A Tribute to Bravery: Free Admission for Military This Memorial Day Weekend
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.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO & PHOTOS
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.
The Latest from The Florida Aquarium
-
July 3, 2026
The Florida Aquarium Offers a Cool, Dry Destination for the Fourth of July Weekend
TAMPA, FL – Rain may change outdoor Fourth of July plans across Tampa Bay, but families can still celebrate Independence Day indoors at The Florida Aquarium, where the Sea to Shining Sea celebration continues through Sunday with patriotic entertainment, animal encounters, and the debut of two new ambassador skunks. New video from Friday’s festivities shows…
Read More -
July 1, 2026
Meet Ginger and Juniper: The Florida Aquarium’s New Ambassador Skunks Debut During All-American Weekend
TAMPA, FL – Just in time for Independence Day weekend, The Florida Aquarium is introducing its newest animal ambassadors: Ginger and Juniper, two curious striped skunk sisters making their debut during the Aquarium’s “Sea to Shining Sea” All-American Weekend celebration July 3–5. These sisters bring their skunk smarts and playful personalities to the Aquarium’s animal…
Read More -
June 27, 2026
The Florida Aquarium Returns Rehabilitated Green Sea Turtle to the Gulf
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, FL – A juvenile green sea turtle named Purple returned to the Gulf on Friday after months of rehabilitation at The Florida Aquarium following a cold-stunning event. **CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO, SOUND, AND PHOTOS OF PURPLE** Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium Purple was transferred to The Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center…
Read More
Stay Up to Date
Want to know what’s happening below the surface? Sign up to receive our email newsletter, “The Current”, and dive into the latest news, events, and exhibit updates happening here at the Aquarium.