Summer is finally here – that magical time when military families can take a break from the demanding routines of service life and create lasting memories together. For military families stationed at Army posts across the nation, the surrounding communities offer a wealth of adventures waiting to be discovered. Whether you're PCSing to a new installation, visiting family members in service, or simply looking to explore the area around your current duty station, this summer presents the perfect opportunity to discover what lies beyond the barracks.
As the only provider of on-post accommodations at 40 US Army posts nationwide, IHG® Army Hotels understands the unique needs of military families. Let's explore some of the most exciting family-friendly attractions near major Army installations across the country, from museums and theme parks to outdoor adventures and rainy-day activities – all with budget-friendly tips to make the most of your summer.
East Coast Adventures
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
A highlight for any visit to the Fort Belvoir area is the spectacular National Museum of the U.S. Army. Located on the grounds of Fort Belvoir and accessible to the public, this world-class museum offers a captivating journey through the history of America's oldest military service. Admission is free, allowing families to explore its immersive exhibits and view powerful artifacts spanning 250 years of Army history. Reserve tickets in advance to ensure you get a chance to visit.
Just a short drive away, Washington DC's Smithsonian museums provide endless opportunities for exploration. The National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History are consistently family favorites. All Smithsonian museums offer free admission, though some require timed entry passes that can be reserved online (the African American History and Culture Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the National Zoo).
History enthusiasts shouldn't miss Mount Vernon Estate, George Washington's historic plantation home. Tickets are $26 for adults, $13 for youth (6-11), and free for children under 5. Active duty military receive free admission, and the beautiful grounds along the Potomac River offer a perfect setting for a summer day. Purchase tickets online or at the gate.
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
The Airborne & Special Operations Museum in nearby Fayetteville celebrates the history of airborne and special operations forces with interactive exhibits, including a motion simulator that recreates the feeling of parachuting from an aircraft. Admission is free, but the motion simulator costs $9 per person. No reservations required.
For animal lovers, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro houses over 1,800 animals from North America and Africa in naturalistic habitats. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $11 for children (2-12). Military discounts of $2 off per ticket are available with ID. Purchase tickets online to avoid lines.
The Cape Fear Botanical Garden, located just minutes from Fort Bragg, offers 80 acres of stunning gardens and nature trails. Standard admission is approximately $12 for general admission, $11 for military personnel (with ID) and seniors (65+), and $7 for children ages 6-12 (plus tax). Children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival for regular garden visits. Purchase tickets at the entrance.
Midwest & Central Region Attractions
Fort Riley, Kansas
Milford Lake, known as the "Fishing Capital of Kansas," offers swimming beaches, boating, fishing, and camping. Day use fees are $5 per vehicle or free with America the Beautiful pass. Camping costs $20-32 per night, and fishing licenses are $27.50 for residents and $52.50 for non-residents. Reserve campsites through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure in nearby Salina combines a world-class zoo with a wildlife museum for an educational and entertaining day trip. Admission is $16 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for children (3-12), and military personnel receive $1 off with ID. Purchase tickets online or at the entrance.
The Konza Prairie Nature Trail provides families with three hiking loops of varying lengths through tallgrass prairie landscapes. The trail system offers a chance to spot bison, deer, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. Access is free, no reservations required. You can find a PDF map of the nature trail here.
Fort Knox, Kentucky
The General George Patton Museum on Fort Knox tells the story of this legendary military leader and showcases the evolution of modern mechanized warfare with tanks and armored vehicles that will impress visitors of all ages. Admission is free.
Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world's longest known cave system, offers a variety of tours suitable for different ages and abilities. Tour prices range from $8-30 per person depending on length and complexity. Military families can use their free America the Beautiful pass for park entrance. Reserve tours online up to 90 days in advance, as they frequently sell out.
Kentucky Kingdom amusement park in Louisville features thrill rides, a water park, and children's attractions. General admission starts at $44.99, but military members receive discounted tickets at $39.99.
Southern Installations
Fort Sam Houston, Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio boasts roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment. You can purchase tickets online for $35. At a 30-minute drive, this 200-acre theme park offers an impressive array of attractions suitable for all ages. For maximum enjoyment, arrive early when temperatures are cooler and lines are shorter.
Only 10-15 minutes, from Fort Sam Houson, no visit to San Antonio is complete without experiencing the iconic San Antonio River Walk. This charming network of walkways, nestled one level below the bustling city streets, follows the banks of the San Antonio River. Lined with cypress trees, lush greenery, and arched stone bridges, it offers a picturesque setting for a family stroll, unique sightseeing, and delightful riverside dining at one of the many family-friendly restaurants. Access to the River Walk itself is free. For a unique perspective of the city and its rich history, consider a narrated boat tour with GO RIO San Antonio River Cruises. These popular tours cost approximately $15.50 for adults, $12.50 for military and $9.50 for children (ages 1-5).
The Alamo and four other historic missions tell the story of Texas' journey to independence and showcase the region's Spanish colonial heritage. All five sites offer free admission for specific areas. Timed entry reservations for the Alamo’s church are recommended and can be made online.
Fort Cavazos, Texas
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco celebrates the legendary law enforcement agency that has become an enduring symbol of Texas heritage. About an hour from Fort Cavazos, this museum houses impressive collections of weapons, badges, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle the Rangers' nearly 200-year history. Active duty military receive a discounted rate of $4 with ID. The museum is open 9am-5pm daily, and no reservations are required. Allow 1-2 hours for your visit.
Stillhouse Hollow Lake offers over 6,000 acres of clear blue water perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating just 20 minutes from Fort Cavazos. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake features multiple recreation areas with sandy beaches, picnic facilities, and boat ramps. Dana Peak Park on the lake's eastern shore is especially popular with families for its swimming area, playground, and hiking trails. Day use fees for most parks are typically $5 per vehicle or free with an America the Beautiful pass. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the lake marina (Frank's Marina at Stillhouse Park) for approximately $15-25 per hour, with variations for type of kayak and day of the week.
The Mayborn Science Theater at Central Texas College presents planetarium shows and large-format films on science and nature topics. Standard tickets are $5. Purchase tickets at the box office. This is a great option, only 10 minutes from Fort Cavazos.
Western Region Highlights
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma combines land and sea animals in one location. Admission is $24 for adults, $16 for children (3-12) during summer if purchased online. Purchase tickets online for timed entry.
Mount Rainier National Park offers spectacular alpine scenery, wildflower meadows, and hiking trails suitable for all ages. Entrance fees are $30 per vehicle, but military families can use their free America the Beautiful pass. No reservations needed for day visits, but arrive early during summer weekends.
The Museum of Glass in Tacoma features live glass blowing demonstrations in the Hot Shop Amphitheater. Admission is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors/military, $13 for children (6-12), and free for children under 6. No reservations needed.
Presidio of Monterey, California
The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases the marine life of the California coast with mesmerizing exhibits, including massive kelp forests and sea otter habitats. Regular admission is $65 for adults and $50 for children. Advance timed reservations are recommended.
Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck's novel, now houses restaurants, shops, and family attractions. Access is free, with various paid attractions available. The recreational trail along the waterfront provides opportunities to spot sea lions, otters, and harbor seals.
Dennis the Menace Park isn't your ordinary playground. This creative play space includes a restored Southern Pacific steam engine, climbing walls, suspension bridge, and maze-like structures perfect for adventurous kids. Admission is free. No reservations needed.
Rainy-Day Activities for Hotel Guests
Summer showers don't have to dampen family fun. Many IHG Army Hotels offer movie nights and game rooms for weather-challenged days. Additionally, most Army posts have bowling alleys, movie theaters, and recreational centers accessible with military ID.
When inclement weather strikes, consider these indoor options:
- The Army post's MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) facilities often include fitness centers, bowling alleys, and community centers with scheduled activities. Bowling typically costs $3-4 per game plus $2-3 for shoe rental, with military discounts available. Check for information specific to your location.
- Post libraries frequently host summer reading programs with special events for military children. These programs are typically free, but registration may be required.
- Most regions have indoor play centers, trampoline parks, or climbing facilities within a reasonable drive. Prices typically range from $10-25 per child for day passes, and many offer military discounts of 10-15%. Reserve slots online for popular venues, especially on rainy days.
- Local shopping malls often house entertainment centers with arcade games, laser tag, or small indoor rides. Prices vary widely, but budget $15-30 per child for a few hours of entertainment.
Weekend Itinerary Examples
Sample Weekend at Fort Belvoir
Friday: Begin your weekend with a visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Army on Fort Belvoir. Plan for 2-3 hours to explore the interactive exhibits. Admission is free, but reserve timed entry tickets online. Return to IHG Army Hotels on Fort Belvoir for their afternoon social (offered at many locations), where you can enjoy complimentary refreshments and meet other families.
Saturday: Take advantage of the free on-post shuttle service to the Franconia-Springfield Metro station for a day in Washington DC. Purchase an unlimited day pass for $13 per person on the Metro. Visit the National Air and Space Museum in the morning, enjoy lunch at one of the food courts on the National Mall ($10-15 per person), and spend the afternoon at the National Museum of Natural History. All Smithsonian museums offer free admission, though some require timed-entry passes that can be reserved online.
Sunday: Visit George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. Military families receive free admission and the grounds include beautiful gardens, a working farm, and educational demonstrations. The fascinating museum brings Washington's era to life with interactive exhibits. Don’t forget to reserve tickets online.
Sample Weekend at Fort Sam Houston
Friday: Begin with a visit to the Alamo (free admission, timed reservations recommended), allowing about an hour to explore this historic mission. Then wander the nearby San Antonio River Walk for dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants overlooking the water (budget $15-25 per person). Return to IHG Army Hotels on Fort Sam Houston to rest up for a busy Saturday.
Saturday: Devote the day to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Purchase online in advance using ID.me verification. Arrive early to beat the crowds on popular rides. The water park section provides welcome relief from the Texas heat. Budget an additional $15-20 per person for meals in the park, or save by bringing snacks and purchasing a refillable water bottle for $16.99.
Sunday: Visit the San Antonio Zoo in the morning when animals are most active. Adjacent to the zoo, the Japanese Tea Gardensoffer serene pathways and koi ponds perfect for a relaxing conclusion to your weekend. Admission is free. Purchase zoo tickets online for guaranteed entry.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Military Families
Traveling with a family doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some ways to stretch your dollar this summer:
- The Blue Star Museums program offers free admission to participating museums for active duty military and their families from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. This can save a family of four $40-80 at many museums.
- Many national attractions offer year-round military discounts but may require advance online reservation with military verification through me or similar services. Discounts typically range from 10-20% off regular prices.
- Take advantage of the free amenities at IHG Army Hotels, including complimentary breakfast, weekly socials, free on-post shuttles, and pet-friendly rooms.
- Military families qualify for a free America the Beautiful pass under the Military Pass category, which provides access to federal recreation sites including all national parks. This pass (regular price $80) covers entrance fees for the driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle.
- Before visiting any attraction, check their website for military appreciation days, when admission may be free or significantly discounted. Many theme parks and attractions offer special pricing during Military Appreciation Month (May) that extends into summer.
- Many state parks offer reduced or waived entrance fees for military families. Typical savings range from $5-15 per visit. Check individual state websites for details.
- Utilize your post's MWR office for discounted tickets to local attractions and events. These can sometimes include substantial savings on theme park and museum admissions, often 20-40% below standard rates.
Creating Lasting Summer Memories
The summer months offer a precious opportunity for military families to strengthen bonds and create memories that will last long after PCS orders arrive. By exploring the communities surrounding Army posts, families gain deeper appreciation for the diverse regions where they serve.
IHG Army Hotels stands ready to support these adventures with comfortable accommodations that understand the unique needs of military life.
This summer, take time to discover what lies beyond the barracks gates. The memories you make will become part of your family's unique military journey – a journey of service, sacrifice, and, yes, summer adventures, too.
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