In addition to millions of Americans shaking Veterans’ hands and saying thank you on Veterans’ Day this year, there will be thousands of locations in the United States and Canada providing free offers or special discounts to Veterans. They range from the highly publicized free meals to wedding dresses to admission to national parks and local zoos. It will be hard to find a Veteran who doesn’t have access to one of these opportunities. Discovering what is available in your area can be challenging. Over the next few days, there will be a three-part MilitaryFamily.com series mining the nuggets for you.

Since visiting a National Park, zoo or museum, going to a Bed & Breakfast or watching a parade can take some planning, Part One will discuss free or almost free events. Part Two will cover more than 25 free meal opportunities.  Finally, Part Three will identify everything else from store discounts to free walking canes.

A few quick disclaimers up front. All of the information was either taken from company web pages or from personal discussions with the organizations. Unfortunately, there may still be some inaccuracies. Every entry has a web link and/or a phone number. Before you head out the door, verify nothing changed.

For those of us who have served, we know that you are a Veteran if you were or are currently serving in the Active Duty, National Guard or Reserves.  However, many non-military people do not understand this. Therefore, some offers are for active duty, retired and/or discharged prior to retirement veterans. As a result, the offers have three categories. 1. Active Duty–includes all Total Force personnel (Regular, Reserves, Guard). 2. Retired–over 20 years of service or medically retired.  3. Veterans–all others not included in category 1 and 2 who received anything other than a dishonorable discharge.

Proof of Service. Once again, many people do not understand the difference between a DD214, active duty CAC, retired blue ID card, dependent ID,
Veterans Administration ID or VFW membership card. In fact, several companies are willing to accept a picture of you in a uniform as proof.

Before we head into the list, I need to shout out special recognition to the hard work MilitaryWallet.com has done in keeping their list updated.  Finally, every effort will be made to ensure this is the most comprehensive list on the web. If you are aware of additional offers, please comment on this article with a company or organization webpage.Together, we can maximize the number of Veterans who can take advantage of these opportunities.

Anheuser-Busch Parks. See specific eligible park for more information. Valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following: SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island. For additional information visit: http://www.herosalute.com/states/free_admission_summary.htm

Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, CA): Free admission, November 11, 2011.Eligibility: veterans, military personnel, police officers, and firefighters
who show valid service ID. For additional information visit: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/veterans_day/

Audubon Nature Institute (New  Orleans, LA): Free admission November 11, 2011. Includes the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Insectarium or Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.  Does not include Entergy IMAX Theatre.Veteran may receive an additional four tickets for guests.  Eligibility: Active Duty, Retired or dependent. Military ID is required.For additional information visit: http://www.auduboninstitute.org/veterans-day

Battleship Cove: Free admission November 11, 2011: Proclaims it is the world’s largest naval ship museum.  Eligibility: Active Duty and Retired. Must show proof of service. For additional information visit: http://www.battleshipcove.org/calendar.htm

Bed and Breakfast for Vets: Free night on November 10, 2011. About 500 B&Bs in the United States and Canada are participating. Space is limited. Although most are only offering rooms on November 10th, there are many with larger windows of opportunity. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired.  ID is required for proof of service. To find a B&B near you and for additional information visit: http://www.betterwaytostay.com/Active Duty-promotions/bbs-for-vets/

The Birmingham Zoo (Birmingham AL): Free admission November 11-13, 2011. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired and their families. Military ID required. For additional information visit: http://www.birminghamzoo.com/events/

Bowling Green State University Football Game: Free admission November 8, 2011. This is  against Northern Illinois. The game starts at 8:00 P.M. A special pre-game tent will be available from 5-7:30 p.m. hosted by Nontraditional and Transfer Student Services. There will be free food and drinks provided for all veterans and their family members as well as grab bags for the children. All veterans are also asked to come down to the south end zone prior to kickoff to be
honored.  Eligibility: Veterans and Active Duty military. Proof of service is required. For additional information visit: http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/mc/news/2011/news103175.html.

Branson Veterans Homecoming Week: Wide range of free events, November 5-11, 2011. America’s largest Veterans Day celebration, “Veterans Homecoming Week,” takes place in Branson, MO.and includes many special events.  For a complete list of events visit: http://www.branson.com/news/2011/10/02/bransons-veterans-homecoming-week-honors-veterans-active-duty-military-and-their-families-branson-events/

Brevard Zoo (Melbourne, FL): Free admission November 1-13, 2011. Also receive 10% off in the Panther’s Paw gift shop. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired.  Proof of military service required (Military ID card, Active Duty Leave and Earning Statement (LES), Veteran ID Card, Veteran’s Organization Card, a photograph in uniform, wearing a uniform, or DD214). For additional information visit: http://brevardzoo.org/calendar/overview

Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield, IL):  Free general admission November 11, 2011. Eligibility: Veterans,Active Duty, Retired and their immediate families. Military ID is required. For additional information visit: http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/CZS/getdoc/2ff487f7-adca-4b11-8961-02760f969b45/Veterans-Day-celebration-at-Brookfield-Zoo

Buffalo Zoo (Buffalo NY): $5 Admission November 11 – 13, 2011. Members of the United States military and their group of up to six people will be admitted to the Zoo for $5.00 total.  Eligibility: Active Duty and up to five guests. For additional information visit: http://buffalo.kidsoutandabout.com/content/high-five-military

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Free admission remainder of 2011. Must register on line or at the park. Eligibility: Active Duty military and up to three dependents. Military ID required.  Free admission is good for only one Anheuser-Busch  Park. For additional information visit: http://www.herosalute.com/states/free_admission_summary.html

Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Free admission remainder of 2011. Limited days in November and December.  Must register on line or at the park. Eligibility: Active Duty military and up to three dependents.  Military ID required. Free admission is good for only one Anheuser-Busch Park. For additional information visit: http://www.herosalute.com/states/free_admission_summary.htm

Castle Park (Riverside, CA): Free All Day ride admission, November 12, 13, 19, 20, 16, 27, 2011. The park has over 25 rides.  Eligible: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired and dependent spouse. Up to six additional family member tickets for $9/each.  Proof of service is not specified. For additional information visit: http://www.castlepark.com/events.html#a

Colonial Williamsburg: Free Admission November 11-13, 2011. The “Honoring Service to America” ticket provides admission to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs. It also includes free parking at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center, access to the short movie Williamsburg—The Story of a Patriot, and complimentary use of Colonial Williamsburg shuttle buses. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired and mmediate dependents. Proof of service: Military or Retired ID, Honorable Discharge with DD214.  Deployed service member need not be present. Free tickets will be provided to immediate dependants of Active Duty deployed troops, with dependent ID. For additional information visit: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/planYourVisit/ticketPlans/ActiveDuty-offers.cfm

Colorado State Parks:  Free admission November 11, 2011. All 42 state parks are participating.  Eligibility: Veteran, Active Duty, Retired and their family. Proof of service (military or Retired ID, DD214, ID card from VA, VFW or American Legion, or other proof.  For additional information visit: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=GovHickenlooper2FCBONLayout&cid=1251609652395&p=1251609652395&pagename=GOVHWrapper

Des Moines Botanical Center: Free admission November 11, 2011, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eligibility: Veterans and their families. Web page does not define Veteran or identify proof of service requirement. For additional information visit: http://www.botanicalcenter.com/SubPage.asp?MainLinkID=1

Dinosaur Resource Center (Woodland Park, CO) 50% off admission November 11-14, 2011.  Eligibility: Active Duty, Retired military and their families. Military or Retired ID required. For additional information visit:  http://www.rmdrc.com/?p=1414

Free Golf for Veterans (Gilman Hot Springs, CA): November 11 & 12, 2011. Two days of FREE golf for Veterans, continental breakfast and lunch. Ceremony at 11:00 A.M. on Veterans’ Day only. Event held near San Jacinto California. For more information contact Keith Lundy (951) 654-5568.

Historic Jamestowne: Free admission November 11-13, 2011. See National Parks below.

Huron-Clinton Metorparks (Southwest Michigan): Waive vehicle and boat entry fees November 11, 24 & 25, 2011. Thirteen parks in Michigan State. Eligibility: Appears to be everyone. For additional information visit   http://www.metroparks.com/calendar_item.aspx?ID=1586

Hornblower Harbor Cruise & Sea Lion Adventures! (San Diego): Free one or two hour cruise November 11, 2011.  Classic sightseeing tour with a green twist. Along with landmarks, natural wonders and military history, this outing also spotlights local environmental efforts through narration, video clips and on-board displays. Eligibility: “All Veterans.” Appropriate ID is required. For additional information visit: https://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/overview/sd+COE;jsessionid=8E77B005EFD3505AC1484B96DC82132C

Kalamazoo Air Zoo (Kalamazoo, MI): Free Ultimate Ace wristband packages November 11, 2011. Packages include access to all of the Air Zoo’s aircraft, exhibits, artifacts, rides and attractions, including the Century of Flight Ferris wheel, Montgolfier Balloon Race, Missions Theater, full-motion flight simulators and more. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired and their families. Proof of service is required. For additional information visit: www.airzoo.org

Knott’s Berry Farm Military Tribute Days: Free Admission November 1-24, 2011. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired plus one guest.  May purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. Proof of service (Military or Retired ID, DD214, VA Hospital ID). For additional information visit: http://www.knotts.com/public/admission/prices/deals.cfm

Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago): Discounts and special tours November 11, 2011.  11 percent discount on food and retail items. 20% discount on new memberships. Exclusive opportunity to feed the zoo’s Baringo giraffes at 11:00 A.M., noon, 1:00 P.M..and 2:00 P.M. (limit 10 per feeding). Special tours sharing zoo conservation success stories, including bald eagles, red wolves abd tge wildlife Serengeti. Noon and 1:00 P.M (limit 12 per tour). Eligibility: “All Veterans” and their families. Proof of Service required. For additional information visit: http://www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/111111

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens (Mount Vernon, VA): Free admission November 11, 2011. Special activities throughout the day include free patriotic community concerts by the all-veteran barbershop chorus The Harmony Heritage Singers at 11:00 A.M. and the U.S. Air Force Strings at 3:00 P.M. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired.  Proof of service is not specified. For additional information visit: http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/view/2011-11-11/3723

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens (Naples, FL): Free admission November 11-14, 2011. Additional guests receive a $2.00 discount from regular admission fee. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired.  Proof of membership includes: Active Duty military identification, papers verifying entitlement to military benefits
and matching name photo ID, or membership card in a veteran’s organization and matching name photo ID. For additional information visit: http://www.napleszoo.org/New/events-2006.htm

National Parks: Fee free November 11-13, 2011. Over 100 National Parks in 42 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands will waive fees for the Veterans’ Day Weekend.  Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise. Eligibility: Everyone, military and non-military. For additional information visit: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

Natural Elements Spa & Salon (Chesapeake, VA): Free mini spa services November 11, 2011 from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Reservations are required. Eligibility: Active and Retired.  Proof of service is not specified. For additional information visit: http://www.natural-elementsspa.com/

Oregon Zoo (Portland, OR): Free admission and store discount on November 11, 2011.  10% ZooStore discount to all military veterans and active military personnel, as well as family members who accompany them to the zoo. Families of deployed military personnel will also be given free admission and a ZooStore discount. Eligibility: Veteran, Active Duty, Retired. Proof of service required (military or veteran organization ID, discharge papers or other official military
identification).  For additional information visit: http://www.oregonzoo.org/

Parades: Over 100 parades across the country commemorating Veterans’ Day.  VETFRIENDS identified over 100 parades that are free to attend and open to everyone. To find a parade near you visit: http://www.vetfriends.com/parades/index.cfm

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (Tacoma): Free Admission November 11, 2011. Eligible: Web page indicates active duty or Retired. However, proof of service allows for proof of honorable service (military/veteran identification card, discharge papers, DD214s, or any other proof of honorable US military service). For additional information visit: http://www.pdza.org/calendar.php?eid=71

Public Lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Recreation-related fees waived November 11-13, 2011. Over 270 million acres including 886 federally recognized areas (national monuments, national conservation areas, wilderness areas, wilderness study areas, wild and scenic rivers, national scenic and historic trails, and conservation lands of the California desert). Eligibility: Everyone, military and non-military. For additional information visit:
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/Recreation/BLM_Fee_Free_Days.html

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (Columbia, SC): Free admission November 11, 2011, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.  Eligibility: Active duty and Retired. Military ID
required.  For additional information visit: http://www.riverbanks.org/

San Antonio Symphony and the United States Air Force Band of the West Veterans Day Concert: Free admission November 13, 2011. Eligibility: Everyone, military and non-military are eligible. For additional information visit: http://www.sasymphony.org/2011/09/free-veterans-day-concert/

San  Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX): Free admission November 7-13, 2011: November 7-13 free admission to the theatre and Observation Floor.  November 12-13 free admission to the special exhibit “Making a Mark, Leaving a Legacy.” Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired and their families. For additional information visit: http://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/About_Us/Calendar/

SeaWorld Orlando: Free admission remainder of 2011. Must register on line or at the park. Eligibility: Active Duty military and up to three dependents. Military ID required. Free admission is good for only one Anheuser-Busch Park. For additional information visit: http://www.herosalute.com/states/free_admission_summary.html

SeaWorld San Diego: Free admission remainder of 2011. Must register on line or at the park. Eligibility: Active Duty military and up to three dependents. Military ID required. Free admission is good for only one Anheuser-Busch Park. For additional information visit: http://www.herosalute.com/states/free_admission_summary.html

SeaWorld San Antonio: Free admission remainder of 2011. Limited days in November and December.  Must register on line or at the park. Eligibility: Active Duty military and up to three dependents.  Military ID required. Free admission is good for only one Anheuser-Busch Park.  For additional information visit: http://www.herosalute.com/states/free_admission_summary.htm

Sesame Place at Langhorne, PA: Free admission remainder of 2011. Limited days in November and December.  Must register on line or at the park.  Eligibility: Active Duty military and up to three dependents.  Military ID required. Free admission is good for only one Anheuser-Busch Park. For additional information visit: http://www.herosalute.com/states/free_admission_summary.htm

Titanic Museum Attraction (Branson, MO): Free admission November 5-11, 2011.  World’s largest museum dedicated to the Titanic Ocean liner. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired.  Proof of service required. For additional information visit: http://www.explorebranson.com/calendar/event.php?id=2263

University of California-Davis Football Game: Discounted tickets November 12, 2011. UC Davis football vs. North Dakota Salute to Heroes Day. Eligibility: Veterans, Active Duty, Retired.  Proof of service is not specified. For additional information visit: http://www.ucdavisaggies.com/ot/10-11-promos.html.

USS Midway Museum (San Diego): Free admission, November 11, 2011. Eligibility:“all veterans.” Proof of service is not specified. For additional information
visit: http://www.midway.org/veteransday

Vicksburg National Military Park:  Free admission November 11-13, 2011. The grounds include over 1,300 monuments and a restored Civil War gunboat. For additional information see National Parks above or visit: http://www.nps.gov/vick/planyourvisit/events.htm

Virginia Air & Space Center (Hampton, VA):  Free admission November 11 – 14, 2011. The official visitor center for NASA’s Langley Research Center.
Also receive 20% off Imagination Station, Your One Stop Science Shop & in the Cosmic Cafe.  Eligible:Veteran, Active Duty, Retired.  Active duty or veteran ID required.  For additional information visit: http://www.vasc.org/index.html

Don’t forget to come back tomorrow. We’ll be discussing the plethora of free meals available this week.