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The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is offering free military admission on July 4 for eligible active-duty service members, veterans, retirees, National Guard members, and ROTC members with valid identification. The promotion also allows qualifying military members to purchase up to six discounted tickets for immediate family members. The offer is available during regular zoo hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with family members required to enter alongside the eligible military guest.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is once again recognizing members of the U.S. military with free admission on Independence Day, continuing a longstanding tradition of honoring those who have served.
Eligible active-duty personnel, retirees, National Guard members, veterans with honorable or medical discharges, and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) members can receive complimentary admission on Saturday, July 4.
The promotion also allows qualifying military members to purchase up to six discounted admission tickets for their immediate family. Guests must present valid military identification at the entrance, and family members using discounted tickets must enter with the eligible service member. According to the Cincinnati Zoo, the offer is available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during regular operating hours.
The annual promotion arrives as Americans celebrate both Independence Day and the nation’s 250th birthday. Zoo Director Dave Jenike said the organization is proud to recognize military personnel while inviting families to spend the holiday enjoying wildlife exhibits, botanical gardens, and patriotic displays throughout the park. According to the zoo, horticulture teams created red, white, and blue floral installations highlighting plants and animals native to the United States.
Military admission includes family discounts
The military admission promotion extends beyond complimentary entry for eligible service members. Qualified visitors may purchase up to six discounted tickets for immediate family members, making the event more affordable for military families planning a holiday outing. Ride packages are not included with the offer, and discounted guests must arrive with the eligible military member.
Eligible groups include:
- Active-duty military personnel
- Retired military members
- National Guard members
- Veterans with honorable or medical discharges
- ROTC members with government-issued identification
Visitors simply need to present valid military credentials at the zoo’s entrance to receive the benefit. According to the Cincinnati Zoo, the same military appreciation program also offers free admission on Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year.
Several local media outlets highlighted the holiday promotion ahead of Independence Day. WLWT reported that the zoo continues its annual tradition while celebrating America’s semiquincentennial, noting that military families can also enjoy special patriotic landscaping throughout the grounds. FOX19 similarly reported that active and retired military members qualify for the free admission offer and family discounts on July 4.
Military admission supports annual appreciation efforts
The July 4 event represents one part of the Cincinnati Zoo’s broader commitment to recognizing military service. Beyond its three annual free-admission holidays, the zoo also provides year-round discounted admission and membership opportunities for military personnel and first responders.
According to zoo officials, patriotic flower beds have been installed near several popular attractions, including the carousel, Swan Lake Bridge, Cat Canyon, Bear Bridge, Sea Otter Coast, and picnic shelter areas. The displays celebrate America’s diverse ecosystems while encouraging conservation and appreciation for native wildlife.
The Cincinnati Zoo remains one of the region’s most popular attractions during holiday weekends. Zoo officials said visitors from all 50 states and dozens of countries have visited the facility this year, making Independence Day one of the busiest periods of the summer season. Military families planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early, particularly as increased attendance is expected during the holiday weekend.
Plan your military admission visit
The zoo will operate from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on July 4, while zoo members may enter earlier under regular membership benefits. Guests should bring government-issued military identification to qualify for complimentary admission and family discounts.
Visitors can expect:
- Free admission for eligible military members
- Up to six discounted tickets for immediate family
- Patriotic red, white, and blue floral displays
- Regular animal exhibits and botanical gardens
- Independence Day celebrations throughout the zoo
The holiday promotion has become an annual tradition at the Cincinnati Zoo and reflects broader efforts across Greater Cincinnati to recognize military service during national holidays. Similar appreciation events have been offered for many years, reinforcing the zoo’s commitment to serving both local residents and visitors.
Military families interested in attending should review admission requirements before arriving and allow additional travel time due to expected holiday traffic. The zoo advises guests to have military credentials readily available at the entrance to streamline admission.
For more information about eligibility, admission policies, and holiday hours, visitors can review the Cincinnati Zoo’s official Fourth of July military admission page. Additional information about military benefits and discounts is also available through the Military.com military discounts directory.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Cincinnati Zoo’s free military admission?
Eligible visitors include active-duty military personnel, retired service members, National Guard members, veterans with honorable or medical discharges, and ROTC members with valid government-issued military identification. Guests must present their credentials at the zoo entrance to receive free admission.
Can military family members receive discounted admission?
Yes. Eligible military members may purchase up to six discounted admission tickets for their immediate family. Family members using the discounted tickets must enter the zoo with the qualifying military member.
What are the hours for the July 4 military admission offer?
The promotion is available during the Cincinnati Zoo’s regular operating hours on July 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Zoo members may have access to earlier entry under their standard membership benefits.
Does the free military admission include rides or other attractions?
No. The complimentary military admission applies to zoo entry only and does not include ride packages. Visitors who want to participate in rides or other optional experiences may need to purchase them separately.
