On November 11, 2025, Kansas City businesses and national organizations will honor veterans and active military personnel with a variety of free meals, discounts, and waived admission fees. These offers span local restaurants, national chains, retail stores, and cultural attractions, providing opportunities for veterans to access free food, services, and entertainment. Most participating locations require valid military identification or proof of service to redeem these offers.
Dining Offers and Free Meals
Many restaurants in Kansas City and across the nation offer complimentary meals to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. These offers typically apply to dine-in guests only, though specific policies may vary by location.
National Chain Offers Several major national restaurant chains have confirmed free meal offers for veterans on November 11, 2025:
- Applebee’s: Offers a free meal from a select menu to veterans and active-duty service members. The menu includes options such as bacon cheeseburgers and chicken tenders.
- Chili’s Grill & Bar: Provides a free meal from a select menu for veterans and active-duty military members at participating locations. This offer is valid for dine-in only.
- Denny’s: Welcomes veterans to start their Veterans Day with a complimentary meal.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers 10 free boneless wings and fries to veterans and active-duty military personnel at participating Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations. Valid military ID is required.
- IHOP: Serves a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo to veterans on November 11.
Local and Regional Offers In addition to national chains, local establishments are participating in the celebration:
- The 54: This location offers a 15% discount on food bills every day to members and families of military personnel and first responders. Guests must inform their server to receive the discount. It is recommended to call ahead, as offers may vary by location.
- Dillons: The grocery chain is offering a 10% discount on Veterans Day to active-duty military, veterans, and their dependents at locations across Kansas. Military associates at Dillons can combine this discount with their existing 10% “Our Brands” savings. Shoppers must show a valid military ID and a Dillons Shopper’s Card to redeem the offer. Some exclusions apply.
Retail and Service Discounts
Beyond dining, various retailers and service providers are offering discounts and free services to honor veterans.
- Dillons: In addition to the 10% discount for veterans and active-duty personnel, Dillons allows military associates to stack the discount with their existing 10% “Our Brands” savings.
- Fastlane Express Car Wash: Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, at 924 East 30th, Fastlane Express is offering veterans a free car wash on Veterans Day.
Entertainment and Attractions
Kansas City attractions and national parks are providing free or discounted admission to veterans and active-duty military members, allowing families to explore history and nature together.
Museums and Cultural Sites * National World War I Museum and Memorial: Located in Kansas City, Missouri, this museum offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military personnel from November 8 through November 11, 2025. The general public receives half-price admission during this period. * National World War II Museum (New Orleans): While not in Kansas City, this museum offers free admission to veterans of all conflicts and hosts a commemoration ceremony on Veterans Day. * Old Town Trolley Tours: Offers special discounts for military service members in various cities. In St. Augustine, veterans receive free admission to tours and attractions, including the Old Jail, Oldest Store Museum Experience, and St. Augustine History Museum. In Savannah, the offer is buy one, get one free admission. A military ID or Form DD214 is required. These offers are valid in seven major U.S. cities, including Boston, Key West, and Washington, D.C.
National Parks Veterans and active-duty service members receive free admission to all National Park sites on Veterans Day.
Zoos * North Carolina Zoo: Offers free admission to military personnel, veterans, and their spouses in honor of Veterans Day.
Community Events and Local Engagement
Kansas City organizations are hosting events to recognize the contributions of veterans beyond commercial offers.
- Mid-Continent Public Library: The library is holding a special Veteran’s Salute 2025 event on November 15, 2025. This annual event recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of veterans in the area.
- Shopping Local: Local shops in Kansas City encourage residents to support local brands and handmade products. This community engagement helps extend the spirit of giving beyond Veterans Day.
Eligibility and Redemption Requirements
To ensure a smooth experience, veterans should prepare the necessary documentation before visiting participating locations. Most offers require proof of military service.
Required Documentation * Military ID: The most common form of identification required. * Form DD214: Accepted by some locations, such as Old Town Trolley Tours, as proof of past military service. * Driver’s License with Veteran Designation: While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, standard practice suggests this may be accepted, though official military ID is preferred.
General Guidelines * Dine-In Only: Many restaurant offers, including those from Chili’s and Applebee’s, are restricted to dine-in guests. * Participating Locations: Offers may vary by location. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm participation and availability. * Exclusions: Some discounts, such as the one at Dillons, have exclusions. Shoppers should review terms carefully.
Veterans Day Programming at the Baseball Hall of Fame
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will feature special Veterans Day programming in November 2025. This includes special versions of the Plaques of the Gallery Tour and letters for Operation Gratitude. The museum typically offers free admission to veterans during November, though specific dates for 2025 should be verified on their official website.
Conclusion
Kansas City offers a wide range of freebies and discounts for veterans and active-duty military members on Veterans Day 2025. From complimentary meals at national chains like Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Denny’s to discounts at local grocery stores and free car washes, there are many ways for service members to be honored. Cultural attractions, including the National World War I Museum and Memorial, provide educational opportunities with free admission. Veterans should always carry valid military identification and check with specific locations regarding offer details and availability to ensure they can take full advantage of these tributes.