Looking for the best military discounts and free activities this Fourth of July? We’ve rounded up some of the top military offers available for active-duty service members, veterans, retirees, National Guard, Reservists, and military families.

From free theme park tickets and zoo admission to museum programs and National Park access, there are plenty of ways to celebrate America’s birthday while saving money.

We’ll continue updating this guide as new military discounts and Independence Day offers are announced.

(1) Busch Gardens Williamsburg Military Appreciation Week & 250th Celebration

Military Appreciation Week: June 29 – July 5, 2026

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is inviting military families and visitors from across the country to celebrate a historic milestone during America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration and Military Appreciation Week. From patriotic entertainment and spectacular fireworks to exclusive military offers and family-friendly events, this week-long celebration is packed with reasons to visit one of Virginia’s most popular theme parks.

Active-Duty Military Free Admission Offer

Busch Gardens continues its tradition of supporting military families through its Waves of Honor program.

Limited-Time Military Offer

Eligible active-duty military personnel can receive:

• One complimentary admission per year
• Up to three complimentary admissions for direct dependents
• Three additional complimentary tickets for use through July 5, 2026
• Discounted admission options for additional family members

This limited-time enhancement provides even more opportunities for military families to create lasting memories together.

Restrictions apply. See Busch Gardens for complete eligibility requirements.

Veterans Receive Free Admission

Military veterans can also take advantage of a special limited-time offer.

Free Tickets for Veterans and Dependents

Eligible veterans can receive:

• Free one-day admission for themselves
• Free admission for up to three dependents

Important Dates:

• Registration deadline: June 21, 2026
• Visit by: July 5, 2026

This offer provides a fantastic opportunity for veterans and their families to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th Anniversary together.

Restrictions apply. Registration is required.

Learn more about Military Appreciation Week & 250th Celebration events and more military discounts available!

(2) Waves of Honor: Free Theme Park Admission

The Waves of Honor program remains one of the best military benefits available for theme park lovers.

Eligible active-duty military personnel can receive:

• One complimentary admission annually
• Up to three direct dependents admitted free
• Additional discounted tickets available for family and friends

Participating parks include:

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
• SeaWorld Orlando
• SeaWorld San Diego
• SeaWorld San Antonio
• Sesame Place Philadelphia

Military discounts and promotions vary by park and season.

Limited-time Veteran Offer at Busch Gardens & SeaWorld

• One complimentary admission for the Veteran
• Up to three guests free tickets
• Must register by June 21, 2026 
• Must visit the park by July 5, 2026

Learn more about FREE Tickets for Active Military and Veterans!

(3) Free Zoo Admission for Military Families

Cincinnati Zoo Military Appreciation Offer

Military families visiting Ohio over the Fourth of July holiday can take advantage of a special military appreciation event at the Cincinnati Zoo.

On July 4, 2026, active-duty and retired military members receive:

• Free zoo admission
• The ability to purchase up to six discounted admission tickets for immediate family members

A valid military ID is required.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Military Discount

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is honoring military service members with free and discounted admission leading up to Independence Day.

From June 29 through July 3, 2026, military members—past and present—can receive:

• One complimentary Day Pass
• Up to five additional Day Passes at 50% off

Proof of military service is required, and discounted tickets must be purchased at the zoo’s main entrance on the day of your visit.

Gilroy Gardens Military Appreciation Days

Gilroy Gardens in California is offering military families a special Fourth of July weekend promotion.

From July 3–5, 2026:

• Active-duty military members and veterans receive free admission
• Up to six additional family members or friends can purchase discounted General Admission tickets

Guests must present a valid military ID at the front gate to redeem the offer.

(4) Blue Star Museums

Military families can enjoy free admission to hundreds of museums nationwide through the Blue Star Museums program.

The program provides free museum admission for:

• Active-duty military
• National Guard
• Reserve members
• Eligible family members

Participating museums include:

• Art museums
• Children’s museums
• Science centers
• Historic sites
• Cultural institutions

Blue Star Museums is one of the best ways to explore your local community and enjoy educational family activities during the summer.

Learn more about Blue Star Museums 

(5) National Parks Military Benefits

Military families have access to one of the most valuable recreation benefits available through the National Park Service.

Free Annual Military Pass

Current U.S. military members and dependents qualify for a free annual pass that provides access to:

• National Parks
• National Wildlife Refuges
• National Forests
• Bureau of Land Management recreation sites
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas

Free Lifetime Pass for Veterans and Gold Star Families

Veterans and Gold Star Families may qualify for a free lifetime pass, providing access to thousands of federal recreation sites across the country.

If you’re planning a Fourth of July road trip, don’t forget to bring your military pass.

Learn more about National Parks for Military

(6) Target Military Discount

Military families, this is one Fourth of July deal you won’t want to miss.

Target has officially brought back its popular military appreciation discount, and for 2026 they’ve doubled the savings. Instead of the usual 10% military discount offered during special promotion periods, eligible military members, veterans, and their families can receive 20% off one qualifying storewide purchase from June 21 through July 4, 2026.

Whether you’re stocking up on household essentials, shopping for summer fun, preparing for back-to-school season, or grabbing items for your Fourth of July celebration, this limited-time offer can lead to significant savings.

Who Qualifies?

The Target Military Discount is available to:

• Active-duty service members
• Veterans
• Military family members

To receive the offer, you’ll need:

• A free Target Circle account
• Verified military status through Target’s verification process

Once verified, the 20% off offer will be added to your Target Circle account and can be redeemed either online or in stores.

Learn more about the Target Military Discount 

(7) GhostBed Fourth of July Sale + Stackable Military Discount

GhostBed 4th of July Sale: Save Up to 50% + Extra $200 Off Bundles

If you’ve been considering upgrading your mattress, now is one of the best times of the year to buy.

For a limited time, GhostBed’s 4th of July Sale is offering:

✅ Up to 50% Off Sitewide
✅ Extra $200 Off All Mattress Bundles
✅ Savings on Mattresses, Adjustable Bases, Pillows & Bedding
✅ Stackable Military Savings Available on eligible items for Military Families

Known as “The Coolest Beds in the World™,” GhostBed’s innovative cooling technology helps sleepers stay comfortable throughout the night.

Learn more about the Fourth of July Sale 

Military members can receive an extra 15% off their entire order after verification. There is a $1,000 minimum purchase.

Eligible groups include:

• Active Duty Military
• National Guard
• Reserve Members
• Veterans
• Retirees
• Military Spouses
• Military Family Members

For military families investing in a new mattress, the military discount savings can be significant. Before you start shopping, be sure to get verified. Once verified, your exclusive military discount will be automatically applied at checkout, making it easy to maximize your savings. Click “Get This Deal” below to unlock your discount and start shopping!

We’ll continue updating this guide with the latest military-exclusive offers and Fourth of July savings opportunities.

Celebrate and Save This Fourth of July

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, visiting a theme park, exploring a museum, or enjoying the outdoors, there are plenty of military discounts available to help you celebrate Independence Day while honoring your service.

Check back often as we add new military deals leading up to the Fourth of July.

Know of a military discount we should add? Contact MilitaryBridge and let us know!