Military Appreciation Month in May 2025 includes several key observances, with Armed Forces Day falling on Saturday, May 17th, 2025. This day is dedicated to thanking military members for their patriotic service across all branches: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. In recognition of this and other military observances, numerous brands and organizations offer special discounts, free admission, and other complimentary benefits to active-duty personnel, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and their families. These offers are available at theme parks, aquariums, national parks, and through specific brand programs, often requiring valid military identification for verification.
Many of these benefits are available year-round, while others are limited to specific dates, such as Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day (May 26th, 2025), or Veterans Day. The following information details specific freebies and discounts available around Armed Forces Day and during the broader military appreciation period, based on verified program details.
Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day Free Admissions
Several attractions offer free admission to military members and veterans on Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. These opportunities typically require proof of service, such as a military ID, Veterans Affairs ID, or a state-issued driver’s license showing veteran status.
Georgia Aquarium salutes active-duty service members and veterans with free admission on two specific dates in 2025: May 17th (Armed Forces Day) and May 26th (Memorial Day). The aquarium also provides a 30% military discount for family members on these days. Additionally, Georgia Aquarium offers a generous Military Discount Program and a Military Membership Program for year-round benefits.
Colonial Williamsburg provides free admission for military members from Friday, May 23rd through Monday, May 26th, 2025. This offer is available to active-duty military, reservists, National Guard personnel, retired military, and veterans. The complimentary admission covers the service member and their dependents. Colonial Williamsburg also maintains a military discount program available year-round.
Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho offers free admission to all military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel on May 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2025. Identification is required. Immediate family members (spouse and children) receive a special discounted rate when purchasing tickets at the front gate.
Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, hosts Military Appreciation Days on May 26th, 2025, and June 14th. Attendees showing a valid I.D. can receive free general admission or a discounted ticket to Millionaires Row.
Dollywood invites military members to participate in its Public Employee Appreciation Days from April 21st to June 13th, 2025, offering discounted tickets for up to six guests.
Year-Round Free Admission and Discount Programs
Several brands offer ongoing free admission or significant discounts to military members and veterans throughout the year.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment operates the Waves of Honor program, which provides free admission to military personnel and veterans at all its establishments, including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, and more. Military members and veterans receive one free ticket and three additional tickets for friends and family through ID.me verification. They also have the option to purchase up to six discounted tickets. This offer is available year-round to currently serving personnel, including reservists and the National Guard. Veterans can receive free tickets during seasonal promotions, which have historically run from May to September and on Veterans Day. A $99.99 Annual Military Pass is also available for veterans and their families.
National Park Service offers a free annual pass to any member of the military, past or present. To obtain the pass, individuals can show their military ID, Veterans Affairs ID, or a state-issued driver’s license showing their service at any national park gate. This pass grants access to over 2,000 sites managed by the Park Service. Some national parks require reservations, so it is advisable to check specific requirements for each park.
Great Wolf Lodge provides a Howling Heroes Military Discount, offering up to 30% off select rooms for military members in 2025.
Military Tee Times is a service designed to help all members of the United States Military enjoy golf by offering exclusive savings on tee times at thousands of courses in the U.S. and worldwide. The service partners with over 8,000 course partners in several countries, providing military discounts off select tee times.
Additional Brand-Specific Freebies and Discounts
Beyond admission-based offers, other brands provide unique freebies and discounts for military personnel and veterans.
Baseball Hall of Fame is mentioned as offering special recognition or benefits for military members, though specific details about free admission or discounts are not fully outlined in the provided source material.
Birdies For The Brave is described as a national military outreach initiative dedicated to honoring and showing appreciation to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. While the specific benefits are not detailed, it is recognized as a program that offers appreciation and support.
A Story Before Bed offers a free bedtime story recording service for members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are deploying or have already deployed. This service allows military personnel to sign up for a free recording for their children.
Veterans Day Meals are widely available across the United States. Chains such as Applebee’s and Chili’s, along with many local restaurants, offer a choice of one popular entrée at no charge to all veterans, retirees, reservists, active-duty personnel, and members of the National Guard on Veterans Day. This is a widespread and annual tradition.
Eligibility and Verification Requirements
Eligibility for these military appreciation offers generally requires proof of service. Acceptable forms of identification often include: - Military ID (for active duty, reservists, and National Guard) - Veterans Affairs ID - State-issued driver’s license with veteran designation - ID.me verification (used by programs like SeaWorld’s Waves of Honor)
For dependent access, proof of relationship (such as a dependent ID) may be required. Some offers, like Colonial Williamsburg’s free admission, explicitly include dependents. It is crucial to verify specific requirements with each brand or venue, as policies can vary.
Many offers are available only on specific dates (e.g., Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day), while others, like the National Park Service pass or SeaWorld’s Waves of Honor (for active duty), are available year-round. Seasonal restrictions may apply for veterans’ free admission to certain attractions.
Conclusion
Armed Forces Day and the surrounding Military Appreciation Month provide numerous opportunities for U.S. military members, veterans, and their families to access free admission, discounts, and special benefits. From theme parks and aquariums to national parks and golf courses, a variety of brands and organizations have established programs to honor military service. Key offers include free admission at Georgia Aquarium, Colonial Williamsburg, and Silverwood Theme Park on specific dates; year-round free tickets through SeaWorld’s Waves of Honor program; and a free annual pass from the National Park Service. To take advantage of these offers, individuals should prepare valid military identification and check specific terms, dates, and reservation requirements for each opportunity.