Several Bay area attractions are offering FREE tickets and special deals on admission for military personnel and their families:
Memorial Day Weekend at the Florida Aquarium
Time: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 26, 2012-Monday, May 28, 2012
Location: Florida Aquarium
Cost: FREE and reduced-price tickets (see details below)
Info: (813) 273-4000; Website
What’s Doing?
Throughout the weekend all active duty, retired or drilling reservist, or National Guard members can get two FREE tickets to the Aquarium. Additional family members (up to 4 people) can receive $10 admission.
NOTE: You must present military ID at time of purchase, and the family member discount cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon.
Address:
Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
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Memorial Day at Lowry Park Zoo
Time: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Date: Monday, May 28, 2012
Location: Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Cost: FREE admission for military personnel and their families (see details below)
Info: (813) 935-8552; Website
What’s Doing?
In honor of Memorial Day, military personnel (active-duty and retirees) are entitled to FREE admission on that day. Plus, up to three direct dependents of military personnel are also entitled to receive FREE admission. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minors.
NOTE: The military member will need to show a Department of Defense photo ID at the Zoo’s ticket counter.
Address:
Lowry Park Zoo
1101 West Sligh Avenue
Tampa, FL 33604
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WWII M8 Greyhound Reconnaissance Vehicle
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Date: Monday, May 28, 2012
Location: Armed Forces History Museum
Cost: $10/adult, $5/child (4-12); Food available for purchase; Fee for riding the WWII M8 Greyhound Reconnaissance Vehicle
Info: (727) 539-8371 ext. 103; Website
What’s Doing?
Join the Armed Forces History Museum for an adventurous family fun day featuring:
— Rock wall climbing
— Bounce house
— Power bungee jumping
— Face painting
— Military dress-up
— Photo opportunities
— Karaoke
— DJ
— Entertainment
… and more!
Guests can also take a ride on a WWII M8 Greyhound Reconnaissance Vehicle (regular cost). Rides will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Address:
Armed Forces History Museum
2050 34th Way North
Largo, FL 33771
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Memorial Day on the American Victory Ship
Time: 12-5 p.m.
Date: Monday, May 28, 2012
Location: American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum
Cost: FREE admission for active military and veterans
Info: (813) 228-8766
What’s Doing?
The American Victory Ship is one of only 4 fully-operational WWII ships in the country. Climb aboard and explore this Memorial Day. All active military and veterans can tour the Am Vic at no charge.
Address:
American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum
705 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
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Memorial Day Weekend Skate
Time: 2-8:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, May 28, 2012
Location: United Skates of America
Cost: FREE admission for military and their families with military ID
Info: (813) 876-5826; Facebook Page
What’s Doing?
Military men and women and their families are invited to skate for FREE on Memorial Day.
Address:
United Skates of America
5121 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, FL 33603
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Blue Star Museums Initiative
Blue Star Families announced on May 22, 2012 the launch of Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,500 museums across America to offer FREE admission to all active duty military personnel, including active Reserve and National Guard, and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2012. Click here to find a participating museum near you.
Some participating Museums in and around the Tampa Bay area include:
— Armed Forces History Museum (Largo, FL)
— Plant City Photo Archives and History Center (Plant City, FL)
— Museum of Fine Arts of St. Petersburg, Florida, Inc. (St. Petersburg, FL)
— Henry B. Plant Museum (Tampa, FL)
— Tampa Museum of Art Cornelia Corbett Center (Tampa, FL)
— Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society (Tarpon Springs, FL)
— Explorations V Children’s Museum (Lakeland, FL)
— Polk Museum of Art (Lakeland, FL)
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EXCURSION
May is National Military Appreciation Month
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Date: May 1-31, 2012
Location: Fantasy of Flight
Cost: FREE admission for US active duty, retired and reserve military personnel
Info: (863)984-3500; Website
Distance: Polk City, FL is approximately 50 minutes east of Downtown Tampa
What’s Doing?
US active duty, retired and reserve military receive FREE admission every day in May.
NOTE: You must present a current ID to qualify for the FREE general attraction admission ticket. This offer is not valid with any other offers, discounts or Wing WalkAir.
Address:
Fantasy of Flight
1400 Broadway Boulevard S.E.
Polk City, FL 33868
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Memorial Day at Big Cat Habitat
Time: 12:30-4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 26, 2012-Monday, May 28, 2012
Location: Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Cost: FREE admission for active military and their immediate family; All parking is FREE
Info: (941) 371-6377; Website
Distance: Big Cat Habitat is approximately 1 hr. 5 min. south of Downtown Tampa
What’s Doing?
Active military and their immediate family are offered FREE admission on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. There is a show at 1:30 p.m. each day.
Address:
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
7101 Palmer Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34240
