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Service members and families are being honored during May, which is Military Appreciation Month, with a variety of discounts in 2026. Below are some highlighted offerings.
Information on discounts will be added as it becomes available. Please check back frequently as the list is updated.
2026 Military Appreciation Month Discounts
AARP
AARP offers up to 45% off membership for veterans and military members.
Academy Sports + Outdoors
From April 26 to July 4, active-duty military and veterans get 10% off your entire purchase online or in-store.
Blue Star Museums
Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, and their families. The 2026 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day (May 16) and ends on Labor Day (September 7).
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens parks will honor Military Appreciation Month with free one-day admission for U.S. military veterans and up to three guests. Veterans can register for this offer through May 10 and have until June 30 to visit the parks with their free tickets.
Cincinnati Zoo
Active and retired military receive free admission on Memorial Day. The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six discounted admission tickets for members of their immediate family.
Colonial Williamsburg
On either Memorial Day weekend or Veterans Day weekend, Colonial Williamsburg offers complimentary admission once annually for active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard personnel, retired military and veterans and up to three direct dependents.
Indianapolis Zoo
Current and former military members receive free admission on Memorial Day. Bring a form of military ID to receive the discount.
Mission BBQ
Veterans and active-duty military get a free sandwich the week of May 11. (Dates vary by service branch.)
Rack Room Shoes
Rack Room Shoes offers a 20% discount off your entire purchase in stores on Memorial Day to anyone with a military ID.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld parks will honor Military Appreciation Month with free one-day admission for U.S. military veterans and up to three guests. Veterans can register for this offer now through May 10 and have until June 30 to visit the parks with their free tickets.
Silverwood Theme Park
Military personnel and veterans with identification receive free admission to Silverwood Theme Park May 23, 24, and 25, and their immediate family members (spouse and children) also receive a special discounted rate when purchasing tickets at Silverwood’s front gate.
Get Discounts at Restaurants All Year Long
AARP salutes you for your service to our country with a special membership offer of up to 43% off. Enjoy savings on dining, travel and more all year long with your AARP membership! Join today and save on your next meal with AARP.
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6 Comments
Solid analysis. Will be watching this space.
Interesting update on 2026 Military Appreciation Month Discounts. Looking forward to seeing how this develops.
I’ve been following this closely. Good to see the latest updates.
Good point. Watching closely.
Great insights on Defense. Thanks for sharing!
This is very helpful information. Appreciate the detailed analysis.