National Atomic Testing Museum Deals: Fallout Day, Free for Vets

Why the National Atomic Testing Museum Belongs on Your List

Every Nevada kid grows up hearing about the Test Site in some form. Most of us never really sit down with the story.

That’s what this museum is for. It covers the people, science and history behind the nation’s nuclear weapons program and the Nevada Test Site, now called the Nevada National Security Sites. The timeline starts with the first test there on January 27, 1951. The exhibits and programming also cover current affairs in the nuclear industry, so it isn’t only a history lesson.

It’s run by the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation, a Nevada-chartered nonprofit. Your ticket, discounted or not, supports that.

The museum announced the deal calendar as a way to open the doors to more community groups. It also gives a break to people who are already in town for big citywide events. Here's how each date works and who should grab it.

Golden Mondays: $10 for Groups and Seniors (Oct. 19)

On Monday, Oct. 19, groups of 10 or more and lifelong learners ages 65 and up can visit for $10 per person.

This is the only deal that needs planning ahead. You have to book in advance by emailing education@atomicmuseum.vegas. You can’t just walk up. If you’re organizing a scout troop, a homeschool co-op or your mom's retirement-community crew, send that email well before the date.

Fallout Fan Day: Wear the Gear, Pay $15 (Oct. 23)

This is the date I’m most excited about. My house splits evenly between people who’ve played Fallout and people who've been forced to watch it.

On Friday, Oct. 23, anyone who shows up in Fallout gear gets in for $15. The museum stays open until 7 p.m. that day. Visitors also get an exclusive sneak peek at “World of Fallout: Prepare for the Future,” a new exhibit opening in November.

The video game and TV franchise draws heavily on atomic-age imagery, so pairing it with this museum makes a lot of sense. It’s also a smart way to get a gamer teenager excited about a museum trip. “Wear your Vault Boy shirt, we’re going somewhere cool” lands better than “we’re going somewhere educational.”

You redeem the discount at the box office. Gear is the ticket, so don’t forget the costume in the car.

Nevada Day Discounts for Locals (Oct. 30)

On Friday, Oct. 30, Nevada residents with a valid Nevada I.D. get $15 tickets and 10% off every museum membership tier. The membership discount is good that day only.

Nevada Day is a state holiday, so plenty of local families will have a free Friday. Spending it learning about the state’s atomic history is a fitting choice.

If you think you’ll come back more than once, this is your best chance to buy a membership at a discount. Grab it at the box office.

Veterans Day: Free Admission for Military (Nov. 11)

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members and veterans get free admission with a valid I.D.

Families get a break too. Spouses and up to four dependent children receive 10% off their tickets when the service member or veteran is with them. Military members, veterans and their families can also take 10% off all membership tiers that day.

A lot of Las Vegas families have a direct connection to the Test Site or to Nellis. For them, this date could mean more than a discount.

Grand Prix and Rodeo Discounts for Visitors

The museum also has deals for the two big crowds coming to town late in the year:

• Race Weekend (Thursday, Nov. 19 through Saturday, Nov. 21): Show proof of your Grand Prix ticket and get 15% off general admission.

• Rodeo Week (Thursday, Dec. 3 through Saturday, Dec. 12): Show your rodeo event badge or tickets and get 15% off general admission.

Both are redeemed at the box office. If you’re in town for either event and have a free afternoon before the main event, this is a good use of it, and you’re out of the weather for a few hours.

Atomic Access Extra Credit Day for Teachers (Dec. 19)

On Saturday, Dec. 19, K-12 educators with a valid district or school employee badge get 10% off for themselves and up to four dependents. They also get 10% off all membership tiers, that day only.

Teachers, this is a good one to scout before you plan a field trip. Bring your own kids along and call it professional development.

Claire's Plan: How I'd Use These Dates

For my family, the Fallout day on October 23 is the obvious pick. Costumes, extended hours until 7 p.m. and a preview of an exhibit nobody else has seen yet is a strong Friday.

My other move: if you’re a local and might come back, go on Nevada Day, October 30. You get the $15 ticket and the membership discount at the same time.

Hosting out-of-town family for the Grand Prix or the rodeo? Tell them to bring their event ticket or badge. It’s an easy 15% off and a nice break from the crowds.

Skip It If…

You’re hoping for a deal on a random Tuesday. Every discount here is tied to a specific date and a specific group, from seniors and veterans to costumed fans and race-goers. Miss the day and you pay regular price.

Also, the museum didn’t publish regular ticket prices alongside these offers. Before you count on the percentage discounts, check current general admission at atomicmuseum.vegas so you know what you’re saving.