One of the biggest perks of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces—beyond the honor and pride of service—is the wide range of military discounts, freebies, and exclusive deals offered by thoughtful businesses nationwide.
From free admission to national parks and museums to discounts on prescriptions, sports, and even tutoring, there are countless opportunities for Veterans, active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, and Gold Star families to enjoy well-deserved benefits.
Even after transitioning out of the military, many of these offers remain available to Veterans, ensuring your service continues to be recognized and appreciated.
We’ve rounded up the top 12 brands offering free stuff for Veterans and military members that you should know about.
5 Brands Offering Free Stuff for Veterans & Military Members
1. National Park Service
Any member of the military, past or present, can get into any of our country’s stunning national parks for free with their military ID, Veterans Affairs ID, or state-issued driver’s license showing their service.
Military members or Veterans just need to show their ID at any national park gate to be issued an annual park pass. Your ID gives you access to over 2,000 beautiful and historic sites overseen by the Park Service. Some national parks require reservations, so be sure to check the requirements for each national park.
2. Blue Star Theatres
A program run by the Theatre Communications Group, Blue Star Theatres is a network of 179 theatres across 42 states (and counting) that aims to bring the thrill of seeing live plays and entertainment to military families across the nation.
With free admission for military personnel and Veterans, find the participating theatre near you to take advantage of this great offer.
3. Vet Tix
Tickets are available for active-duty service members, Veterans, and the immediate families of those who gave their lives in service.
Vet Tix gives military families the chance to enjoy sporting events, concerts, theater, educational programs, and family activities together.
After verifying service, members can request tickets for events they’re interested in and simply cover a small delivery fee.
4. VeteranRX
Prescription drugs are one of those things that, if you need them, there’s no way to avoid paying for them.
But with VeteranRX’s Prescription Discount Program, you can save some serious money on your necessary medications.
With over 35,000 pharmacies across the country offering discounts of up to 80%, your regular medical costs can drop significantly with your membership.
5. Veterans Day Meals
While not a year-round offering, the concept of a free meal for military personnel on Veterans Day is always worth mentioning. That’s because it’s widespread and it’s tasty.
Chains from Applebee’s to Chili’s, as well as a fair share of local places (so ask around your town to see who’s participating in your neck of the woods), offer a choice of one popular entree at no charge to all Veterans, retirees, reservists, active duty personnel, and members of the National Guard.
7 Brands Offering Free Stuff for Military Members
1. SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
Waves of Honor is a program run by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment (which includes, in addition to their titular chain of maritime parks, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, and more) that offers free admission at all of their establishments to military personnel and Veterans.
Military members and Veterans receive one free ticket and three additional tickets for friends and family through ID.me, plus the option to buy up to six discounted tickets.
The offer is available year-round to those currently serving, including reservists and the National Guard. Veterans can receive free tickets during seasonal times of the year.
Past years have seen promotions from May to September and on Veterans Day. There is also a $99.99 Annual Military Pass available for Veterans and their families.
2. Baseball Hall of Fame
Nothing is more American than our military, but there are a few things that come close. And one of them is baseball.
The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, has great discounts available for members of most major Veteran organizations. For active duty and retired personnel, admission is 100% free all year long.
Learn all about the incredible history of America’s pastime and the greats who played it over the decades (Navy Veteran Yogi Berra, Marine Veteran Ted Williams, and Army Veteran Jackie Robinson).
3. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Built on the site of the very tragedy it commemorates and memorializes, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a beautiful and deeply affecting tribute to the thousands who lost their lives and the countless heroes who saved even more on September 11th, 2001.
Active duty and retired personnel's admission to this hallowed place is completely free of charge. Each year, around Veterans Day, they hold special events to honor Veterans.
4. MoMA
One of the most popular cultural institutions in New York City, the Museum of Modern Art has a massive collection of the greatest contemporary art in the world, plus a regularly changing roster of spectacular exhibits and exhibitions.
Active military personnel, as well as dependent family members with their appropriate ID’s, can experience these amazing pieces for free any time of year.
5. Tutor.com
Whether you’re using (or planning to use) the GI Bill or have kids or a spouse in school, Tutor.com is a great resource for those who want to get a leg up on their education. It’s super convenient, as their online tutors can teach you anything from anywhere.
And, it’s completely free for active duty military personnel and their dependents.
6. PGA
The Professional Golfers’ Association’s Birdies for the Brave does a whole lot for the military community.
From fundraising events to direct support for military charities, this outreach program of the PGA also provides free tickets to tournaments for the active duty community, as well as discounted tickets for veterans.
7. Coca-Cola
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta, the World of Coca-Cola is a massive interactive museum dedicated to the world’s most famous brand of soft drink.
Learn about the 130+ year history of America’s most iconic beverage and sample flavors from across the globe. And their Military Appreciation program offers free admission to all active duty, reserve members, and Veterans of the armed forces with proper ID.
You’ve Earned These Perks—Go Enjoy Them
If you want to get pedantic about it, none of this free stuff is technically “free.” Your payment was the numerous hardships and sacrifices of service. But the other side of that coin is the fact that, by said sacrifices, you’ve already paid for all this great stuff. So why not get the most out of it?
As a member of the military community, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of all the benefits available. Particularly those with no extra charge.
Looking for even more deals? Make sure to check out our military discounts section with the best holiday military deals and free stuff for veterans and active duty all year round!
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