Blue Star Families and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have partnered together for Blue Star Museums. The program offers free admission to military families during the summer months by participating museums. When you read this, you may think it is just museums – but the program includes museums of all types – children’s, art, history, and science – along with nature centers and zoos! The Blue Star Museums program runs until Labor Day in September – so make sure to plan some free fun for your family with this amazing program. Make sure to check the website before venturing out for up-to-date hours and closures. This is not a comprehensive list, but highlights some categories and options to explore.
History and Science Museums
Have a kid who is a fan of history and archaeology? Check out the San Diego Archeological Center in Escondido, California.
Check out the West’s history in a way you did not see in the old Western movies at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles.
Have a Disney fan in the family? San Francisco plays host to The Walt Disney Family Museum sharing the history and insight of the man behind the mouse.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a large museum with special and permanent exhibitions in addition to a planetarium with various shows. It is an engaging way to spend a day.
Maybe trains are more geared toward your family’s interest. The Colorado Railroad Museum sharing the history of the railway along with rides in historic trains will be an outing to remember.
The Peterson Air and Space Museum on Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado is host to an indoor museum and a large static display of planes throughout the ages.
Hartford, Connecticut, is known for its long history, but did you know it is also home to the Mark Twain House and Museum? The museum does a lot of outreach to the local community and shares the history of the famous author.
The Kona Historical Society highlights the history of Hawaii and is a unique museum and a spot to put on the to-do list in Hawaii.
The Chicago History Museum reviews the history of the city, including the 1871 Chicago Fire.
The Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma, is worth the stop with an expansive history on the NASA space program and beyond, and see the personal effects of General Thomas P. Stafford.
Children’s Museums
The New Children’s Museum in San Diego is a highlight for children ages 1-10, with interactive exhibits, climbing structures, and activities throughout the day.
The Lutz Children’s Museum in Lutz, Connecticut, was once a schoolhouse and is now converted into a museum that kids will be sure to love.
The KidsPlay Children’s Museum in Torrington, Connecticut, is modeled after the city itself but made for kids to explore. The Art & Innovation zones are sure to entertain even older children.
Naples, Florida, has the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. Check out their website for activities and events outside of their regular schedule for an even more memorable outing.
Illinois is home to several children’s museums. The Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal, the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, the Wonder Works Children’s Museum, and the Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum are all participating in Blue Star Museums.
Presidential Libraries and Museums
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum showcases the history of Eisenhower from his birth in Kansas, through his career in World War II, the presidency and his life after the presidency. His boyhood home is available for tours, weather dependent. The library is also host to many rotating exhibits, with the current one on the history of the Vote for Women. It is an amazing visit for all ages and free for military families with the Blue Star Museums program during the program run.
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Missouri is another spot to learn about the history of the presidency, America during World War II and post-World War, and Truman’s presidency.
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Southern California shares a glimpse into his childhood and dives into the history of this infamous presidency. His childhood home is on the campus as well as the President’s helicopter tour.
The McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Ohio share the history of America’s 25th president along with the history of the time period. There are also planetarium shows that are sure to entertain everyone in the family.
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum shares the life and times of the president and his wife and their impact on shaping American history. This is a great spot to check out in Atlanta.
Zoos and Aquariums
Headed to Florida? The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is participating this year’s program. Feed Lorikeets, learn about the impact and need for conservation, and use their free printable field guide to check out all the zoo has to offer.
Santa Monica, California’s Heal the Bay Aquarium, showcases local sealife and discusses the impact of human life on the sea in a way that children understand.
If you have nature lovers in your home and will be near Coral Springs, Florida, this summer, check out the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital for an up-close look at local wildlife.
The Chehaw Zoo in Georgia is home to 73 different species of animals and has a splash pad to cool off in that is included in the zoo admission.
The Flint Riverquarium highlights the local wildlife in Albany, Georgia.
Gardens
The Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Winterthur, Delaware, is an expansive garden complete with conservatories and has grown to include stunning art in the museum. It can take a day to see everything on the 1,000-acre ground so be sure to plan plenty of time for the visit.
Key West is known for its beauty, and the Key West Garden with its 15.2 acres of native garden and forest highlights the area’s natural beauty.
After checking out the children’s museum in the area, wander the Naples Botanical Garden for a full day of free fun for the family.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami will transport you back to a time of mansions and innovation and development in our young country.
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, is an expansive garden with a goal of education to impact locally and globally.
What Blue Star Museum will you check out this season?
The old coastal forts, most now under the Park Service, and worth a look. Ft Hamilton in Brooklyn, NY and Ft. Wadsworth on Staten Island NY, Ft Sumpter, Ft Massachusetts in the Gulf, Ft Point on the Presidio, Ft Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas are but a few.
Thank you for sharing! Dry Tortugas is a place we have visited virtually and can’t wait to visit in person one day!
Thank you for including Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in your article. Vizcaya is proud to be a Blue Star Museum.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of the first Blue Star Museums I ever visited with my spouse and it is a memorable place. Thank you for participating year after year.
You missed the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. It is definitley a must see if you are anywhere near south Louisiana.
This is definitely not a comprehensive list – so many amazing places participate. Thank you for sharing!