Free Cookies, Free Zoos! The Absolute Best Fourth of July Military Discounts You Can’t Miss
Celebrate Independence Day with massive savings on food, theme parks and retail favorites
Key Takeaways
- Score 10% to 20% off at top retailers like Target, Academy Sports and Rack Room Shoes.
- Enjoy free admission to thousands of museums and many regional zoos.
- Save all weekend long with 10% off dining bills at popular national restaurant chains.
Americans are ready to celebrate our country’s independence, and that includes honoring the men and women who have helped make that freedom possible! Major retailers, tourist attractions and restaurants are also offering special deals as a thank you for military service. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity that won’t break the bank or a way to save on a restaurant meal, there’s something for every active duty member and veteran. Find out more below about the best military discounts available for the Fourth of July holiday weekend!
Fun for the whole family
Blue Star Museums
Active-duty military personnel and their families can explore more than 2,000 museums across the country—completely free—through this special program! With art museums, history centers and more on the list, it’s the perfect way to celebrate American culture without spending a fortune.
The program runs from Armed Forces Day on May 16 to Labor Day, so you can add it to your holiday weekend itinerary. Just confirm with your desired destination ahead of time to check for any special hours.
Cincinnati Zoo
Ohio military members can have a wild good time at the Cincinnati Zoo this Independence Day. The zoo offers free admission for all active duty and retired military members on July 4, plus the chance to purchase up to six discounted tickets for immediate family members.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Lions, tigers and bears…oh my! Through July 3, military members (active and retired) can snag a free Day Pass with proof of service. Just head to the zoo’s main gate on the day of your visit to redeem and purchase up to five additional Day Passes for 50 percent off if you desire.
Gilroy Gardens
Family fun awaits at this California theme park. From July 3 through the 5th, simply show ID at the gate to prove you’re an active-duty member or veteran and you’ll automatically receive free admission. Need extra tickets? You can get $40 General Admission tickets for up to six family members or friends.
Delicious deals to savor

Great American Cookies
This cookie chain is spreading a little patriotic spirit in honor of America’s birthday. From July 1 to 4, active-duty military members and veterans can treat themselves to a free Stars & Stripes Sprinkle Cookie. To enjoy, simply provide identification at a participating Great American Cookies location.
Outback Steakhouse
Savor all of your favorites—like the Bloomin’ Onion or Down Under Delmonico Ribeye—at a bargain during the holiday. The steakhouse chain offers a year-round 10 percent military discount (the “Heroes Discount”) to active-duty service members, veterans and their families for both dine-in and takeout orders!
Bonefish Grill
When you order from this popular seafood restaurant, you can redeem a 10 percent Heroes Discount that applies to your order of food and nonalcoholic drinks. As long as you’re an active-duty service member or veteran, you can enjoy the discount year-round—just provide ID to get the discount.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Like many other chain restaurants, this Italian eatery allows activity-duty and retired military members to save when they indulge. The Heroes Discount means 10 percent off your restaurant bill all year long, making this the perfect spot to dine for the patriotic occasion.
Dave & Buster’s
If you’re a military member or veteran, you can keep more money in your pocket during your next Dave & Buster’s visit! Take a break from playing your favorite arcade games and head to the restaurant to enjoy a 15 percent discount on food and nonalcoholic beverages. Even better: This deal applies for up to four guests, as well!
Red Lobster
Craving Cheddar Bay Biscuits and fresh seafood? Red Lobster is calling your name! Dine here at a participating location and get a 10 percent discount with proof of service or a valid military ID.
Smart savings on summer essentials

Academy Sports + Outdoors
Whether you’re looking for fishing gear, camping equipment or grills, there’s no better time to buy! Now through July 4, active-duty military members and veterans can take advantage of a 10 percent discount off their entire purchase. It’s valid for online and in-store shopping, so you can get the deal even if you can’t get to an Academy Sports + Outdoors location.
Rack Room Shoes
From sneakers to sandals, you can find your perfect footwear for a steal at Rack Room Shoes. The retail chain is giving anyone with a military ID a 20 percent discount off their total purchase for one day only. Head to your local store to shop on July 4 to reap the savings!
Home Depot
Home Depot’s military discount is available year-round, so you can take advantage of it long after the holiday weekend ends. The store provides active-duty service members, veterans and their spouses a 10 percent discount on all purchases. (Note: There is a maximum annual discount of $400.)
You will first need to confirm your status on the verification page, then you’re free to shop with the discount! For in-store purchases, scan the Virtual ID barcode via the app or enter your phone number at checkout. Ordering online? Just log into your verified account to have the discount automatically applied.
Target
Here’s a special offer for active-duty military personnel and veterans: now through July 4, you can enjoy 20 percent off a qualified Target purchase. To access this special deal:
- Create or sign in to your Target account.
- Join Target Circle for free.
- Follow instructions to verify your military status.
- Add any dependents to your guest profile if you’d like. (They’ll also be able to use the discount if they’re a Target Circle member.)
- If desired, sign up for a Target Circle 360 paid membership using the reduced rate for military members.
The discount will automatically be applied if you shop online, or you can scan your unique Wallet barcode at checkout to get the 20 percent discount.
No matter what you’re planning this Independence Day, these special military discounts make it easy to treat yourself for less!
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