Discovery Pass on American Victory Ship in Tampa.

Library Discovery Pass is Your Ticket to FREE Summer Fun at Local Attractions

By Last Updated

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Discovery Pass program is your ticket to exploring the Tampa Bay area’s museums and attractions this summer.

With your library card, you can unlock a world of adventure. Check out summer camps at the Glazer Children’s Museum, explore the depths of La Florida at the Tampa Bay History Center, step aboard a World War II ship at the American Victory Ship and Museum, admire photographic masterpieces at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, witness the evolution of glass art at the Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art, or delve into the history of the Tampa Theatre on a balcony-to-backstage tour.

Patel Conservatory dancers perform as baby mice in Next Generation Ballet's production of Nutcracker.

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All these experiences are right here in your community, waiting for you to discover them.

In addition to these partners, families can visit the Tampa Museum of Art to see engaging exhibitions and innovative educational programs that emphasize ancient, modern and contemporary art. The museum houses one of the southeast’s largest Greek and Roman antique collections.

Also on the list is the Henry B. Plant Museum, which features original opulent furnishings and artifacts in educational exhibits, transporting visitors to the late Victorian period, the beginning of Florida’s tourist industry, and the early years of the City of Tampa.

The Florida Holocaust Museum (also on the list) honors the memory of the millions who suffered or died in the Holocaust, and is dedicated to teaching the members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life.

Reserving a Discovery Pass is a breeze

Whether you’re on your smartphone, tablet or computer or at one of our convenient library locations, it’s just a few clicks away.

Simply visit HCPLC.org, click on “Services” and find “Discovery Pass.” Hit the green “Reserve a Discovery Pass” button, select a date and one of our partner attractions, and you’re all set. Alternatively, click HERE.

You can present the pass on your phone or print it out and bring it with you. If it’s your first time, don’t worry. Just select “Learn how to reserve a pass” and follow the steps.

Discovery Pass Details

  • Each Discovery Pass can be redeemed once on the reservation date specified.
  • The number of people that can use one pass will vary depending on the venue. Some passes only allow free admission for the customer who made the reservation, while others allow for groups of up to four. Please refer to the individual details of each pass for more information.
  • Discovery Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may reserve them through the library’s website and online reservation system using your library card.
  • Each pass provides a one-time admission or tour to an attraction on the date specified.
  • Only one Discovery Pass may be checked out per adult library card at a time and only once during a 12-month period. Blackout dates and restrictions may apply.

Additional admission is available for purchase from the attraction. The pass does not include any parking fees or entry to exhibit openings or other special events beyond the price of general admission. Passes are not renewable; however, e-Passes can be replaced if lost.

The reservation system is designed to make your experience as smooth as possible. It clearly shows you which dates are available, and once you’ve made your selection, an e-pass is created for that date only. When you’re ready to visit the attraction, present the e-pass or printed pass on your device, and you’re in. It’s that easy.

Originally published in the July 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.