America’s birthday is almost here once again, which means plenty of retail sales and special events. While many companies are temporarily lowering prices as a treat to companies, some are taking it a step further by offering deals to active duty military members and veterans as a thank you for their service. Even better news: Some of these deals last the entire holiday weekend! Keep reading to discover military discounts being offered during the Fourth of July, from shopping to museums.
Retail
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Through July 4, this sporting-goods chain is offering a 10 percent discount to active-duty military and veterans. It can be used for both online and in-person purchases, but an ID must be shown at checkout. (For online purchases, verification is done through ID.me.)
Coleman
Looking to stock up on outdoor gear or camping equipment? The company makes it easier to do so for less with a special deal. Military families can get up to 35 percent off during their Fourth of July sale that ends July 7.
Columbia Sportswear
Get anything from jackets to sunglasses at a lower price during the holiday thanks to Columbia. To celebrate, the company is giving military and first responders the chance to use a 20 percent discount through July 6.
Target
Whether you’re stocking up on party supplies, groceries or home décor, you can take advantage of the retail store’s Fourth of July military discount. Through July 5, active duty military members, their families and veterans can enjoy 10 percent off online or in-store Target orders. To get the extra savings, you just need a verified military ID and a free Target Circle account.
Entertainment
Blue Star Museums
According to the National Endowment for the Arts, “Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.”
This means that on the holiday, you can get into any participating museum for free, as the program lasts through Labor Day. Check out the map to find a museum near you.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Head to this horticulture-themed amusement park in California over the holiday weekend and get in—for free! The park is allowing for admission at no cost to military members July 4-6. Plus you can get discounts on tickets for up to six guests.
Zoos
Three zoos have decided to offer free admission to military members on Independence Day.
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Ohio: July 4th only for active and retired military personnel, plus the ability to purchase up to six half-price admission tickets for immediate family members.
- Columbus Zoo & Aquarium in Ohio: A free day pass through July 5, plus up to five additional discounted tickets for family members.
- Birmingham Zoo in Alabama: Free admission to military families on July 4.
Food and drink military discounts
Want to grab a bite to eat while celebrating? Many restaurants and fast food chains offer discounts to military members year-round. Just be sure to contact the location you’re planning to visit to check holiday hours and to make sure it participates in the military discount.
Check out these chains:
- Applebee’s
- Boston Market
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Cinnabon
- Dave & Buster’s
- Famous Dave’s BBQ
- Hard Rock Café
- IHOP
