Getting out and about is important for all seniors – especially those who require home care but are physically able to leave the home. Exploring new (or familiar) sites keeps the mind fresh and helps break the monotony that can arise. The state of Washington offers a wealth of museums for seniors, many of which offer discounted or free admission.
Here are some of the best museums in Washington State. Whether you love history, space, or art, you’re bound to find something that sparks your interest (and they all offer senior discounts!).
Burke Museum (Seattle)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $8
The first Thursday of every month is free from 10 AM-8 PM
Located on the University of Washington campus, this museum celebrates the natural history and culture of the state. Not everyone knows that the museum was built on ground belonging to the Native population of Washington. You can view fossils from the first dinosaur located in Washington and learn about the evolutionary work by Burke researchers. After visiting the museum, stick around the campus and view contemporary art at the Henry Art Gallery. Admission is only $1 with your Burke ticket purchase.
Chihuly Garden and Glass (Seattle)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $24
This unique attraction is home to a 4,500 square- foot glasshouse that features a 100-foot suspended glass sculpture. It also boasts eight galleries, three Drawing Walls, and an outdoor garden. You can also take a break from walking and visit the theater for glassblowing videos. You can also check out the Space Needle, which is located right next to Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Pacific Science Center (Seattle)
General admission for seniors 65+ is $21.95
The Pacific Science Center offers something for everyone. Your admission ticket gets you access to a planetarium that has daily shows. Exhibits include a butterfly house, an engineering Tinker Tank, and living exhibits with civilized seeds and mole rats. For animal lovers, there’s an outdoor tide pool with saltwater animals. Enjoy lunch in the newly renovated café after you tour the science center.
The Museum of Flight (Seattle)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $20
The first Thursday of every month is free from 5 PM-9 PM
The Museum of Flight is dedicated to all things air and space. You can view approximately 200 spacecraft and aircraft and numerous exhibits. The museum also has historical photographs and a library. For licensed pilots, the museum offers five aircraft parking spaces.
Spokane Valley Heritage Museum (Spokane)
Admission for seniors 55+ is $5
The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum brings to life the history of Spokane Valley and Washington. Period clothing, photographs, and artifacts are used to create exhibits. Once you tour the museum, you can step outside to the hands-on farming exhibit where you can learn how to pump water or make butter.
Northwest Museum Arts + Culture (Spokane)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $8
The Northwest Museum Arts + Culture celebrates Washington artists and culture. It features a Native American collection of items like baskets, cornhusk bags, clothing, and weapons. You can view an art collection of 2,000 pieces and read historical diaries and maps in the Ferris Research Archives. A tour of the Campbell House is included in your admission price on select days of the week.
Jundt Art Museum (Spokane)
Admission is free to everyone
The Jundt Art Museum is housed on Gonzaga University’s campus and holds approximately 5,000 pieces owned by the university. You can view works from Rembrandt and more contemporary artists like Andy Warhol. Also located in the museum is the Print Study Room, where you can view an electronic catalog of museum items. Complete your Gonzaga experience with a tour of Bing Crosby’s childhood home, which has free admission.
United States Naval Undersea Museum (Keyport)
Admission is free to everyone
The United States Naval Undersea Museum features everything from diving artifacts and submarine technology. Experience a sample submarine control room, an ocean exhibit, and submarine tours. The museum holds an interactive activity the first Saturday of every month, except for in the summer.
Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village (Eatonville)
Admission for seniors 61+ is $10
Step back in time with a visit to the Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village. The village is a reflection of life in the 1880s and an Ohop Indian village. The pioneer tour features authentic cabins and the opportunity to do everything from making wool and milking cows to scrubbing clothes and sawing wood. The Indian village tour is based on the season, with bow and arrow target practice in the spring and weaving in the winter.
Maryhill Museum of Art (Goldendale)
Admission for seniors 65+ is $10
Your admission ticket to the Maryhill Museum of Art also includes the museum gardens, outdoor grounds, and Stonehenge Memorial. The museum features rotating special exhibits, as well as a permanent collection with American Indian artifacts, pieces by Auguste Rodin, and historical chess sets.