This Memorial Day, you might be looking forward to a long weekend with loved ones, celebrating a graduation or compiling a shopping list for holiday bargains.
But to honor the true purpose of the day, businesses nationwide are offering special freebies and discounts for veterans and active-duty service members this Memorial Day weekend.
Below are six spots where you can snag complimentary food on Monday, May 28, with a valid military ID:
Memorial Day Food Deals and Freebies
1. LaMar’s Donuts
Start your Memorial Day with a free donut and coffee from LaMar’s Donuts, available to all active and retired military personnel who show proof of service.
2. Hooters
On May 28, current and former military members can claim a complimentary entrée from Hooters’ Memorial Day selection at participating restaurants nationwide. Choices include a Buffalo chicken salad, Buffalo chicken sandwich, Hooters burger or a 10-piece order of traditional, smoked or boneless wings with your preferred sauce.
3. McCormick & Schmick’s
Active-duty service members, National Guard, veterans and gold star parents and spouses are eligible for a free lunch or dinner entrée from the Memorial Day menu on May 28.
4. Twin Peaks
Selected Twin Peaks locations will pay tribute to past and present military personnel with a complimentary select menu item on May 28.
5. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Bring a veteran or active-duty service member on Monday, May 28, and the restaurant will pick up the tab for their lunch or dinner. The free entrée must be equal to or less than the price of your purchase.
6. Ninety-Nine
Veterans and active-duty military personnel will receive a free meal from the chain’s 9 Real Size Entrées for $9.99 lineup with the purchase of another entrée and valid proof of service.
Food offers aren’t the only perks. After eating, consider visiting any of these 11 parks and museums that are offering complimentary admission this Memorial Day weekend:
Memorial Day Free Tickets to Attractions
1. Hawaiian Falls Water Park
Enjoy some sunshine without leaving the mainland — Hawaiian Falls parks in Texas are offering active and retired military free admission from May 26-28 with proof of service.
2. Kings Island
Active and retired military personnel can visit Kings Island in Ohio for free during Memorial Day weekend. Get free admission May 25-28 by presenting proof of service.
You can also buy tickets for up to six family members at a reduced rate of $34 each.
3. Kings Dominion
If you prefer to stay dry this holiday weekend, head to Kings Dominion. Active and retired military members get free admission May 26-28 with proof of service, and discounted tickets for family are available.
4. Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores
The “roller coaster capital of the world” in Ohio is offering free entry to all active and retired military personnel from May 25-28. The offer applies to both Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores. Present proof of service at the ticket window to receive free admission and up to six discounted tickets for family members at $44 each.
5. Michigan’s Adventure
Active and retired military personnel receive free admission to the 14th annual Tribute to the Armed Forces at Michigan’s Adventure on May 27-28. Tickets for up to six family members are available for only $26 apiece.
6. Valleyfair Amusement Park
If you’re near Minnesota, visit Valleyfair for complimentary fun. Active and retired military personnel with proof of service can enter the park for free May 26-28.
7. Colonial Williamsburg
Step back into the 18th century with free admission with proof of service at Colonial Williamsburg living history museum in Williamsburg, Virginia. The offer covers active and retired military personnel and up to three dependents — so your children get in at no charge as well!
8. Blue Star Museums
If you have a favorite museum, it might be free this Memorial Day weekend — and through the summer. Blue Star Museums provides free admission to active-duty service members and their families. Use their map to locate participating institutions by state.
9. Silverwood Theme Park
All military personnel, police officers and firefighters can enjoy free admission to Silverwood in Idaho during American Heroes Weekend, May 26-28. Discounted family rates are also offered.
10. Worlds of Fun
This Kansas City park is offering free admission to active and retired military personnel, along with cheaper tickets for family members. This promotion is available on Monday, May 28.
11. Wild Adventures Theme Park
Wild Adventures in Georgia is honoring free admission for all active and retired military members from May 26-28. Reduced-price tickets for family and friends will also be offered.
Can’t travel this weekend? Look into several organizations that provide military travel benefits — you may be able to arrange an entire getaway at little or no cost. Also, see this roundup of more than 100 places that extend military discounts year-round.
Bonus Memorial Day Freebie
On Saturday, May 26, participating Ace Hardware stores will be distributing one million flags. Stop by your neighborhood Ace to pick one up.
Happy Memorial Day!
Riley Martin is a senior contributor at Savinly. Riley has written for several outlets and brings a light touch whenever possible while covering personal finance and consumer tips.
