4th of July Military Discounts and Freebies for Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members in 2025

Independence Day in 2025 falls on Friday, July 4, serving as a significant date for national celebration and recognition of military service. For active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families, this holiday often brings a variety of special offers, discounts, and free admission opportunities from businesses across the country. These promotions are designed to honor service members and provide opportunities for summer entertainment and retail savings. The availability of these offers typically spans the holiday weekend, with some extending beyond July 4th itself.

Information regarding these discounts is aggregated from various promotional and informational sources. Consumers are advised to verify specific details directly with the participating companies, as policies, dates, and eligibility requirements can change. Many offers require proof of service, such as a military ID, or enrollment in specific verification programs like ID.me or myWalgreens®. Below is a comprehensive overview of the discounts and freebies available for the 2025 Fourth of July holiday.

Retail and Pharmacy Discounts

Several major retail and pharmacy chains offer significant percentage-based discounts to military members during the Independence Day period. These offers typically apply to in-store and online purchases, though specific verification methods vary by retailer.

Walgreens Walgreens offers a 20% discount to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during the Independence Day weekend. To utilize this discount, customers must enroll in the free myWalgreens® program and present valid military ID or proof of service at checkout. The offer is valid at all Walgreens and Duane Reade stores nationwide from July 3 through July 6, 2025.

Target Target provides a 10% discount for active-duty military members, their families, and veterans on online or in-store orders. This discount is available through July 5, 2025. To access the savings, customers must possess a verified military ID and have a free Target Circle account.

Rack Room Shoes Rack Room Shoes offers a 20% military discount on purchases made on July 4, 2025. This specific holiday discount is available in stores to individuals with a military ID. The retailer also offers a 10% military discount every Tuesday throughout the year.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Academy Sports offers a 10% military discount valid through the end of their 4th of July promotion period. This discount applies to both online and in-person purchases. Verification is required either through ID.me or by presenting a military ID at checkout.

Sephora Sephora typically runs a 4th of July makeup promotion featuring savings on qualifying products from brands such as SAIE, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Sephora, and Dior. While the specific 2025 details are listed as a promotion on qualifying products, Sephora is known for offering beauty freebies and samples to members of its Beauty Insider program.

Nordstrom Nordstrom hosts multiple sales events around the 4th of July holiday. For 2025, this includes a "clear-the-racks" sale leading up to their anniversary blowout sale, which begins on July 12, 2025.

Theme Parks and Entertainment Venues

Entertainment venues, particularly theme parks, frequently offer free admission or deeply discounted tickets to military members and their families around the Fourth of July.

Busch Gardens and Water Country USA Busch Gardens parks in Tampa Bay and Williamsburg, along with Adventure Island and Water Country USA, are offering free one-day admission to U.S. military veterans and their families. Veterans can register for this offer through June 22, 2025, and must visit the parks by July 6, 2025. The free admission covers the veteran and up to three guests. Active-duty and retired military members receive free admission on July 4 and can purchase up to six discounted admission tickets for immediate family members.

SeaWorld and Aquatica Parks SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego, as well as Aquatica parks in Orlando and San Antonio, are honoring U.S. military active-duty personnel and veterans. Eligible veterans and retirees can register for complimentary single-day tickets for themselves and up to three dependents at www.WavesofHonor.com before June 22, 2025. All tickets must be redeemed by July 6, 2025. Additionally, SeaWorld Orlando offers military families up to 55% off tickets available until July 4.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Active-duty military members and veterans can receive one free Day Pass to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from June 30 through July 4, 2025. They may also purchase up to five additional Day Passes at a 50% discount. Proof of service is required, and tickets must be purchased at the main gate on the day of the visit.

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park Located in California, Gilroy Gardens offers free admission to military members from July 4 through July 6, 2025.

Kings Dominion For the 2019 holiday (a reference from the source data), Kings Dominion offered free admission to active and retired military, veterans with honorable or medical discharge, and one family member. They also offered front gate family tickets for $29.99. While this is historical data, it indicates a pattern of military appreciation events at this venue.

Museums and Cultural Programs

Blue Star Museums The Blue Star Museums program is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and participating museums across America. The program offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserves. The 2025 program runs from Armed Forces Day (May 17) through Labor Day (September 1). This allows military families to visit participating museums for free during the July 4th holiday and throughout the summer.

Food and Beverage Offers

While the provided source data focuses heavily on retail and entertainment, it also mentions specific food and beverage promotions available through mobile apps.

Baskin-Robbins Baskin-Robbins offers a "buy one, get one half price" deal on select menu items, specifically sundaes, when purchased through the Baskin-Robbins app. Participating locations may also offer additional military discounts in person upon presentation of a military ID.

Dunkin’ Donuts Dunkin’ Donuts offers 4th of July discounts available when making qualifying purchases via the Dunkin’ app.

Beauty and Personal Care

Sephora As noted in the retail section, Sephora’s 4th of July promotion includes savings on makeup and beauty products. Sephora is also a primary source for free beauty samples, which are often available to Beauty Insider members upon request or with purchase, though specific sample offers for July 2025 are not detailed in the source data.

Eligibility and Verification Requirements

To access the majority of these discounts and freebies, specific proof of military service is required. The most common forms of verification include:

Military ID: A valid Common Access Card (CAC), Uniformed Services ID Card, or Veteran ID Card.
Proof of Service: Discharge papers (DD214) or other official documentation may be accepted by some retailers.
Verification Programs: Many retailers utilize third-party verification services such as ID.me (used by Academy Sports) or require enrollment in their proprietary loyalty programs, such as myWalgreens® or Target Circle.
Registration: Some offers, particularly those for free theme park tickets (e.g., Busch Gardens, SeaWorld), require advance registration through official websites (e.g., WavesofHonor.com) by specific deadlines, often weeks before the holiday.

Important Considerations for Consumers

Dates and Deadlines: While many discounts run from July 3 to July 6, 2025, others have earlier registration deadlines (e.g., June 22 for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens) or are valid only on July 4.
Geographic Restrictions: Most retail discounts are available nationwide. Theme park offers are specific to participating locations (e.g., SeaWorld Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego).
Verification: Consumers should ensure they have the necessary identification or account enrollment before visiting stores or venues to avoid disappointment.
Year-Round Benefits: Many businesses offer military discounts year-round, not just on the 4th of July. It is beneficial for service members to inquire about these policies at any time.

Conclusion

The 2025 Fourth of July holiday presents a wide array of opportunities for military members, veterans, and their families to save on retail purchases and enjoy free or discounted entertainment. From 20% off at Walgreens and Target to free admission at major theme parks and zoos, the available offers reflect a broad commitment to honoring military service. To maximize these benefits, eligible individuals should prepare necessary verification documents, register for required offers in advance, and confirm details with participating locations prior to shopping or visiting.