Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11, 2025. It’s important to recognize and thank the men and women in the military services, along with their families. We provide ideas on how kids can thank a veteran and some local resources.
Thank a Veteran Ideas for Kids
Do a Craft
There is plenty of Veterans Day crafts on Pinterest to help kids learn about the meaning of Veterans Day or ways to say thank you.
Connect with a Veteran
Make sure to schedule a call with a veteran you know outside of your household, whether it’s grandma, grandpa, aunt or uncle. Do a video call and have your kids show their thanks in a creative way.
Put a Flag in Your Yard
Have the kids help you to put up an American flag. Talk to them about the importance of Veterans Day and honoring those who served.
Write a Thank You Notes
Help your kids write thank you notes and then drop them off to your local VFW, (Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.) or Veterans Affairs office.
Free Eats and Promotions for Veterans
Applebees. This Veterans Day, all Veterans and Active Duty Military members receive a free entree from a special menu. U.S. Veterans and Active Duty Military simply show proof of military service. www.applebees.com/en/veterans-day
Bibibop. This Veterans Day, BIBIBOP Asian Grill is providing a free bowl to veterans and active military when they visit any locations in-store on November 11th. Veterans and active military members must present a military ID or identify as a veteran or active military member. bibibop.com
Bob Evans. On November 11, Bob Evans will be offering a special menu of seven homestyle favorites available to veterans and active duty military FREE* at their local Bob Evans Restaurant. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. bobevans.com
Buffalo Wild Wings. Buffalo Wild Wings is honoring past and present armed service members by offering 10 FREE Boneless Wings and Fries with valid ID on Veterans Day. Available dine-in and walk-in at participating locations.
buffalowildwings.com/
Chili’s. All veterans & active military members can get a free meal on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025 at all participating Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants. Available in-restaurant only for select items.
qa1.chilis.com/restaurant-events/veterans-day
Chipotle. The military community can enjoy any entrée and get a second entrée for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov.11 at restaurants across the U.S. All guests with a valid military ID are eligible for the promotion. How It Works: On Tuesday, November 11 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time, guests who present their valid military ID at any U.S. Chipotle restaurant and enjoy an entrée in-restaurant will receive a second entrée for free.* The promotion applies to Chipotle bowls, burritos, salads and taco entrees.
https://www.chipotle.com/
Mission BBQ. Free sandwich on Veterans Day for our veterans.
mission-bbq.com/
Outback Steakhouse. We’re honoring military mates with a free Aussie 3-course meal. Enjoy a starter, choice of select entrée, and dessert when you dine-in restaurant on Nov. 10 and 11 to celebrate the Marine Corp birthday and Veterans Day. Show your military ID to your server to redeem.
outback.com/offers/military-mates
Sheetz. Veterans and active duty military members can get a free car wash and a free meal from Sheetz. The convenience store will offer the $9 car wash option for free at its locations that include a car wash on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.
Starbucks. This Veterans Day, Starbucks is honoring those who have served with a free tall (12-ounce) hot or cold brewed coffee for Veterans, military service members and military spouses who visit participating U.S. Starbucks stores on Nov. 11.
Texas Roadhouse
On Veterans Day, they are honored to offer free meals to veterans and active military members across the country.
texasroadhouse.com/
Local Events
Veterans Day at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. To celebrate their selfless service, the aquarium is offering active-duty military, veterans and first responders* free Aquarium admission and free parking November 7 – 11, 2025. Explore seven immersive galleries and participate in fun daily activities ranging from our Sharks & Scuba Underwater Q&A to public shark or stingray feeds! Eligible guests must present appropriate ID. Appreciation offer is only available in-person. Please do not purchase tickets online if you intend to take advantage of this offer. It cannot be combined with other discounts or offers. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, greaterclevelandaquarium.com/event/veterans-day-weekend/
Veterans’ Appreciation Day at the Akron Zoo. All veterans receive free admission with a valid military I.D. Immediate family members receive 50% off admission on Nov 7-11. Veteran discounts are not available online. To receive a Veterans’ Appreciation Day discount, please come to the ticket counter to purchase tickets. akronzoo.org/veterans-appreciation-day
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Celebrate this Veterans Day with your friends at Cleveland Metroparks. On November 11, all military personnel & veterans receive free admission to the Zoo with a military I.D. clevelandmetroparks.com
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens invites all veterans and members of the military to take a complimentary self-guided tour of the Manor House and gardens on Tuesday November 11. Please present your military ID upon arrival.
