Each year, the Minnesota Zoo provides 10 percent of their annual attendance FREE through their Free to Explore program for guests with limited incomes and their dependents. To qualify for Free to Explore, you must be at least 18, enrolled in one or more of the following, and show the approved documentation (AD, listed below) along with a photo identification and proof of Minnesota residency.
- Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care (AD: MHCP Card)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (AD: MN EBT Card)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (AD: MN EBT Card)
- General Assistance (AD: MN EBT Card)
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (AD: MN EBT Card)
- Minnesota Food Assistance Program (AD: MN EBT Card)
- Women, Infants & Children Program (AD: WIC Folder)
- HeadStart (AD: Acceptance Letter)
Free to Explore does not include parking or fees for any special programs or exhibits. It is valid only during regular Zoo hours.
Reduced Admission to Science Museum of Minnesota
Low income guests can receive discounted admission to the Science Museum of Minnesota. There are four tiers of admission prices, depending on what you want to see.
- $3 for museum admission only
- $5 for Omni theater access and museum admission
- $7 for Mummies and museum admission
- $9 for Mummies, Omni theater and museum admission
This program is open to many families. You can receive these lower rates if you can prove that you receive:
- EBT benefits
- Medical assistance (including Minnesota Care)
- Section 8
- WIC
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Benefits
- Free/Reduced School Lunches
- RCA (Refugee Cash Assistance)
- General Assistance
Bring your medical assistance card, EBT card or verification paperwork and valid Minnesota photo ID to the Minnesota Science Museum to receive these discounted admission rates.
Free & Reduced Admission to Minnesota Historical Society Attractions
The Minnesota Historical Society offers free and reduced rates to their many attractions. You must be at least 18 and enrolled in one or more of the following: TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, Food Stamps, Section 8, or Free/Reduced Price School Meals.
If you qualify, children ages 17 and under are free, and adults pay only $4 to visit the following locations:
- Alexander Ramsey House
- Birch Coulee Battlefield
- Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site
- Cornstock House
- Folsom House
- Forest History Center
- Fort Ridgely
- Harkin Store
- Historic Forestville
- Historic Fort Snelling
- James J Hill House
- Jeffers Petroglyphs
- Lac qui Parle Mission
- Lower Sioux Agency
- Marine Mill
- Mill City Museum
- Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post
- Minnehaha Depot
- Minnesota History Center & Gale Family Library
- Minnesota State Capital
- North West Company Fur Post
- Oliver Kelley Farm
- Sibley Historic Site
- Split Rock Lighthouse
- Traverse des Sioux
- WW Mayo House
To apply for the program, you need to share proof of enrollment by completing this form (we recommend you do it in advance), presenting your photo ID, and one of these documents:
- EBT card
- Medical assistance card (includes MinnesotaCare)
- Section 8 document
- WIC folder
- Supplemental Security Income verification
- Social Security Disability Benefits verification
- Free/reduced school meal approval
- RCA card (Refugee Cash Assistance)
- General Assistance verification
The limited income program is not valid for group tours, paid programs, or specially priced exhibits.
Reduced Admission to the Duluth Children’s Museum
Duluth Children’s Museum is Minnesota’s first and only Museums for All partner. As a result, you can use an EBT card from ANY state to receive discounted admission of just $3 for up to four people!
Free Admission to Minnesota Children’s Museum
The Minnesota Children’s Museum in Saint Paul provides free and reduced-price memberships to families who live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Their All Play program offers free admission for two adults and all children in the household for a year. Their program also includes reduced tickets to guests, discounts at the cafe and sneak peaks.
Families must provide proof of assistance (such as EBT) for the last three months OR a photocopy of their most recent federal or state tax returns in order to qualify. You can access the income guidelines and English application here. Applications in other languages can be found on their All Play program page.
