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Enjoy a fun day at the Zoo, and look for special red, white, and blue floral displays honoring America’s wildlife and wild places 

CINCINNATI, OH (July 3, 2026) – The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is offering FREE admission to all active and retired military personnel on Saturday, July 4, in recognition of their service and sacrifice. The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six (6) half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family. 

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“As we celebrate Independence Day and our nation’s 250th birthday, we’re proud to honor the men and women who have served our country,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Dave Jenike. “We invite military families to spend the day with us enjoying wildlife, beautiful gardens, and the special patriotic displays created by our horticulture team.”  

Look for flower beds and flower containers that are planted with red, white and blue flowers near the carousel, Swan Lake bridge, Cat Canyon, Bear Ridge and Sea Otter Coast and the picnic shelters. Each area contains a sign highlighting plants or animals that live in United States public lands. At each of these locations, you can learn more about these species and how we can better coexist with them. 

“The United States is home to some of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems, national parks, forests, and wildlife,” said Kyra Back, the Cincinnati Zoo horticulturist who spearheaded the floral display project. “These patriotic gardens are a beautiful way to celebrate our country’s milestone birthday while inspiring guests to appreciate and protect the natural treasures that make America unique.”  

Military personnel who qualify for the free admission ticket and family discount offer include active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with an honorable or medical discharge, and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps members with government-issued identification. Guests with discounted tickets must enter with the military member who is eligible for free admission.  

“We are a Zoo for everyone, and visitors come to us from all over the world.  In the first half of this year, we’ve seen visitors from all 50 states and 20 countries outside of the U.S.,” said Jenike. “We hope that many more guests, especially members of the military, will spend the 4th of July holiday with us.” 

The Zoo opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Members get Early Entry and are welcome to enter the Zoo at 9 a.m. Download the mobile app featuring a GPS-enabled digital map to find the animals, plants, food locations, and to receive special announcements. You can even create your own itinerary!