Military kids deserve all. the. things.
All of them.
They handle so much, so young. Which is why this giant list of free (yes, free!) and discounted stuff for military kids is ideal!
The Huge List of Freebies and Discounts for Things Military Kids Will Love!
Show your military kiddo just how much they mean with thoughtful trips, gifts, and products they’ll love. No one else has to know you scored a sweet deal.
Note: Some activities or events may be cancelled or altered in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Please check each option carefully. Review COVID safety and travel protocols prior to booking any out-of-state travel. The inclusion of an event, retreat, or activity does not constitute an endorsement of safety or availability by Jo, My Gosh or the author.
Adventures & Vacations for Military Kids
- Busch Gardens: enjoy one free day in the park every year
- Sea World: military families can grab up to 4 free park passes annually
- Sesame Place: hang with Elmo and company for free once per year
- National Parks: military kids can explore the wonders of the United States–for free
- State Parks: check with the state parks in your location or destination for military discounts or free passes
- Eagle Rock Camp: reconnect as a family at this free faith-based therapeutic retreat
- Boulder Crest: spend time with your whole family, enjoying the great outdoors, in Virginia or Arizona
- Operation Purple Family Retreats: a program of the National Military Family Association, enjoy a few days away with the whole family
- Beaches Resorts: jet to the Caribbean for an all-inclusive family vacation at 10% off
- Disney World: explore the happiest place on earth at a discount
- Shades of Green: your kids will love this military-exclusive resort hotel located on Disney World’s grounds
- Armed Forces Vacation Club: book the family vacation of your dreams to exciting destinations in the US or around the world
- MWR Resorts: located in Hawai’i, Korea and Germany these military-only resorts are perfect for your next adventure
- Theme Parks: a theme park near you may offer free or discounted admission to military families, like these from Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida
Summer Camps for Kids
- Camp Corral: military kids can connect with each other at free camps across the country
- Operation Purple Camp: send your military kid to camp (for free) with other military kids this summer
- Armed Services YMCA: check with the ASYMCA near you for summer camp options
- American Wanderer: military kids 11-17 can enjoy a traveling summer camp at a discount
- Military Teen Adventure Camps: older teens (14-18) can explore their wild side in a supervised setting – free
- Camp Yellow Ribbon: military kids, ages 7-15, can head to Wisconsin for a week of carefree, free fun
- Local Summer Camps: many local camps, including city and privately operated options, may offer a military discount, so make sure you ask
Sports & Athletics
- Gameday for Heroes: score free tickets to a sporting event near you thanks to this non-profit
- Deployed Family Outdoors: enjoy a donated hunting or fishing trip with your family
- ASYMCA: join a free YMCA, designed just for military families, that provides all the great options the Y is known for
- YMCA: some affiliate YMCAs offer special programs and offers for military families; contact your local branch to learn more
- MLB Tickets: check with your favorite team to see if they offer specially priced military tickets–many also offer special kids club deals for MilKids!
- That’s My Ride: USOs around the country may offer a program that distributes free bikes to military kids, check with your local USO
Entertainment
- Blue Star Theater: you can see a play for free, thanks to Blue Star Families
- Military Exchange Kids Club: explore this online platform for digital exclusive and printables
- AMC Movie Theaters: join Veterans Advantage to score discounted movie tickets
- Cinemark Theaters: enjoy the next movie premier for less
- Regal Cinemas: a military discount is available at select locations
- MWR Theaters: watch your favorite movies on the cheap when you stay on base
- USO Ticket Line: some USO locations offer free tickets to local music, theater or sporting events; contact your local office today
- ITT: the leisure and travel office at your base may offer discounted or donated tickets for concerts, theater or sports; check with your local office
Museums & Culture
- Blue Star Museums: museums, zoos, and other educational organizations across the country open their doors to military families from Memorial Day to Labor Day for free
- Art & Creativity for Healing: military kids in SoCal can enjoy a free art supplies kit from this local nonprofit
- Children’s Museums: many museums will have free or discounted admission for military kids and their families; Boston, San Diego and NYC all offer options
- Aquariums: some aquariums offer year-round discounts on admission or membership for military families, including Baltimore, Boston, and Atlanta
- Zoos: many zoos, including the San Diego Zoo, offer free or discounted tickets to military troops and their families throughout the year
- Museums: military.com has built a comprehensive list that features many of the museums around the US that offer military discounts
Learning & Reading
- Back to School Brigade: Operation Homefront supports military kids with free backpacks stuffed with school supplies
- Tutor.com: military families are eligible for free online tutoring
- Blue Star Books: spark the love of reading in your children with this free program
- United Through Reading: your kids can read with you or far away family and friends
- Legacy Kids Magazine: join BSF for free to receive your complimentary first issue and score 20% off your subscription
- Sesame Street for Military Kids: Sesame Workshop has created and curated content and resources to support military kids through all life’s adventures or obstacles
- MWR Digital Library: checkout books no matter where you’re physically located with a military-specific online platform full of amazing kid-centered content
Other Fun Free Things
- Operation Kid Comfort: some ASYMCAs offer this program to provide free or very cheap custom quilts or pillowcases to military kids
- Caribu: read, draw and play – all on a video call service that’s free for military families via Blue Star Families
- Boys & Girls Club: military kids enjoy a free membership at Clubs nationwide via Blue Star Families
