If your family includes an active-duty service member, this summer is full of free family adventures right here in Southwest Florida. The Blue Star Museums 2026 program offers free museum admission for military families at more than 2,000 venues nationwide — including museums, botanical gardens, children’s museums, science centers, and historical sites. And several outstanding options are right here in Lee County and Collier County.
The program runs from Armed Forces Day (Saturday, May 16) through Labor Day (Monday, September 7, 2026) — giving military families an entire summer of discovery at no cost.
Whether you’re stationed at a base in the region, living in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, or anywhere in between, these local participating venues are ready to welcome your family this summer.
Blue Star Museums is a national partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Blue Star Families, and the U.S. Department of Defense — a collaboration that has connected military families with America’s cultural heritage every summer since 2010. Find the full, searchable list of venues at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums. New locations join throughout the summer, so check back regularly.
Who Qualifies for Blue Star Museums Free Admission?
Free admission through Blue Star Museums is available to currently serving U.S. military members and up to five family members. Eligible branches and designations include:
- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force
- Reserves and National Guard (regardless of activation status)
- U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps
- NOAA Commissioned Corps
Does the service member need to be present? No. Family members may visit on their own using a valid dependent ID. The active-duty service member does not need to be with them — this applies even if a spouse is deployed.
What ID Do You Need?
Show one of the following at the door:
- Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC)
- DD Form 1173 (military dependent ID)
- DD Form 1173-1 ID
- Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card
Important: Blue Star Museums covers general admission only. Special exhibits, IMAX films, or events with separate pricing may not be included. Check each venue’s website before your visit.
Blue Star Museums in Lee & Collier Counties — 2026 Participants
Here are the confirmed Blue Star Museum participants serving Southwest Florida families this summer, listed alphabetically. Always verify summer hours on each venue’s website, as schedules may vary from the regular season.
Lee County
IMAG History & Science Center — Fort Myers
Fort Myers’ hands-on interactive museum — formerly known as the Imaginarium — brings science and local history to life through immersive exhibits, live animals, and engaging experiences designed for curious kids and families.
📍 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33916
🌐 theimag.org
Southwest Florida Museum of History — Fort Myers
Housed in a beautifully restored Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot in downtown Fort Myers, this museum guides visitors through Southwest Florida’s story — from the ancient Calusa civilization through Spanish explorers, pioneers, ranchers, and the modern era.
📍 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers, FL 33901
🌐 swflmuseumofhistory.com
Collier County
The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples — Naples
Southwest Florida’s leading fine art museum, The Baker Museum features 16 galleries of modern and contemporary works, major traveling exhibitions from world-renowned artists, and an acclaimed permanent collection — all on the stunning Artis—Naples cultural campus in Pelican Bay.
📍 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108
🌐 artisnaples.org/baker-museum
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON) — Naples
One of the finest children’s museums in Florida, C’MON is a 38,000-square-foot, hands-on learning playground packed with interactive exhibit galleries and STEAM-focused programs. Kids can become farmers, veterinarians, and world travelers — all in one afternoon.
📍 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples, FL 34109
🌐 cmon.org
Museum of Military Memorabilia — Naples
Located at the Naples Municipal Airport — which itself served as a WWII Army Air Forces training base — this free museum displays military uniforms, artifacts, and memorabilia spanning American conflicts from World War II through present day. Admission is always free; a Blue Star ID gets your whole family in.
📍 500 Terminal Dr., Naples, FL 34104
🌐 museum-mm.org
Naples Botanical Garden — Naples
A world-class 170-acre botanical sanctuary featuring lush gardens inspired by tropical regions across the globe — from the Caribbean to Asia to Brazil. A peaceful, gorgeous outing the entire family can enjoy, with a summer schedule that keeps hours comfortable for Florida heat.
📍 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples, FL 34112
🌐 naplesgarden.org
Blue Star Museums 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Blue Star Museums program?
Blue Star Museums is a national initiative that provides free general admission to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their families at participating museums, botanical gardens, science centers, zoos, and more across all 50 states. It is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense, and has run every summer since 2010.
When does the Blue Star Museums program run in 2026?
The 2026 program runs from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026.
How many museums participate in Blue Star Museums nationwide?
More than 2,000 museums and cultural institutions participate each year across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. New venues can join throughout the summer, so the list continues to grow after the May launch.
Can military spouses visit without the service member?
Yes. Family members may visit any Blue Star Museum independently using a valid military dependent ID (DD Form 1173 or 1173-1). The active-duty service member does not need to be present, and this applies even if the service member is currently deployed.
Does Blue Star Museums cover special exhibits or IMAX films?
The program covers regular general admission only. Special exhibits, premium experiences, or events priced separately from general admission may not be included. Always confirm with the specific venue before your visit.
Where can I find all Blue Star Museums near me?
The full searchable map of participating venues is available at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums. You can search by state or city. New locations are added regularly throughout the summer.
Make the Most of Your Summer in Southwest Florida
The Blue Star Museums program is one of the best-kept summer secrets for military families — and now you know about it. From the art galleries of Pelican Bay to the wetlands paths of the Naples Botanical Garden, from hands-on science at IMAG to the WWII stories at the Naples Airport, there’s a full summer of exploration waiting right here in our own backyard.
Be sure to check arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums before each outing, additional Southwest Florida venues may join the program as the summer goes on. And always confirm hours and any reservation requirements directly with the venue, as summer schedules in Southwest Florida can differ from the regular season.
To every military family in Lee and Collier counties — thank you for your service. Southwest Florida Family is proud to share resources like this one, and we hope your summer is full of adventure, connection, and discovery.
Sources: National Endowment for the Arts (arts.gov), Blue Star Families (bluestarfam.org), and individual venue websites. Program details current as of May 2026; always verify at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums before visiting.