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If fireworks aren’t your only must-see this holiday, head north to the Flats for an underwater adventure that won’t cost our hometown heroes a dime during Waves of Appreciation event. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium (2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113) is saluting service with free parking + complimentary admission Friday, July 4 through Monday, July 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Who Qualifies?
Bring valid ID and your parking ticket to the Aquarium’s ticket counter if you are an:
Active-duty, reserve or veteran service member
Police officer, sheriff or deputy
Federal law-enforcement officer or state trooper
Career or volunteer firefighter
Physician, nurse, EMT, paramedic or 911 dispatcher
(Offer is valid for the qualifying individual only; guests pay standard rates: $19.95 adults 13+, $13.95 kids 2–12, free for little ones under 2 or super-centenarians 100+.)
Why Go?
Hands-on fun: Touch moon jellies, sea stars and stingrays in the Coastal Boardwalk Gallery.
Local pride: Stroll the Ohio Lakes & Rivers Gallery to spot native species like lake sturgeon and longnose gar.
Shark Seatube: Walk through a 175-foot tunnel surrounded by sandtigers, nurse sharks and a 230-pound Queensland grouper.
Easy parking: Present your garage ticket for validation—no fishing for quarters on the way out!
Plan Your Visit
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Friday, July 4 – Monday, July 7, 2025 |
| Hours | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.) |
| Address | 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113 |
| Phone | 216-862-8803 |
| More info | https://t.e2ma.net/click/ivq9qq/y37kv8d/a15ejyb |
Upcoming @CLEAquarium Summer Events
Mark your calendar—there’s much more to see beyond Fourth-of-July weekend!
JULY
July 4–7: Fourth of July Waves of Appreciation Weekend (free admission for military & first responders)
July 4: Food Truck Friday – grab lunch before or after your visit
July 8: Middle School Career Day
July 8 – Aug 5: Fin Fest, a Celebration of Sharks & Rays (onsite)
July 8 – Aug 5: Reel vs Real World Shark Quiz (online)
July 10: Bottoms Up! Yoga (& Sharks) – flow next to the Seatube
July 15: Stingray Art Morning – create sea-inspired masterpieces
July 22: Wake Up With Sharks (live, online)
July 23: Homeschool Family Day
July 24: Bottoms Up! Yoga (& Sharks)
AUGUST
Aug 2: Sensory Hour – low lights & reduced crowd levels
Aug 3: Stingray Art Morning (second session)
Aug 15: Middle School Career Day
Aug 28: Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup
Aug 29: Urban Birding along the Cuyahoga
Aug 29 – Sept 1: Labor Day Waves of Appreciation Weekend (free admission for military & first responders)
(Event times, prices and registration details are posted on the Aquarium’s events page or @CLEAquarium social feeds. Some programs fill quickly, so reserve early.)
