SC Aquarium offers free entry for federal workers amid government shutdown. What to know
As the government shutdown heads into its fifth week, now the longest shutdown in government history, the South Carolina Aquarium is opening its doors to federal employees for free.
The aquarium announced on Nov. 5 that from Thursday, Nov. 6, through Wednesday, Nov. 12, all federal employees and active military can receive free aquarium admission for themselves and up to three guests.
In a post made on Facebook, the aquarium said that it wanted to give back “during this period of uncertainty.”
Since the shutdown started Oct. 1, thousands of “non-essential” federal employees have been sent home and thousands more “essential” workers have been required to continue working without pay, including air traffic controllers, technicians and Transportation Security Administration employees.
To enter, the South Carolina Aquarium says guests must present their federal ID, PIV or CAC upon arrival. This offer is only available in person and can’t be redeemed when purchasing tickets online. The latest entry time is 3:30 p.m.
The South Carolina Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 100 Aquarium Wharf in Charleston.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 3:27 PM with the headline "SC Aquarium offers free entry for federal workers amid government shutdown. What to know."
