Free Texas Blue Star Museums 2025 for Active-Duty Military and Their Families
By: The Kid’s Directory Family Resource Guide – Houston
May 2025. Last Updated August 2025 on www.kids-houston.com
Texas Blue Star Museums 2025
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering FREE ADMISSION to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.
The 2025 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, and run through Labor Day, September 1, 2025. Check the 2025 list for participating museums.
Austin
The Bullock Museum
1800 Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701
Explore the Bullock Texas State History Museum to see what makes Texas—Texas. Hundreds of artifacts, its culture, and groundbreaking innovations are revealed for all ages in exhibitions, films, symposiums, community events, field trips, and fun, family-centered programs.
We steward the display of Texas artifacts from around the world, building relationships with museums, archives, and private lenders to help us explore our dynamic stories; something new is always on view. We also collect and archive first-person stories about Texas through the Texas Story Project, because the memories and experiences of Texas people, places, and objects contribute to a better understanding of the generations that came before us.
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Located on The University of Texas at Austin campus at 2400 Trinity Street, Austin, Texas 78712
Texas Science & Natural History Museum tells the story of the unique and irreplaceable natural history of Texas, from the formation of our planet, through the age of dinosaurs and into our current time.
Explore a diverse range of exhibits that bring Texas’ natural history to life, from ancient fossils and native wildlife to cutting-edge scientific discoveries. Engage with interactive, hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and inspire visitors of all ages.
Beaumont
Texas Energy Museum
600 Main St, Beaumont, Texas
The Texas Energy Museum is a dynamic showcase of the oil industry’s history and innovation. Centered around the iconic Spindletop oil gusher of 1901, the museum transports visitors back to the era that ignited Southeast Texas’ transformation into an energy epicenter.
Through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and engaging storytelling, visitors gain a deep appreciation for the industry’s pioneers and their groundbreaking achievements.
Beyond its historical focus, state-of-the-art exhibits explore the complex process of refining crude oil into everyday products, showcasing the cutting-edge technology that drives today’s industry. The Texas Energy Museum is the place where history meets science, making it an educational and fascinating experience for all ages.
College Station
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station, Texas 77845
As one of the top attractions in the State of Texas, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum creates a museum experience that is both educational and entertaining for the whole family.
The museum’s core exhibits reveal the unique influences and challenges that shaped George Bush’s life and presidency, and frequently changing temporary exhibits present visitors new and interesting perspectives on President Bush, his life and work. Through artifacts, film, photographs, documents, music, sound effects and interactive videos, this special museum experience encompasses much of U.S. history since 1941. See a World War II Avenger Torpedo Bomber, a 1947 Studebaker, a slab of the Berlin Wall, and replicas of President Bush’s Camp David, Situation Room, and the Oval Office.
Fort Worth
Vintage Flying Museum
505 NW 38th Street Hangar 33 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76106
The Vintage Flying Museum is a unique “working” museum where visitors are able to see what it takes to “Keep ‘em Flying”.
Most of the aircraft are airworthy and fly on a regular basis for air shows and demonstrations throughout the year. We are completely staffed by volunteers who share our love for aviation history and enjoy sharing it with people of every age from all over the world.
Houston
The Health Museum
1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004
In the heart of Houston, The Health Museum inspires passion and curiosity in health, the medical sciences, and the human body
Our exhibits and programs are designed to engage visitors of all ages, making learning about health and science a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s what you can expect to find:
Huntsville
Sam Houston Memorial Museum & Republic of Texas Presidential Library
1836 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, Texas 77340
Cost: Free for Active-duty military and up to 5 family members
We are a part of Sam Houston State University and dedicated to preserving the memory of Sam Houston (1793-1863) and his times on a fifteen-acre complex.
At the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, students and patrons alike can experience rich Texas history and explore the life and legacy of General Sam Houston.
La Porte
San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield
One Monument Circle, La Porte, Texas 77571
San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield where you can visit the battlefield for independence, a museum and the world’s tallest war memorial all in one visit.
The Battlefield
Origins of the Lone Star State at the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield. Discover how a decisive 18-minute battle for independence changed the fate of a young nation and forever altered the course of world history.
The Museum
From rich displays of armaments and uniforms to an exciting retelling of the road to Texas freedom — and beyond, the San Jacinto Museum brings history to life in a way your whole family can enjoy.
The Monument
The world’s tallest war memorial stands at San Jacinto, honoring all those who fought for Texas’s independence.
San Antonio
San Antonio Museum of Art
200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78215
A visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) takes you around the world and through five thousand years of art in a complex of buildings that once housed the Lone Star Brewery. SAMA is renowned for the most comprehensive ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collection in the southern United States.
*Check Back Often For Free Blue Star Museums 2025 To Be Added!
Note: Some of the participating Blue Star Museums may have limited free access, specific free admission days/hours, ID and/or registration required so it’s always a good idea to check their websites or contact them beforehand for the most up-to-date information.
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