The North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores and on Roanoke Island are excited to welcome and thank military families with complimentary admission 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11. All U.S. military including veterans, active duty, reserve, and retired personnel, along with their dependents, receive complimentary admission. The Aquariums are part 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.”
Both the NCAPKS and the NCARI offer immersive and inspiring opportunities for visitors, from animal encounters to enrichment time — with staff including patriotic salutes during their activities. The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is closed for expansion and renovation. Guests are welcome to visit their satellite location, Discovery Bay, located at Independence Mall in Wilmington.
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. Military families are also asked to bring identification with them for check in at the Aquariums.
Photo: All U.S. military including veterans, active duty, reserve, and retired personnel, along with their dependents, receive complimentary admission to NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island Tuesday, Nov. 11.
About the North Carolina Aquariums
The North Carolina Aquariums include NCA Fort Fisher, just south of Kure Beach and a short drive from Wilmington, NCA Pine Knoll Shores on the Crystal Coast, NCA Roanoke Island in Manteo and Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. The three aquariums and the pier are a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the NC Aquariums is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments.
Aquariums 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. Pier hours vary by season.
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. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.