North Carolina Aquariums at Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores and on Roanoke Island are excited to welcome and thank military families with complimentary admission on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All U.S. military including veterans, active duty, reserve, and retired personnel, along with their dependents, receive complimentary admission. The Aquarium is a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources which oversees the state’s resources for the arts, history, libraries and nature.
“Our staff, volunteers and visitors look forward to thanking the many service members, past and present, and their families at the Aquarium on Veterans Day,” said Hap Fatzinger, director, North Carolina Aquariums. “We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of these heroes and can’t wait to welcome them as our special guests for the day.”
The Aquariums offer immersive and inspiring opportunities for visitors, from animal encounters to enrichment time—with staff including patriotic salutes during their activities.
To facilitate an exceptional experience for military families, the Aquariums are reminding all visitors that online tickets are required for admission. Holidays and special days sell out quickly at the Aquariums. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trip by reserving tickets at any of three NC Aquariums ahead of their visit:
NCA Fort Fisher
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the Aquarium is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium features a 235-000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat and two families of mischievous Asian small-clawed otters.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $15 ages 13-61; $13 children ages 3-12; $14 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; NC EBT card holders: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members. *EBT rate is applicable to a maximum of four tickets.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.