The Florida Aquarium Honors Veterans and Active-Duty Military with Free Admission on Veterans Day

November 9, 2026

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Performances by Veteran Musicians, Patriotic Underwater Salutes, and a Special Sloth Encounter Celebrate Those Who Served

TAMPA, FL (November 9, 2026) – In honor of the men and women who have served our country, The Florida Aquarium is offering free admission to active-duty military members, veterans, and other eligible service members on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11.

Along with exploring the Aquarium’s marine life and exhibits, guests can enjoy costumed diver interactions and live performances by veteran-led music groups, Haley’s Harmonica Vets and Guitars for Vets.

Last week, The Florida Aquarium welcomed veterans and military spouses from MacDill Air Force Base and the Tampa Elks Lodge No. 708 for a special Sloth Encounter in recognition of their service and support of the military community. The experience gave participants an opportunity to get up close, feeding and snapping selfies with Apaporis (ah-puh-poor-ee), one of the Aquarium’s sloth ambassadors.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO & PHOTOS OF THE SPECIAL SLOTH ENCOUNTER
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

The Aquarium’s Veterans Day activities on November 11 include music outside in the Queue Garden and underwater appearances in the Coral Reef habitat:

• Haley’s Harmonica Vets | 10 – 11 a.m. – Established at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, this group features three disabled military veterans who use harmonica performances as a form of respiratory therapy. Their set will include the National Anthem and anthems representing the military branches.
• Guitars for Vets | 1 – 4 p.m. – Two musicians from the Tampa chapter of Guitars for Vets will perform patriotic favorites and other familiar songs that resonate with veterans across generations. The national nonprofit uses a 10-week guitar instruction program to help veterans impacted by PTSD and other service-related trauma experience the healing power of music.
• Underwater Veterans Day Salute | 9:15 – 10:15 a.m., 1 – 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. – Costumed divers will wave American flags in the Aquarium’s exhibits, bringing a patriotic salute beneath the surface.

Veterans Day Free Admission Details

• Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Eligibility: Active-duty, veteran, retired or drilling reservist, National Guardsman, or honorably or medically discharged service member
• Redemption: In person at The Florida Aquarium ticket window with a valid U.S. Military ID or DD Form 214
• Restrictions: Tickets are non-refundable, cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions, and are valid for day-of purchase only. No advance reservation is required.

Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11 to commemorate the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, signaling the end of World War I. Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or deceased, and recognizes those who have served our country during war or peacetime.

For more information about The Florida Aquarium, visit flaquarium.org.