A Tribute to Bravery: Free Admission for Military This Memorial Day Weekend

May 22, 2026

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TAMPA, FL – In honor of the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of our nation’s military service members, The Florida Aquarium will once again offer complimentary general admission during Memorial Day weekend as a heartfelt thank-you to those who serve and have served our country.

From Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25, 2026, active-duty military, veterans, retired military personnel, drilling reservists, National Guardsmen, and honorably or medically discharged service members will receive free general admission to The Florida Aquarium with a valid U.S. Military ID or DD Form 214.

Military service members can simply visit the ticket window, show their military ID, and receive complimentary entry that same day. The Aquarium will also offer extended hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the three-day weekend.

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Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

As families gather for the holiday weekend and the start of summer travel season, guests can also experience one of the nation’s highest-ranked aquariums. The Florida Aquarium was recently named the #7 Best Aquarium in the Country in USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and is the only aquarium in Florida to earn a spot in the national Top 10 rankings.

The recognition comes during a time of continued growth for The Florida Aquarium, including its multi-year $45 million expansion featuring new guest experiences and animal habitats. Following the successful debut of MORPH’D in 2024 and The Tide Pool exhibit last year, the Aquarium is preparing for the arrival of puffins next year, followed by California sea lions and an expanded African penguin habitat in 2028.

Guests can visit flaquarium.org to plan a visit and experience one of the nation’s top-ranked aquariums in the heart of downtown Tampa.