Memorial Day and Veterans Day are significant occasions in the United States, dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of military members, veterans, and their families. During these periods, numerous brands, attractions, and retailers extend special offers, including free admission, discounted products, and complimentary services. These promotions are often available to active duty personnel, reservists, veterans, retirees, and sometimes their dependents, typically requiring verification of military status. The following overview details verified freebies and discounts available during these holidays, based on information from official sources and trusted news outlets.
Attractions and Entertainment
Several prominent attractions and entertainment venues offer free or discounted admission to military members and veterans during Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends. These offers often extend to family members or guests, though specific terms vary by location.
- Colonial Williamsburg: Servicemembers and veterans, along with up to three direct dependents, are eligible for free single-day admission during Memorial Day weekend or Veterans Day weekend. Discounted admission is also available throughout the year.
- Indianapolis Zoo: Current and former military members receive free admission on Memorial Day. They also receive $2 off general admission for up to two tickets per visit. Military ID is required.
- Legoland: Parks in California, Florida, and New York offer special military deals on admission and hotel rooms.
- National World War I Museum and Memorial: Located in Kansas City, Missouri, this museum offers free admission to veterans and active duty servicemembers from May 24 to May 27.
- United Parks and Resorts: Servicemembers and veterans can qualify for free admission with up to three guests at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Sesame Place, and other properties nationwide. Programs vary by location.
- Vail Resorts: Servicemembers, military retirees, and their dependents can qualify for a $185 Military Epic Pass for the 2025/2026 ski season, providing access to dozens of U.S. resorts. Discounted passes are also available for veterans and their families.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: On Veterans Day (Nov. 11, 2025), the Hall in Canton, Ohio, offers free admission to U.S. servicemembers, National Guard members, veterans, and one guest. Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Families also receive free admission. A 20% discount at the Hall of Fame Store is included.
- Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello: U.S. military veterans receive free admission to Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia, during Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 8-11, 2025). The offer applies to the Grounds Ticket or Highlights Tour.
- Crayola Experience: All locations offer free admission for veterans and active-duty military, with discounts for family members varying by location.
- Harley-Davidson Museum: Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the museum offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military during Veterans Day weekend.
- Knotts Berry Farm: Veterans and active-duty military receive free admission during select Military Tribute Days in November and December.
- Maine Wildlife Park: This park in Gray, Maine, offers free admission to veterans, active-duty military, and their families on Nov. 11.
- Six Flags America: Free admission is available for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day and the following day, with discounted admission for family members (up to four).
- State Parks: Many states offer free or discounted admission for veterans and their families on Nov. 11. Year-round deals may also be available for state residents who are veterans, disabled, or former POWs.
- National Parks: All U.S. national parks and historic sites managed by the National Park Service offer free admission to all visitors on Nov. 11.
- Zoos: Many zoos across the country offer free admission or discounts to veterans and their families.
Food and Beverage Deals
Memorial Day and Veterans Day often feature food and beverage promotions, ranging from complimentary meals to discounts on groceries and summer essentials.
- GoPuff: During Memorial Day Weekend, GoPuff launches a summer collection. Customers spending $35 on the collection receive $10 GoCash back. FAM members get 40% off select summer drinks and sweets.
- Eight O'Clock Coffee: From May 19-26, customers can use the code DIVEIN for 10% off sitewide orders.
- Dunkin': On Memorial Day, customers can order a medium Tropical Guava Refresher with sparkling water or lemonade for $3.
- Kroger: Offers a 10% discount to active-duty and veteran military service members for in-store and pick-up shopping.
- Golden Corral: Provides a free meal and drink to veterans and active-duty military members during its annual Military Appreciation Night.
- Bob Evans: Locations provide a free meal from a special menu to veterans and active-duty members.
- City BBQ: Offers a complimentary meal to all veterans and active service members with a valid ID.
- Wings Etc. Grill & Pub: Offers a free entrée at participating locations on Veterans Day.
- McDonald’s: Offers free breakfast meals on Veterans Day.
- Texas Roadhouse: Offers free meals for veterans and active service members.
- Applebee’s: Active-duty military, veterans, reserves, and National Guard members receive a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day menu.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Offers a free entrée on Veterans Day.
Retail and Product Discounts
Various retailers and brands offer discounts on products ranging from outdoor gear to electronics and home improvement items during these holiday periods.
- Samsung: Offers up to 30% off eligible devices for military, veterans, and qualified users through its Offer Program.
- Nike: Provides a 10% discount for all U.S. military personnel, including active members, reservists, veterans, retirees, spouses, and dependents. Proof of service is required.
- Lowe’s: Offers a 10% everyday discount for active-duty service members, veterans, and spouses, plus additional deals on appliances, grills, and patio furniture through May 28, 2025.
- Coleman: Offers up to 35% off outdoor gear during the Memorial Day Sale, including tents, coolers, grills, and lighting.
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s: Offer a 10% Legendary Salute discount on almost everything in-store and online for veterans and active military members during Memorial Day.
- Discount Tire: Offers a 5% discount for active-duty members, military veterans, and reserves through ID.me, which can be combined with other deals.
- Home Depot: Provides discounts on appliances, outdoor furniture, and more from May 15 through May 26, 2025.
- BigMouth Inc.: Offers up to 70% off outdoor essentials during its Memorial Day sale.
Verification and Eligibility
Most military discounts and freebies require verification of current or past military service. Common forms of verification include:
- Military ID: A standard requirement for many free admission offers and discounts.
- ID.me: A digital verification service used by retailers like Discount Tire to confirm eligibility.
- Proof of Service: May include a veteran ID card, VA card, or discharge papers, depending on the retailer.
Eligibility typically extends to active duty members, reservists, veterans, retirees, and their spouses or dependents. However, specific terms vary by offer and location. It is recommended to check with the specific venue or retailer for detailed requirements before visiting or purchasing.
Conclusion
Memorial Day and Veterans Day provide valuable opportunities for military members, veterans, and their families to access free admission to attractions, enjoy complimentary meals, and receive discounts on a wide range of products. These offers are a gesture of appreciation from brands and organizations across the country. To take advantage of these deals, individuals should verify their eligibility, prepare necessary identification, and review specific terms and conditions, as offers may vary by location and are subject to change.