Your July 4th Deals Cheat Sheet: Military Discounts, Dollar Tree Finds and Target Weekly Ad Scores

The Fourth of July is here, and whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a day trip with the family or a quiet celebration at home, there’s no reason to overspend. Retailers, restaurants and attractions across the country are rolling out patriotic deals ahead of America’s 250th birthday—including special discounts to thank active-duty military members and veterans for their service.

Here’s a roundup of the best ways to save this holiday weekend, from free cookies and zoo admission to budget-friendly party supplies and festive treats.

Military discounts worth celebrating

If you or a loved one has served, plenty of businesses are showing their appreciation with meaningful savings, as reported by Woman’s World.

Blue Star Museums offers free admission to more than 2,000 museums across the country for active-duty military and their families. The program runs from Armed Forces Day on May 16 through Labor Day, so it’s a great addition to any holiday itinerary. Just check with your chosen museum ahead of time to confirm hours.

Cincinnati Zoo is offering free admission on July 4 for all active-duty and retired military members. You can also purchase up to six discounted tickets for immediate family.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is providing free Day Passes through July 3 for active and retired military members with proof of service. Head to the main gate to redeem, and pick up to five additional Day Passes for 50% off.

Gilroy Gardens in California welcomes military members and veterans with free admission from July 3 through July 5. Just show ID at the gate. Need extra tickets? General Admission is available for $40 for up to six family members or friends.

Dining deals for service members

Great American Cookies is handing out a free Stars & Stripes Sprinkle Cookie to active-duty and veteran service members from July 1 through July 4. Just show ID at a participating location.

Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill and Carrabba’s Italian Grill all offer a year-round 10% Heroes Discount to active-duty service members, veterans and their families. It applies to dine-in and takeout at Outback, and to food and nonalcoholic drinks at Bonefish and Carrabba’s.

Dave & Buster’s offers a 15% discount on food and nonalcoholic beverages for military members and veterans—and the deal extends to up to four guests.

Red Lobster rounds out the list with a 10% discount at participating locations for anyone with proof of service or a valid military ID. Cheddar Bay Biscuits included.

Retail savings for the holiday

Academy Sports + Outdoors is giving active-duty military members and veterans 10% off their entire purchase through July 4, both online and in-store. Whether you need camping gear, a new grill or fishing supplies, this is the moment to stock up.

Rack Room Shoes is offering a 20% discount off total purchase for anyone with a military ID—but only on July 4. Head to your local store to grab sneakers, sandals or whatever else you need.

Home Depot offers a year-round 10% military discount for active-duty service members, veterans and their spouses, with a maximum annual discount of $400. Verify your status on Home Depot’s page, then scan your Virtual ID at checkout or log in to your verified account online.

Target is offering 20% off qualified purchases for military personnel and veterans through July 4. To claim the discount, sign in to your Target account, join Target Circle for free and verify your military status. You can add dependents to your profile, and the discount applies automatically online or via your Wallet barcode at checkout.

Dollar Tree finds under $1.50

If you’re pulling together last-minute decorations, Dollar Tree has fresh patriotic picks that keep things affordable, as Woman’s World reports.

Look for patriotic cups with carrying straps and straws in red “Get your sparkle on” or blue star designs for $1.50. Sparkly pinwheels in silver, blue or red, white and blue are marked down to $1 from $1.75, thanks to Dollar Tree’s 40th anniversary sale on $1 items.

Americana tote bags in red, white or blue are priced at $1.50 and roomy enough for beach essentials or party supplies. And patriotic banners and buntings—triangular flag, rectangular flag or bunting styles—are all $1.50 each, ready to dress up indoor or outdoor decor.

These finds are new arrivals, so shelves may empty quickly.

Target’s weekly ad brings big holiday savings

Target’s July 4th weekly ad is packed with deals on food, clothing and party essentials, Woman’s World reports.

Women’s clothing is 40% off, including dresses, shirts, shorts, t-shirts and tank tops. Look for pieces like a red USA pullover tank top for $3 or a linen mini dress in red, white and blue gingham for $15.

Favorite Day Blast-Off Frozen Pops are 20% off, bringing the 12-count boxes down to $2.15. They come in blue raspberry, white lemon and cherry flavors.

Dixie Ultra paper plates and bowls are two packs for $5, available in limited-edition designs.

S’mores ingredients are buy one, get one 50% off when you mix and match select Honey Maid graham crackers, Hershey’s milk chocolate bars and Jet-Puffed marshmallows. Try classic combinations or shake it up with cinnamon graham crackers, caramel candy bars or white star marshmallows.

Americana-themed books are 20% off, including The Great American Quiz Book for $13.56 and American History Bite-Sized for $19.99. There’s also a Color Me USA adult coloring book for $8.78 and a Spirits of ’76 cocktail recipe book.

Sun Squad personal coolers are 20% off, with the insulated bags—each holding four cans—selling for $4 in colors like red, white and blue plaid.

Dunkin’s patriotic menu is a sweet stop

Dunkin’ is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with new drinks, patriotic donuts and limited-edition merchandise, according to Woman’s World.

New beverages include the OREO & PB Coffee Chiller, a peanut butter frozen coffee with OREO cookie pieces, whipped cream and mocha drizzle; the Strawberry Sparkler Cloud Latte with strawberry cold foam and sprinkles; the Dazzleberry Coolatta featuring blue raspberry and marshmallow cold foam; and the Fruit Punch Refresher with lemonade, pink pineapple and cherry flavors.

For pastries, try the Rocket Pop Donut with blue icing and patriotic sprinkles, the Stars and Stripes donut or a box of Stars & Stripes MUNCHKINS Donut Hole Treats.

Starting June 29, you can grab an exclusive Eagle Cup for $10.99, which comes with a free medium beverage plus a code for a $3 Dunkin’ Zero drink or Refresher valid for 30 days. And a new Dunkin’ merch collection—including swimsuits, t-shirts and hoodies—launches June 26 at DunkinRunsOnMerch.com.

However you plan to celebrate this Fourth of July, these deals make it easier to enjoy the holiday without stretching your budget.

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