Okay, so a trip to the museum may not be everyone’s idea of a fun way to spend a summer afternoon, but such a trip is certainly something that this writer will enjoy. And for military families who are into this kind of adventure, summer may be the best time to do it.

According to a feature on the Navy website, the partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families has given rise to a program called Operation Appreciation: Blue Star Museums. Through the program, active duty service members and their families will be able to gain free access to museums throughout the country during the summer season.

All active duty members, including activated Guard and Reserve, and up to five members of their immediate family can enjoy free admission in any of the six hundred museums located in 50 states and the District of Columbia that have signed up to participate in the program. The program will start on Memorial Day and last through Labor Day.

Director of the office of family policy, children and youth of the Pentagon Barbara Thompson shares: “The Blue Star Museums initiative is a tangible expression of appreciation to service members and their families. It warms our hearts to see how other federal agencies and local communities can think creatively to recognize their sacrifice and contribution to the nation.”

Some of the museums included in the program are the Dallas Museum of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Museum of Modern Art, and two of this writer’s personal favorites: the Art Institute of Chicago and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.