This July 4th, enjoy special appreciation with free park entries. Spending the holiday at a Zoo or water park with family and friends is a great way to celebrate America’s birthday. Check out this list of amusement parks and attractions offering discounts this upcoming holiday.
- Blue Star Museums — Free admission for active-duty military and their families from Armed Forces Day (May 17) through Labor Day (Sept 1).
- Busch Gardens Parks & Aquatica— Free one-day admission (plus up to 3 guests) for veterans and retirees. Register by June 22 and visit by July 6.
- California’s Great America — Discounted single-day admission tickets to all military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their immediate family members
- Cincinnati Zoo & Columbus Zoo — Free admission to all members of the military on Memorial Day, July 4th and Veterans Day. All members of the military — active and retired — will receive FREE admission to the Zoo on Memorial Day, July 4 and Veterans Day.
- Disneyland — As a member of the US military, you can enjoy great rates on select rooms at Disneyland Resort hotels.
- Gilroy Gardens, Sun Splash Family Waterpark — Free entry for military July 4–6, plus discounts for up to 6 guests.
- SeaWorld — One-time free admission for the former military personnel and up to three friends or family members. Veterans can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off.
When it comes to special offers and discounts, your status as a veteran or active-duty service member gets you more than the special discounts available on July 4th. Many retailers, restaurants, services, and more offer special benefits for military personnel and their families every day of the year.
Here’s a look at some of the best perks you can take advantage of year-round.
Airlines & Transportation
- Alaska Airlines: Special rates for service members traveling on an official excused absence, various other discounts available with a Veterans Advantage membership.
- Amtrak: 10% off, also applicable to military families.
- American Airlines: 10% off when enrolled in VetRewards, must have Veterans Advantage membership.
- Avis: Up to 35% off car rentals, also available to military spouses.
- Enterprise: Discounts available, rate dependent on needs.
- Hertz: 10% off.
- Greyhound: 10% off tickets.
- Jet Blue: 5% off, must have Veterans Advantage membership.
- United Airlines: 5% off, one free checked bag, must have Veterans Advantage membership.
Automobiles
- BMW: Receive between $500 and $2,000 toward a vehicle lease or purchase, also available to military spouses.
- Ford: Special offers on vehicles and programs through the Ford Military Appreciation Program.
- Hyundai: $500 toward purchase on vehicles.
- Mazda: $500 toward purchases, free vehicle inspection and oil changes.
- Nissan: Save between $500 and $1,000 with the Nissan Military Program.
- Subaru: $500 discount on the best price offer within 12 months of your date of separation.
- Toyota: $500 money back on vehicle purchases.
- Volkswagen: $500 toward purchase on vehicles.
Entertainment
- AMC Theaters: Discount dependent on location, also available to military families, may require Veterans Advantage.
- Busch Gardens: Discounts dependent on location.
- Cinemark: Discount dependent on location.
- Disney Parks: Special rates on select days for those living in-state.
- Legoland: Differing discounts available for admission and sometimes lodging, also available to military families.
- National Parks: Free entrance to over 2,000 recreational areas, also applicable to Gold Star Families.
- Regal Cinemas: Discount dependent on location, also available to military families.
- San Diego Zoo: Free one-day admission to active military personnel only, 10% for dependents with ID.
- Six Flags: 20% off general admission tickets, also available to military spouses.
Hotels
- Hyatt: 10-15% off your stay at most locations, also available to family members. Use code MILVET when booking.
- La Quinta Hotels: 12% off best available rate.
- Red Roof Inn: 10% off or 20% with Veterans Advantage.
- Super 8: 15% off best available rate.
- Wyndham Hotels: 12% off best rates, additional discounts and rewards available.
Restaurants/Food & Drinks
- Applebee’s: 10% off.
- Boston Market: 20% off.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 10% off.
- Cinnabon: 15% off.
- Dave & Buster’s: 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Famous Dave’s BBQ: 15% off.
- Free Rein Coffee: 20% off.
- Hard Rock Café: 15% off all non-alcoholic items and gift store purchases.
- IHOP: 20% off at most locations.
- Texas de Brazil: 15% off, also applicable to teachers and EMS.
Services
- American Express: Waived annual fees for all credit cards.
- AT&T: 25% off unlimited wireless plans. Plans starting at less than $27 a month for four lines.
- Disney+: 25% off annual subscriptions through ShopMyExchange.com.
- HelloFresh: 55% off your first box, 15% off boxes for the rest of the year.
- Microsoft: 10% off select products, also available to family members.
- Paramount+: 25% off for life of the subscription.
- PODS (Moving and Storage): Up to 10% off.
- Samsung: 30% off products and services.
- SmartBox: Portable moving & storage unit $20 off.
- Sprint T-Mobile: 50% off family lines.
- Tracfone: On May 1st, Tracfone will start offering a Military & Veterans discount: 10% off on all UTT(Unlimited talk and Text) plans except the $15 plan. This discount is not available on the paygo plans.
Retail
- Adidas: 30% off online and in-store.
- Apple: 10% off products and accessories, also available to family members.
- Bass Pro Shop: 10% off.
- Carhartt: 15% off.
- Champion: 10% off.
- Game Stop: 10% off.
- Helly Hansen: 35% off through Helly Hansen Military Discount Program.
- Hewlett-Packard (HP): 40% off shipping costs.
- Home Depot: 10% off with the Military Discount and Appreciation Program.
- Karen Kane: 20% off.
- Levi Strauss: 15% off.
- Lowe’s: 10% off.
- Old Navy: 10% off online purchases.
- Reebok: 50% off, also available for first responders.
- Under Armour: 20% off, also available to family members.
Nationwide celebrations:
July 4th is one of those holidays that brings everyone together—grill masters, fireworks fans, parade lovers, and people who just love being outside with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a small-town celebration or a major city spectacular, there are tons of great places to celebrate Independence Day in 2025. Here are some of the top destinations across the U.S. where you can enjoy the festivities, from patriotic parades to jaw-dropping fireworks shows.
🎆 Washington, D.C. – A Capital Celebration
If you’re looking for the most iconic 4th of July experience, you can’t beat the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. goes all out with the “A Capitol Fourth” concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and one of the most breathtaking fireworks shows over the National Mall. Come early to claim a spot, and enjoy the National Independence Day Parade down Constitution Avenue.
🗽 New York City – Fireworks Over the Hudson
New York takes its fireworks seriously. The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is one of the largest in the country, lighting up the sky over the Hudson River with more than 60,000 shells. Add in live music, rooftop parties, and all the energy of the Big Apple, and you’ve got a celebration that’s hard to beat.
🎡 Boston, MA – Historic and Heartfelt
Boston blends history and celebration perfectly. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade is legendary, featuring live performances and a fireworks show that lights up the Charles River. You can also walk the Freedom Trail and visit historical sites for a meaningful start to your day.
🌭 Nashville, TN – Music City’s Red, White & Boom
Music and fireworks? Yes, please. Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! event includes a free concert with big-name performers followed by one of the largest fireworks shows in the South. Grab some barbecue, tap your boots to country tunes, and celebrate in true Tennessee style.
🔔 Philadelphia, PA – Where It All Began
Celebrate the 4th where independence was born! Philly’s Wawa Welcome America festival includes 16 days of concerts, museum access, and fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Don’t forget to stop by the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall while you’re in town.
🌴 San Diego, CA – Fireworks by the Bay
In sunny Southern California, San Diego’s Big Bay Boom lights up the waterfront with fireworks launched from barges across San Diego Bay. It’s perfect for families, and with the beach so close, you can spend your day in the sand before the show starts.
🏙️ Small Town America – Heartfelt Celebrations Everywhere
If you’re not near a big city, don’t worry—some of the best July 4th celebrations happen in small towns. Think pancake breakfasts, patriotic parades, pie-eating contests, and fireworks in the park. Cities like Bristol, RI (home to the oldest July 4th parade in the U.S.) and St. Augustine, FL offer big charm with a side of red, white, and blue pride.
🎇 Tips for a Great Fourth
- Arrive early – Prime spots go fast, especially for fireworks shows and concerts.
- Stay hydrated – July heat is no joke. Bring water and sun protection.
- Know the rules – Some cities restrict coolers, bags, or pets during events.
- Check for military perks – Many locations offer VIP viewing or discounts for veterans and active duty.
July 4th is all about celebrating the freedoms we enjoy—and the people who make them possible. Wherever you are, we hope you find joy, pride, and a great view of the night sky.
Happy Independence Day!
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