The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) offers Free Days at Zilker Botanical Garden to increase access for all. On Free Days, no admission price is required. 

By offering Free Days, PARD provides more opportunities for Austinites and visitors to enjoy holidays, spring days, special exhibits, and school breaks at the Zilker Botanical Garden.

Upcoming Free Days in 2021

• Sunday, May 2
• Saturday, July 17
• Sunday, September 12 
• Thursday, November 11
• Monday, December 27

Zilker Botanical Garden requires advance reservations in order to maintain safe and appropriate social distancing in light of COVID-19. Visit ZilkerGarden.org to reserve tickets as space is limited. Please note that you can only reserve tickets for Free Days two weeks in advance.

Click here to learn more about our safety procedures in place at Zilker Botanical Garden.

Free Admission via Museums for All
Free admission is offered year-round to individuals with Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, WIC cards, STAR cards, CHIP cards, Medicaid cards, and MAP ID cards through the Museums for All Program. Individuals must have their card (from any of the programs listed) with them when they come to the garden. Up to four individuals may receive free general admission tickets for each card.

About Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden—located on 26 acres nestled within Zilker Metropolitan Park—is often called “the jewel in the heart of Austin.” Theme gardens such as the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Riparian Streambed, and Rose Garden are interconnected with streams, waterfalls, and Koi-filled ponds. While the Hartman Prehistoric Garden recreates a Cretaceous habitat filled with plants from the time of the dinosaurs. Featuring heritage live oaks set into a hillside, the Garden offers a lush, shady respite, perfect for an urban get-away. This garden is a public-private partnership between PARD and the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy.