COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio prepares to observe Veterans Day on November 11, businesses, cultural landmarks, and service providers across the state are rolling out a wide range of free meals, complimentary admissions, and complimentary services to honor active-duty military personnel and military veterans.
The annual gestures aim to offer a small token of gratitude to the men and women who have already paid the price through their service to the nation.
Complimentary Dining Across the State
Restaurants and coffee shops throughout Ohio are inviting veterans to enjoy complimentary meals and refreshments. Service members can start the morning with a free tall hot or iced brewed coffee at Starbucks or a free donut at Dunkin’.
For lunch and dinner, a variety of national and regional dining chains are offering free entrees from select menus for dine-in guests, including Bob Evans, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Olive Garden, and Red Robin. Other popular destinations—including City Barbeque, Texas Roadhouse, and Golden Corral—are celebrating the holiday by providing free sandwiches, meal vouchers, or hosting annual military appreciation buffets.
Free Dining & Food
- Bob Evans: Free entree from a special menu (includes hotcakes, breakfast platters, and dinner entrees) for dine-in guests.
- Applebee’s: Free full-size entree from a select Veterans Day menu for dine-in.
- City Barbeque: Free sandwich, one side, and a drink for veterans and active-duty military.
- Texas Roadhouse: Free meal voucher or special dine-in lunch menu distributed to military members during designated hours.
- Chili’s: Free meal from a select menu for dine-in.
- Golden Corral: Free dinner buffet during their annual Military Appreciation Night.
- Red Robin: Free Red’s Tavern Double Burger served with Bottomless Steak Fries.
- Olive Garden: Free entree from a special menu for dine-in customers.
- IHOP: Free stack of Red, White & Blue Pancakes or a pancake combo platter.
- Starbucks: Free tall (12 oz) hot or iced brewed coffee for veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses.
- Dunkin’: Free donut of choice (no purchase necessary).
Free Admission to Parks, Zoos, and Museums
Beyond dining, major cultural and recreational destinations across Ohio are opening their doors at no cost to former and current service members:
- National and State Parks: Entrance fees are waived at all National Park Service locations nationwide on November 11, including Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Ross County. Ohio State Parks also offer ongoing discounts of 10% to 20% on camping and lodge stays for active military and veterans.
- Ohio Zoos: Major facilities across the state—including the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Toledo Zoo, and Akron Zoo—are offering free admission to veterans and active-duty personnel on Veterans Day or over the holiday weekend.
- Museums & Historical Sites: The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton is granting free admission to veterans throughout the entire month of November, along with discounted entry for up to four guests. In Dayton, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force continues its year-round policy of free admission and parking while hosting special commemorative honor events.
Free Admission & Ohio Attractions
- National Parks (e.g., Hopewell Culture National Historical Park): Entrance fees are waived for everyone at all National Park Service sites on November 11.
- Ohio Zoos: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military at major facilities across the state, including the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Toledo Zoo, and Akron Zoo (offers typically run on Veterans Day or over Veterans Day weekend).
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton): Free admission for veterans and active service members throughout the month of November, plus discounted admission for up to four guests.
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (Dayton): General admission and parking are always free year-round, featuring special military honor exhibits and events on Veterans Day.
- Ohio State Parks: Year-round military discounts (10% to 20% off camping, cabins, and resort lodges) available to active military and veterans, with local park events across the state.
Haircuts and Car Washes
Personal care and vehicle maintenance providers are also joining in the holiday honors. Regional car wash operators, including Mike’s Carwash, Crew Carwash, and Moo Moo Express, will provide free top-tier car washes to veterans and active military members at participating Ohio locations on November 11…