Have you made plans yet for Veterans Day? We alternate between attending a local parade or a service at the state Veterans cemetery. Both offer humbling opportunities for our family to talk about those who served before us, the various eras/wars in which they were engaged and more.
Either presents a learning experience like no other – particularly as a military family.
Looking for an alternative? While a number of companies offer year-round military discounts for active duty service members, there is an even greater abundance available surrounding Veterans Day.
Most are extended to vets and active duty. You can find an extensive list of national offers available here – from free meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner!), service (I’m scheduled for a free oil change at Meineke!), travel, home improvement (I wish!) and more!
This year, see how you can make these fit into your homeschooling… or at minimum – family fun! Look around locally too! We’ve found a number of treasures by calling places we wanted to visit or by shares by other military families.
Feel free to post your own finds!
Categories to consider:
1) Museums / Historical sites – Many are offering free or discounted admission to veterans / active duty members such as 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Colonial Williamsburg, Mt. Vernon, Seattle Art Museum, etc.
2) Recreational Areas – National, state & some local parks charging admission will be free for Veterans on 11/11. (*Note*: Active duty military families are able to obtain a FREE ANNUAL pass from the park station.)
3) Amusement / Entertainment – Free / discounted admissions are available at numerous entertainment venues for military families (active duty and veterans!) These include amusement parks such as Legoland, Knotts Berry Farm, Anheuser-Busch Parks and more. Zoos are on board — including Birmingham Zoo and Dallas Zoo. Strike it big at the bowling alley (free games!) We even found a holiday display offering free family admission for military families! You can incorporate educational ideas into your visit by visiting their website ahead of time. Remember – kids (and parents!) can learn through play.
Whatever you do – know Veterans Day is a day which we choose to honor not only those who have served wearing the uniform, but those at home too! As we all know too well – it is a family enlistment! Thank YOU for your service!