Published: July 31, 2025
Planning a PCS move this summer? We know that cross-country travel with kids, pets, and a car full of gear can feel overwhelming — but what if you could turn your journey into a fun, memory-making adventure?
Thanks to the Blue Star Museums program, military families can enjoy free admission to thousands of museums nationwide from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. Whether you’re driving coast to coast or just a few states over, there are likely several participating museums right along your route.
Our family experienced this firsthand during a PCS from Jacksonville, Florida, to Norfolk, Virginia. When we arrived, our rental home wasn’t ready yet — so the five of us (plus our German Shepherd!) found ourselves living in the Navy Lodge. To break up the wait and avoid feeling crammed in a hotel, we rented a small spot near the beach for a few days. Wanting to feel closer to our next chapter, we chose to visit a Blue Star Museum near the neighborhood we’d be living in — we were anxious to get settled after leaving a place and friends we loved. That’s when we discovered how much these local museums could help us feel grounded. We hopped on our bikes and visited a few of our favorites — exploring art and history together. It gave us something to look forward to, helped ease the transition, and made exploring our new community feel exciting rather than stressful.
From interactive children’s museums and science centers to historic landmarks and art galleries, these stops aren’t just entertaining — they’re meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and de-stress during a move.
Here’s how to make it happen:
- Visit the Blue Star Museums page on our website
- Use the map to enter your ZIP code or zoom in on the state(s) you’ll pass through
- Make a list of must-see stops along your PCS route or near your temporary lodging
- Pack a “museum bag” with notebooks, snacks, and your family’s curiosity!
- Download and print the Blue Star Museum Scavenger Hunt from the website
Whether it’s a quick visit to stretch your legs or a full afternoon of exploring, Blue Star Museums are a great way to turn moving day into something special — and help you feel at home before your boxes are even unpacked.
Start planning your PCS adventure today — because the road to your next duty station can be part of the joy, not just the journey.
Wishing you safe travels and meaningful stops along the way — wherever your PCS takes you!
– Vicky Perkins
Military Spouse & Vice President of Programs, Blue Star Families
Posted In: Blue Star Museums, PCS