13 Memorial Day Freebies, Deals and Events

Summertime is nearly upon us, bringing abundant barbecues, copious camp outs and fun-in-the-sun galore.

Memorial Day weekend is arguably the granddaddy of summer kick-offs, so what better way to greet the season than with free activities, hot deals and events that honor the occasion.

Here are 13 ways to recognize Memorial Day, save some cash and still enjoy the long weekend because — after all — you (hopefully) have the day off.

1. AAA Tipsy Tow 
   Plan on partying a wee bit hard this Memorial Day? Residents of select areas in the southeastern U.S. can take advantage of AAA’s Tow-to-Go service.
2. Air Shows 
   Check out the searchable database of airshows scheduled for Memorial Day weekend throughout the country, as offered by the EAA.
3. Bass Pro Shops
   Participating stores will help your kids have a ball Saturday and Sunday with crafts, activities, seminars and giveaways.
4. Baymont Inns & Suites
   Book a 3-day stay over Memorial Day weekend at a Baymont Inn & Suite and receive a 20-percent discount.
5. Blue Star Museums
   More than 1,500 museums across the country are offering free admission for active military personnel and up to five family members. Call ahead to see if your local museum is participating.
6. Museum of Fine Arts-Boston
   Visitors from Boston and beyond can visit for free between 10 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. between May 25 and May 27. All on-site contributions will go toward The One Fund Boston.
7. Hooters
   Active military and veterans get 10 free wings on Monday, May 27 at participating locations of Hooters with military ID.
8. Days Inn
   Book a 3-day stay over the weekend and receive a 20-percent discount.
9. Home Depot
   All active duty and retirees receive a 10-percent discount on Memorial Day for purchases of up to $500.
10. Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City Water Parks
    Admission is free to active and retired military personnel on Sunday and Monday. You can also purchase up to six discounted admission tickets for members of your immediate family.
11. Lowe’s
    Active duty military and their family members as well as retired military and VA recipients receive a 10-percent discount on all personal purchases.
12. Parades
    VetFriends offers a state-by-state list of Memorial Day parades scheduled throughout the country.
13. Ramada Inns
    Getaway for the long weekend with a super savings of 20 percent when you stay for three nights or more.

Photo by soldiersmediacenter