SeaWorld, Busch Gardens Offer Military Families Free Tickets To Celebrate 4th of July

Image: 'Pipeline: The Surf Coaster' at SeaWorld Orlando. (photo courtesy of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment)
Image: 'Pipeline: The Surf Coaster' at SeaWorld Orlando. (photo courtesy of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment)
Laurie Baratti
by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 5:20 PM ET, Sat June 14, 2025

In celebration of Independence Day, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld are once again offering free admission to active-duty military members, veterans and their families as a show of appreciation for their service and sacrifice. It’s the company’s way of saying thank you and giving these American heroes the opportunity to make lasting memories with loved ones. 

To take advantage of the offer, veterans can register for tickets through June 22, with visits valid until July 6. Active-duty service members are already eligible to receive free one-day admission year-round for themselves and three guests. But, through July 6, they’ll also get three bonus tickets to share the experience with more loved ones.

This free-admission offer is available for visits to Busch Gardens parks in Tampa Bay and Williamsburg, Adventure Island and Water Country USA, as well as SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego, and Aquatica parks in Orlando and San Antonio. 

These offers are part of United Parks & Resorts' Waves of Honor program, a longtime initiative that honors military families with special discounts and promotions throughout the year. For more than two decades, the company has welcomed millions of military families to enjoy a day filled with fun and memorable experiences through this program. 

To participate, eligible veterans and retirees must register at WavesofHonor.com before June 22 and use the tickets by July 6. Service members and their direct dependents are required to present valid military identification. Additionally, active-duty members, drilling reservists or National Guardsmen qualify for annual complimentary admissions for themselves and up to three dependents, plus special additional tickets during the holiday period.

Beyond this summer’s free ticket offer, military personnel and veterans can access further discounts through Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) offices located on U.S. military bases and online. These offers vary by park and are available year-round.

Whether it’s soaring roller coasters, close-up animal encounters or water park adventures, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld’s salute to the military provides families with a well-deserved day of enjoyment this summer.


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Laurie Baratti

Laurie Baratti

Assistant Editor

Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse. She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West, SPACE, Modern Home + Living, Montage, and Sandals Life magazines. Travel writing has long been her passion, and she is always looking for excuses to explore the world outside of her native California. Laurie is also a lifelong equestrian, a proud pet-parent, and an underground advocate of the Oxford comma.

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