2018 Veterans Day freebies and discounts
Attractions
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad invites veterans and their family members (limit 4) for a complimentary two-hour round trip through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Enjoy the scenery and ride the rails through the park. A concession car will be made available throughout the duration of the train ride. We encourage passengers to join us for a demonstration from the Color Guard at 9:10 a.m. at Rockside Station and 2:40 p.m. at Akron Northside Station. We also invite the public to Peninsula Depot, located at 1630 Mill St., as the train passes at 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 3:30-4 p.m.
National Parks
FREE admission for all on November 11 at those parks that charge an admission fee. Go to www.nps.gov.
Army Corps of Engineers They are waiving day use fees at 2,800 USACE recreation areas nationwide in observance on Veterans Day, November 11 and 12. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is waiving all day use fees at more than 2,800 recreation areas nationwide this Veterans Day. This waiver is available to all veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families. Only verbal confirmation of service is required.
Pro Football Hall of Fame:
A partnership with Goodyear provides free admission to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for veterans, National Guard Reservists, and active military, plus one guest, throughout the entire month of November.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum: Veterans and active military personnel can get into the museum for free until mid-November 2019. The museum opened in late October 2018 and is the first museum dedicated to the veterans experience. Thousands of personal stories of people who served from the revolutionary war until now are preserved in the museum. A rooftop sanctuary and Memorial grove with three waterfalls offers a place of peace and contemplation.
Wexner Center for the Arts
Free gallery admission (always) for veterans and active military members in support of Vets at the Wex, an ongoing public program that works with veterans and their loved ones, many living with the symptoms of traumatic brain injury or PTSD. Just show a military or veteran ID.
Free admission to the Zoo for Veterans and current Military members, and their immediate families on Sunday, November 11.
Veterans Day Special at COSI
Active, reserved and retired military service get free general admission to COSI, November 7-11. Immediate family members will also receive $2 off general admission. Simply show your military ID or mention that you are a Veteran to receive the offer. Veterans and their party also receive FREE admission to D-Day: Normandy 1944 with COSI General Admission.
Lynd Fruit Farm
On Monday, November 12, veterans and active duty military can stop by the market and receive a free bag of apples. It’s one small way we can can say thank you! Proof of service requested. 9399 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala (740-927-8559).
Seaworld Parks & Entertainment Veterans Discount Veterans and Active Duty military receive location-based discounts or free admission. Veterans promotion includes SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Sesame Place Langhorne. The program does not include Discovery Cove® in Orlando or Aquatica, SeaWorld’s WaterparkTM. Newport Aquarium Free Admission – Cincinnati, OH Newport Aquarium is honoring all the men and women who have served our country by offering free admission from November 11 through November 18, 2018. Veterans, Active Duty, Reserves, and anyone who has served receives free admission by showing military ID at aquarium. Family members can also receive an admission discount.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens – Akron, OH Veterans and men and women currently serving are offered a complimentary self-guided tour of Stan Hywet Hall on November 11th, 2018 from 10am-4:30pm. Please present your military ID upon arrival.
Magic Mountain Fun Centers Veterans Day weekend specials on Nov. 10th & 11th with an arcade token sale on Nov. 9th-12th. COTA – Columbus, OH Veterans will receive free fares on Nov. 12, for the national observance of Veterans Day. Cincinnati Zoo All active and retired members of the military will receive free admission to the Zoo on Veteran’s Day. Offer allows the purchase of up to six (6) half-price admission tickets for immediate family. Please show valid ID. Akron Zoo 11/9/18 – 11/11/18. Veterans, past and present, receive free admission with valid military ID. Family members will also receive 50% off.
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums: Free admission to veterans, active-duty military and military reserve members on Veterans Day.
Cincinnati Museum Center celebrates our heroes! Military persons, including active and retired veterans, get into the Duke Energy Children’s Museum for free on November 11 when they present their military ID at the Box Office. Military persons can also receive a $5 discount on admission to Chocolate or GUITAR or a $5 discount on admission for a combo ticket for both special exhibitions.
Retail and Hotels
Target: 10% military discount on purchases made in-store and online at Target.com from Nov. 4-12, 2018 for veterans, active duty, and their families. Click here to verify your eligibility and obtain your coupon.
B&Bs for Vets: Veterans are eligible for one free night at participating B&Bs in the US and Canada. The offer is good for one night on or around Veterans Day, November 11. Visit the link for lodging near you or your destination. You must book directly with the business, and valid ID is required.
Goodyear Auto Service/Just Tires: Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires locations nationwide say “thanks” to those who serve by offering all active and retired military members and first responders FREE “Checks for Vets,” plus up to $250 off tires. The offer is valid from November 9 through November 11 – book appointments beginning November 9, but the offer can be redeemed through November 16. You can find more details here. The “Checks for Vets” offer includes FREE tire, brake and battery checks. Military and first responders will also receive 10 percent off tires instantly, which could save you $250 when used with additional in-store offers.
Grace for Vets: Free car wash for veterans and military members on November 11 at car washes across the country. Many different companies are participating, so find the closest one to you.
Great Clips: On Nov. 11, come in for a haircut and get a free haircut card to give to a veteran. And of course, all veterans can stop in on November 11 to get a free haircut or a free haircut card to be redeemed by the end of the year.
Lowe’s: Lowe’s offers 10% off eligible purchases every day to active military personnel, retirees, and veterans. Must sign up online for the Lowe’s personal shopping card to qualify for the discount, and the discount will be linked to the MyLowe’s account.
Sports Clips: Military members can come in on Veterans Day for a free haircut on November 11. In addition, $1 from every hair service on November 11 will be donated to the “Help A Hero” fundraising campaign.
Enterprise Car Sales: Active U.S. military members, veterans and dependents will receive a Firestone Prepaid Maintenance Package valued at $300 with their used vehicle purchase during the month of November.
Sleep Number: Honoring our Military with special offers reserved for our country’s heroes. $1000 savings on Sleep Number 360 i10 mattress sets, $500 savings on Sleep Number 360 c4 mattress sets, Additional savings on other Sleep Number mattress sets – see Sleep Professional for details, Additional $100 savings when you upgrade to a Flex Fit smart adjustable base, and 25% off ALL bedding collection items. Visit one of our four Columbus area Sleep Number stores from 11/01/18 – 11/18/18, and show a valid military or veteran’s ID to receive these exclusive offers. Locations are at Tuttle Mall, Polaris Parkway, Easton Gateway, and Grove City.
Super 8 by Wyndham – 20% off for Military Members from October 16 through December 11, 2018. Any current or retired military personnel, veterans and their families who book and stay at participating Super 8 hotels in the U.S. and Canada can take advantage of Super 8’s 20% off military discount. Additionally, guests that book using this offer through a Wyndham direct booking channel will be automatically enrolled into Wyndham Rewards and eligible for 500 bonus points. Learn more at super8.com/military.
SmileDirectClub: During Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 9 to Nov. 12), SmileDirectClub (the at-home invisible aligner therapy company) will give active military and veterans $200 off an invisible aligner purchase. To get this deal, visit one of the brand’s 150 locations with military ID. Plus, the company will donate 10% off sales from this promo to the Fisher House Foundation. Hyatt Hotels: Eligible military personnel, veterans and immediate family members can combine the Veteran and Military Rate ( offer code MILVET) with its upcoming holiday promotion, in which members who stay for four or more consecutive nights at any Hyatt House hotel in the U.S. between November 1 and December 31, 2018 can earn 2,000 World of Hyatt bonus points.
Westgate Resorts is giving away 1,500 free vacations on Veterans Day. The first 1,500 eligible service members who complete the online military appreciation form will receive a complimentary vacation to either Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada. Red Roof Inn is offering the Home for the Holidays Military Discount for Active Duty Members and Veterans. When they book from November 1 – December 31, 2018, all active duty military and veterans can enjoy 20% off Red Roof’s best available rate for stays reserved November 1, 2018 – February 28, 2019 when using code VP# 623095.
True REST Float Spa: Both spa locations will be closing to the public on Sunday the 11th so veterans can float for free. Contact them to reserve the complementary 60 minute float session.
Humane Society of Summit County: For the entire month of November, adoptions will be completely fee-waived for adopters that provide a valid military identification, with application approval.
Restaurants
Applebees – Choice of free entree from a special menu on November 11, dine in only; proof of service required.
Bar Louie: Free flatbread or burger for veterans and active duty military with military I.D. on November 11. Additionally, through its week-long “Mission for Vets” campaign, from Monday, November 5 to Monday, November 12, Bar Louie invites its guests to donate via an add-on to their checks. All proceeds will be donated to Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance program to help veterans and their families in immediate need.
Bob Evans: Free meal on November 11. Choice of select meals, including: Stack of Hotcakes, Fresh Baked Brioche French Toast, Country Biscuit Breakfast, Mini Sampler Breakfast, Farm Boy Sandwich, and Country Fried Steak Dinner.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active duty military can receive a free small order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries on November 11. Beverage, tax, and tip not included. Proof of service required.
BJ’s Restaurants: On November 11, all military members who dine-in restaurant receive a complimentary entree up to $12.95 plus a free Dr Pepper beverage by presenting a military ID or proof of service. For the entire month of November, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Dr Pepper are contributing 11,000 Pizookies® to the restaurant’s ‘Buy a Hero a Pizookie’ program. Current or retired military simply claim a Pizookie® by following this link from November 1 through November 30, while supplies last. Once claimed, the offer is emailed and valid for 72 hours. Guests who would like to honor these heroes can contribute $1 or more on their restaurant bill to the program. With a contribution of $1 of more, Guests will receive a bounce-back coupon for a FREE Pizookie® with any food purchase of $9.95 valid through December 31, 2018. It’s a win-win!
Bonefish Grill: Active and retired service members with valid military ID can enjoy a complimentary Bang Bang Shrimp®
California Pizza Kitchen: Veterans and active military will receive a free entree from a special menuwith proof of service on November 11. Excludes airports, stadiums, the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, Guam or international locations.
Chili’s Restaurants : Chili’s founder, Norman Brinker, proudly served in the U.S. Navy. On November 11, Chili’s offers a special menu for veterans to eat for free at the restaurant’s many locations across the United States. Valid ID is required. Call your local Chili’s for more information.
Chipotle -- Active duty military, reserves, national guard, military spouses and retired military get a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on November 11.
Cracker Barrel: Veterans will receive a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert on November 11.
Dunkin’ Donuts: Anyone who shows a military I.D. on November 11 will receive a free donut of their choice. No purchase necessary.
Friendly's -- Veterans and active military get a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from a limited menu on November 11.
Golden Corral -- Golden Corral Restaurants' Military Appreciation Night free dinner will be available on November 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.
Hot Chicken Takeover: Offer a DAILY 50% discount to active and inactive military, and first responders. They support the Columbus Veteran community throughout the year, and partner with community groups that aim to help veterans.
IHOP: On November 12, veterans can enjoy an order of free Red, White, & Blue Pancakes.
Little Caesar’s Pizza: Little Caesars® Pizza will serve all United States Armed Forces veterans and active military a free $5 HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo at participating stores. On Sunday, November 11, from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., veterans and active military members can receive their free $5 Lunch Combo ( four slices of Little Caesars popular Detroit-style DEEP!DEEP!™ Dish pizza, paired with a 20-ounce Pepsi product).
Logan's Roadhouse -- On November 11 between 3 and 6 pm, veterans and military personnel receive a free meal from the American Roadhouse Meals menu.
Main Event in Akron: Veterans can get an entrée for free from a select menu on November 11. A $10 arcade gift card is also included in the deal.
Max & Erma’s: Veterans can enjoy a free Cheeseburger, Endless Fries, and fountain drink on November 11
McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans and Gold Star Honorees (parents and spouse) enjoy a complimentary entree on Sunday, November 11. **All veterans must show official verification; no I.D. required by Gold Star honorees. Veterans Day entrees must be enjoyed at the restaurant. No to-go orders permitted.
Menchies: Free frozen yogurt up to 6 oz. for veterans and active military personnel on November 11
Mimi’s Cafe: Honorees with a military ID can choose from select free menu items with the purchase of a non-alcoholic beverage. Menu items include: Slow-Roasted Turkey entree, Brioche Cheeseburger, Asian Chicken Salad, Brioche French Toast, Breakfast Tacos, or Four Buttermilk Griddlecakes. Offer is good only on November 11.
Mission BBQ: 8225 W. Ridgewood Drive in Parma, OH. Veterans and Active Duty will receive a free sandwich and a cake on November 11. Call 215-487-6274.
On the Border: Veterans and active duty military members get a free “Create Your Own Combo” meal, which features soup or salad, tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and other options on November 11.
Panera: Wear your uniform or show your military ID or discharge papers to participating Panera Bread locations on Friday, November 10 to receive a free You-Pick-Two meal.
Pilot Flying J: Pilot Flying J is offering those who serve a free breakfast. From November 10 to 12, active-duty and retired military veterans can use the myPilot app to redeem an offer for a free Pilot Coffee of any size with their choice of a PJ Fresh breakfast sandwich, packaged pastry item or a Cinnabon Center of the Roll. The offer is valid at any of the participating Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers in North America.
Rose Italian Kitchen in Solon invites vets and active duty military on Monday, November 12, 2018 to stop in and receive a free lunch or dinner.
Red Lobster: All active duty military personnel receive a 10% discount on purchases every Monday. On November 11 and 12, veterans, active duty and reservists will receive a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu.
Red Robin: FREE Double Tavern Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries. You must show proof of service. Offer valid only on November 11, 2018.
Ruby Tuesday: Free appetizer up to $10 for active, retired, or reserve military on November 11.
Spaghetti Warehouse: November 9 – November 11. Download a special, three-day “buy one entrée, get one free” coupon offer, and bring a vet to lunch or dinner.
Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill in Cleveland International Airport by Gate A1: On Monday, November 12, U.S. active duty military and military veterans with ID can enjoy a complimentary Budweiser BBQ Cheddar Burger at participating Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill locations.
Sheetz: Veterans and active duty military personnel can get a free meal and a free car wash on Veterans Day. (Veterans Day offer includes 6 Inch Turkey Sub and a Regular Size Fountain Drink)
Spaghetti Warehouse: Between Nov. 9 and Nov. 11, veterans and active military personnel can get one free entrée with the purchase of one entrée with a coupon from their website/Facebook page.
Texas de Brazil: November 11 and November 12. Two veterans or active-duty military dine for freeplus 20% off the regular dinner price for up to 6 additional guests.
Texas Roadhouse: Veterans Day free meals for lunch with non-alcoholic beverage on November 11 for active, former, or retired military.
White Castle: Free Breakfast Combo or Castle Combo Meal 1-6 for veterans and active duty military on November 11.