Veterans Day Free Admission at Aquarium of the Pacific

On Wednesday, November 11, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach marks Veterans Day by admitting veterans and active military personnel for free. It is a good fit if you are sorting through things to do with kids LA offers on a school and work holiday, since the whole family can spend a day among sea lions, sharks and jellyfish while a service member's ticket is covered.

When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach Who gets in free: Veterans and active military with a service ID, plus Aquarium members Tickets: General admission for everyone else Phone: (562) 590-3100

What to know before you go

The free admission is tied to a valid service ID, so bring it with you. Everyone, including the veterans and military guests, needs an advance online reservation. The aquarium says capacity is limited and there are no walk-ups, so a family that shows up without a booking should expect to be turned away at the door. Members can reserve through the member reservation option.

If you are not a veteran, you can still visit. Public tickets are sold at general admission pricing, and the same reservation rule applies. Check the aquarium's event page for current ticket prices and available time slots, because holiday dates tend to fill early.

Making a day of it

The Aquarium of the Pacific sits right on the Long Beach waterfront, so there is plenty to do around a visit. Among the family events Los Angeles has this month, this one pairs easily with a walk along the harbor or lunch nearby. The listing does not detail special programming for the day, so plan on the regular exhibits and check the page for any added activities.

Kids who like animals will find the usual draw: sea otters, sea lions, and the big tanks. A visit is a solid pick among kids activities LA families can do indoors if the weather turns. Strollers and younger children are common, and the aquarium is a calm first outing for little ones.

Getting there

The aquarium is at 100 Aquarium Way in downtown Long Beach, a short drive south from central Los Angeles by way of the 710. Parking and transit options vary on a holiday, so look at the aquarium's visitor information before you leave and arrive a little early for your reserved time.

For more ideas, browse our family category page and the neighborhood guides. Thank you to the veterans and service members this day honors.