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These Restaurants Are Offering Vets Free Meals on Veterans Day

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free meals on veterans day

Veterans Day is November 11. Those who have a veteran in their life or are veterans themselves may be looking for a way to celebrate the day. Most of the time, this means going out for lunch or dinner. However, you don’t need to spend a ton of money to celebrate your favorite vet. A large number of restaurants are offering free meals on Veterans Day. Here are some of the best freebies available this year. 

Free Meals on Veterans Day at Applebees

Applebees is offering its usual Veterans Day deal: a free meal to all veterans. Check the Applebees website to find out what kind of identification will be accepted to take advantage of this freebie. Most restaurants require you to have your military ID.

IHOP Freebies

IHOP is honoring the men and women in uniform by offering them a free stack of red, white and blueberry pancakes. This offer is available for vets and active-duty military. You must provide proof of service to cash in on this deal.

Free Meals at Chili’s

Anytime on Sunday, November 11 you can stop in at Chili’s and receive a free meal if you are a veteran. Like many of the other free meals on Veterans Day, you will need to show proof of service to get your food for free.

Krispy Kreme Veterans Day Offer

If you love donuts, you’ll love this deal. Krispy Kreme will be offering a free donut to every veteran or active duty personnel with valid ID. Individuals wishing to cash in on this offer will need to do so in-store. The offer will not be available at the drive-thru.

Olive Garden Free Offer

On Sunday, November 11, veterans can get a free meal at Olive Garden. There may be some restrictions on menu items included in the freebie. You’ll also need to verify your military status with the Olive Garden staff with a military ID, U.S. Uniform Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, or Veterans Organization Card.

Free Breakfast at Denny’s

Just like last year, Denny’s is offering a FREE Build Your Own Grand Slam Breakfast. The offer is only valid on Sunday from 5 a.m. to noon.

Veterans Day Freebies at Outback Steakhouse

Veterans can get a free coke product and Bloomin’ Onion on November 11. Also, between November 8 and November 10, military, police, firefighters, and first responders will receive a 20% discount on their total check. You will need valid identification to claim these offers.

Golden Corral Veterans Day

Golden Corral is offering its Veterans Day freebie on Monday, November 12. Anyone who has served or currently served in the military will receive a free meal and drink from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. No ID is required.

Free Meals on Veterans Day at Red Lobster

Red Lobster is offering free appetizers or desserts to vets on Sunday AND Monday this year. Valid ID is necessary to claim this freebie.

Texas Roadhouse Veterans Day

Texas Roadhouse is offering free meals on Veterans Day. The offer is dine-in only and may be restricted to certain hours of the day. Be sure to call ahead and confirm with the Texas Roadhouse nearest you before heading out.

TGI Fridays Free Meals

TGI Friday is offering a free meal to all veterans on Sunday AND Monday for Veterans Day with valid ID. Hours the freebie can be redeemed may vary location-to-location. Give your local Fridays a call prior to heading out for your Veterans Day celebration.

O’Charley’s Veterans Day Freebies

O’Charley’s offers a 10% discount for members of the military all year long. They are also serving up freebies for Veterans Day. Participating O’Charley’s locations are offering a free meal for vets on Sunday and Monday this year. Veterans and active-duty military members will be able to choose from the Thank You Menu. Valid identification is required to redeem this deal.

Red Robin Veterans Day

Red Robin is serving up deals for vets too. Veterans and active duty military with valid identification will receive a free Red’s Tavern Burger and bottomless steak fries at participating restaurants. Call ahead to confirm.

Veterans Day at Buffalo Wild Wings

Veterans and active-duty military can get a free small order of boneless or traditional wings with a side of fries on Sunday. This offer is for dine-in only and is only offered at participating Buffalo Wild Wings locations.

If you or a member of your family is a veteran or active duty military tomorrow is the day to take advantage of some of the great deals being offered as our way of saying thank you for your service. Remember many of the offers require proof of I.D. or a uniform.

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Free Turkey: 12 Ways To Get One For Thanksgiving

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Free turkey

The price of serving Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people hovers around $50. Depending on the size of your group, it could cost even more. It is always wise to search for ways to trim the cost of your meal. Some people have decided to do that by holding potluck dinners for the holiday. Others search for low-cost or free food items to put on their table. Here’s where you can find a free turkey this year!

Grocery Store Buy A Certain Amount, Get A Free Turkey

The easiest way to get a free turkey is through a promotion at your local grocer. Usually, these come in the form of “buy a certain amount of groceries and get a free turkey.”

Sometimes the dollar amount to get your turkey free is a bit high (like $100) though so you may be better off simply paying for the bird and your sides. However, if you’re already planning on doing your grocery shopping that week, you may be able to score a free turkey by spending the cash you’d normally spend anyway.

If you aren’t planning on spending $100 on groceries any time soon, you may consider offering to do your friends’ shopping for them. During this time of year, many people would appreciate not having to go into the stores themselves, and you can keep the free turkey as your “payment” for running their errands.

You can also decrease the total amount required to get a free turkey by using coupons. Generally, the amount to trigger your freebie is calculated prior to any coupons being applied.

It is important to note that many of these promotions have rules. Most of them will exclude gift cards and alcohol from qualifying purchases to get your turkey free.

Grocery Store Buy 1, Get 1 Free Turkey

BOGO turkeys are another popular promotion at this time of year. Sometimes it is to buy one turkey, get one free. Other times it may require you to buy another type of food. For instance, some stores may have a buy one ham, get a turkey free. This is a great way to prep for your Christmas dinner a month or more ahead of time while also trimming the cost of your Thanksgiving meal.

The same idea from above applies here as well. If you have friends or family that need help getting their shopping done, you can keep a free turkey for yourself!

‘Other’ Store Promotions

Places like Target have begun to roll out food sections in recent years. Sometimes this can be a great place to find a free or low-cost turkey. Most of the time, these stores compete with grocers by offer free turkey promotions. To find out if a store near you has this, check out the local newspaper advertisements in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

Find Local Contests

Depending on your location, there may be a few ways to win a free turkey too. Listen for local radio call-in contests and local news contests. You can also check the local newspaper and any community bulletins for additional opportunities. If you are motivated, you can discover a number of ways to score a free bird this Thanksgiving.

Search Through Your Junk Mail

Before you throw away your junk mail, flip through and see if there are any free turkey promotions hiding in there. For instance, a local car dealer may be giving away free turkeys to people who come down to test drive a vehicle (how easy is that?).

Trade on Craiglist

If you’re short on money but have something of value lying around the house, you may be able to trade the item on Craigslist for a Thanksgiving turkey. Although this isn’t completely “free,” you won’t have to spend a dime on your turkey.

Pay Attention to Catalina Coupons

Catalina coupons are typically printed out at checkout or sit by the cash register for customers. Some of these may offer a certain dollar amount off your entire purchase. If you are able to find one to cover the purchase of a turkey, it is an easy way to get it for free.

Keep an eye out for this kind of coupon throughout the year and you can get a few hundred dollars worth of food for free. If you don’t see them by the checkout, you can also check empty carts and trash cans near the checkout. Many people toss these coupons out without a second thought.

Where to Get a Turkey If You Can’t Afford One

Not everyone is able to make the purchases necessary to get a free turkey. If you simply can’t afford one, there are a number of options available to you to get a Thanksgiving meal on the table at no cost to you.

Food Bank

Almost all local food banks will have turkeys to give away for the holidays. Many grocery stores offer the option to donate your second turkey from BOGO sales to charity. Because most people don’t need two turkeys, it benefits food banks greatly. Grocers are also known to donate their excess turkeys to food banks after Thanksgiving as well.

United Way

United Way is a fantastic organization that will be able to connect you with a partner to help you get a free turkey. This organization has connections in every community that can assist you with your Thanksgiving meal and just about any other social service you may need.

Reach Out on Craigslist

Craigslist was mentioned above as a way to get a free turkey by trading items for the food. However, you can also make a request on these sites. Give a detailed story of why you need the assistance around the holidays. This isn’t a guaranteed route to getting a turkey for free but it is worth a try if you’re in need.

Local Charities and Agencies

Churches and social service agencies in the area are also likely to be giving away free turkey to those in need. If your church is not offering this they will likely have contacts of where you may be able to get help.

Post to Social Media

There is no doubt social media has the ability to make a huge impact in the lives of, well, everyone. Putting out a simple request to your friends or followers may result in getting help. There are also a number of Reddit threads for “random acts of kindness.” These may be good places to request a free turkey as well.

Lastly, if getting a free turkey sounds like a hassle, you can go to the grocery store and just pick one out. Stay tuned for information on what grocers have the best prices this year!

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Halloween Spending is on the Rise: What Kind of Halloween Candy is the Cheapest?

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What kind of halloween candy is the cheapest

Halloween has become one of America’s favorite holidays. This year, Halloween spending is expected to reach $9 million. But that doesn’t mean you should have to spend a ton of money celebrating. If you’re looking for a way to save on your celebration, you may be asking yourself two questions, “what kind of Halloween candy is the cheapest” and “where are the best Halloween candy deals?”

What Kind of Halloween Candy is the Cheapest?

In general, the more generic brands of candy are going to be the cheapest to hand out on Halloween. Brand names like Hershey’s and M&M’s will be on sale, but they’ll still be more expensive than generic candy. These are the cheapest kinds of candy you’ll find in 2018.

  • Necco Wafers
  • Dubble Bubble Gum
  • Jawbreakers
  • Good & Plenty
  • Tootsie Rolls
  • Smarties
  • Candy Jewelry
  • Mary Jane Peanut Butter Kisses Candy
  • Licorice
  • Bit-O-Honey
  • Circus Peanuts
  • Candy Dots
  • Wax Bottles
  • Now and Laters
  • Candy cigarettes
  • Boston Baked Beans
  • Anything generic

Finding Cheap Name-Brand Candy

As mentioned above, name-brand candies will be on sale this time of year for Halloween. Looking at the list above, non-chocolate candy seems to be among the cheapest. So, if you are looking for cheap name-brand stuff, you may want to head the way of Smarties, Air Heads, and the like.

Another way you can save on all types of name-brand candy (chocolate and non-chocolate) is by buying the candy in bulk. Costco Halloween candy is amongst the cheapest name-brand candy to be had at this time of year. If you’re planning ahead, you may even want to grab some additional candy for Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas stockings.

Costco isn’t the only store offering up savings on Halloween candy this year either. Check out the stores below.

Target Halloween Candy

  • Mars Chocolate Favorites Halloween Variety Bag (90-count) – $8.99
  • Reese’s, Whoppers, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, and Twizzlers Variety Bag (110-count) – $8.99
  • Nestle Halloween Variety Bag (90-count) – $8.99
  • Skittles Original Fun Size (20-count) – $2.69
  • Skittles, Starburst and Life Savers Halloween Fun Size Mix (180-count) – $14.99

Candy at Walmart

Walmart also has some great deals available. Most of the bags available at this retailer are a bit larger than the ones found at Target, making the purchase more expensive, but the price-per-piece much cheaper.

  • Reese’s & Kit Kat, Halloween Candy Assortment (90-count) – $14.74
  • Child’s Play Candy Variety Bag (3.5 lbs) – $8.58
  • Smarties (3 lbs) – $15.41
  • Hershey’s Full-Size Chocolate Candy Bars (18-count) – $11.84
  • M&M’s Fun-Size Variety Bag (5.3 lbs) – $20.50

CVS Halloween Candy

CVS has a great Halloween deal going on for last-minute candy buyers. Buy one bag of candy, get the second one for free. The drugstore is also a good place to check the day after Halloween to score awesome deals on marked down candy for the rest of the year.

Amazon Candy Deals

In many places, you should be able to get same-day delivery with Amazon Prime. If that’s the case, you can still score great deals on Amazon when shopping for Halloween candy. Here are this year’s deals.

When it comes to finding out what kind of Halloween candy is the cheapest there are a few things to consider. What kind of candy do you what? How much are you willing to spend? How much do you need? Either way, these candy options are the cheapest out there this year.

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10 Financial Hacks for a Funeral

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Funerals can be one of the largest expenses in life, costing as much as $10,000 for just the casket and thousands more if you have a viewing and burial. Considering that the Social Security Death Benefit is only $255 (and not everyone has access to that assistance), it’s no surprise that many struggle to afford even an average funeral. Fortunately, there are ways to help lower the cost of a funeral, including some funeral alternatives that may meet your needs.

1. Consider Cremation with a Service

If you want to have a viewing, but are also open to cremation, then you do have lower cost options. Typically, you can rent a casket from the funeral home for the visitation and funeral service, and have the cremation using a standard, unfinished wooden box.

This can bring the total cost down to between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on your location and the services you select.

2. Explore Direct Cremation As One of Many Funeral Alternatives

If you don’t need to have a formal ceremony and viewing, then a direct cremation can be a suitable funeral alternative. Typically, this is the least expensive option available, potentially costing as little as $1,000.

While a funeral home may attempt to sell you a casket for a direct cremation, you don’t have to buy one. Instead, you can use the base container in the package, such as an unfinished wood box, or container made from cardboard, canvas or pressboard.

3. Shop Around Before Selecting a Funeral Home

Each funeral home sets their own prices, so you may be able to find a better deal by shopping around. Contact local funeral homes and request a general price list as well as package prices. Then, compare what they have to offer and choose one that meets your needs.

As you explore your options, take time to look at any reviews you can find. At times, using a particular funeral home may come with lackluster customer service, so you do need to consider that before making a decision.

4. Examine Direct Burial Options

A direct burial is usually the least expensive service through a funeral home. It does not include embalming or visitation, but can be coupled with a graveside service for an additional fee.

However, you may not have much time to plan for a direct burial. Since there is no embalming, you are working against the clock, so you may need to explore this option in advance.

5. Select an Economical Casket

Since a casket can be a significant portion of the total cost for a funeral, finding an economical option can help lower your cost. High-end materials and certain features come at a premium, but they aren’t typically necessary.

For example, a gasketed casket is often an upsell. It includes a rubber gasket that is meant to seal the casket against the elements. However, that feature isn’t necessary and doesn’t actually preserve the body; it only slows natural decomposition.

Plus, you don’t have to purchase a casket from a funeral home, even if you intend to use their other services. This means you might be able to save by exploring alternative sellers. For example, Costco and Amazon sell affordable caskets.

If you order online, make sure you are mindful of the shipping times. Caskets are large items, so they typically take more than a couple of days to arrive.

6. Donate the Body to Science

Another funeral alternative involves donating the body to science. If you select this route, a burial or cremation becomes unnecessary. Instead, the body assists with scientific advancement, education, or medical research.

It’s important to note that, once a body is donated, the family does not have much say in how the organization uses it. However, if the body goes to a medical school, most students are taught to treat it with respect. If this route seems right to you and your family, then you can contact medical schools to learn more about their programs. In some cases, schools will include a free cremation in exchange for the donation, allowing you to receive the remains in the end.

7. Hold the Funeral at an Economical Location

Choosing to host the visitation or funeral somewhere other than a funeral home can be a cost-effective approach. For example, holding the service at a family member’s home can be one of the least expensive options.

Alternatively, having the service at a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple may also cost less. However, each location controls their own schedule and pricing, so you’ll need to contact them directly to see if they can accommodate the service and to find out about the expense.

8. Forgo the Flowers

While flowers may be pretty, they aren’t always cheap. By skipping high-priced floral arrangements, you can keep your costs down.

If you simply must have flowers, consider going with fewer arrangements instead of a standard package. You could even gather wildflowers before the service or, if you are comfortable with flower arranging, buy cheap blooms from stores like Walmart and put them together yourself.

9. Take It Online

In some cases, simply getting everyone to the funeral can be costly. Plus, if you are assisting out-of-town family members with accommodations, the total cost can skyrocket.

If you have family members who want to witness the ceremony but are open to viewing it online, consider setting up a private live stream. This would allow everyone to virtually pay their respects, making it an affordable alternative to attending.

It is important to understand that not everyone will consider viewing the funeral online as being enough, so this isn’t necessarily an option you should force. But, it’s worth keeping on the table.

10. Comparison Shop for Markers

If you need a marker, it’s also wise to comparison shop before making a purchase. Again, there are multiple companies that can create markers, monuments, or headstones, so don’t feel like you don’t have a choice.

However, before you buy one, check with the cemetery to see if they have any policies, guidelines, or restrictions. There may be size limits or other standards you have to adhere to, so you want to make sure that you can meet them before you make a purchase.

Ultimately, by using the tips above, you can reduce the cost of a funeral or select a less expensive funeral alternative.

Know of another way to save on final expenses? Tell us about your funeral alternatives in the comments below.

Looking for more helpful hacks? Check these out:

Best Bargain Shopping for the End of Summer

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While summer doesn’t officially end until September 22, 2018, Labor Day is often considered the last unofficial day of the season. Many retailers hold their final summer sale around Labor Day, giving them an opportunity to offload summer-related items before the end of the season.

Specific product categories usually go on sale at the end of summer. This means savvy shoppers can find great summer sale bargains on a range of household goods, clothing, and even back-to-school items.

Understanding which categories are typically part of the last summer sale of the year can help you save big at the checkout counter, even when you shop online. If you are ready to scoop up a bargain, here are some items that usually go on sale this time of year.

Mattresses

Mattress sales often coincide with major holidays, and Labor Day is no exception. Large chain retailers typically make multiple mattress brands and styles available at discount prices as part of their last summer sale. This includes mattress-specific chains as well as department stores that sell mattresses.

Additionally, online-only stores like Overstock also reduce prices on mattresses this time of year. This increases the amount of competition, so the discounts can be very large. In some cases, you may find discounts at or above 50 percent, so keep your eyes open if you need a new mattress.

Outdoor Furniture and Grills

Most people purchase patio furniture and grills near the end of spring and beginning of summer. Since the barbecue season is coming to a close, retailers want to get these items out of their inventory as quickly as possible.

Summer sales often include discounts on outdoor furniture, grills, and even gardening tools. Swing sets and outdoor play equipment also have lower prices. If you need to replace any of these goods or want to prepare for next summer, buying these items now can help you save big.

Household Appliances

Another category that typically goes on sale near Labor Day is major appliances. This includes items like refrigerators, ovens, and even washers and dryers.

Stores like Best Buy, Lowe’s, Sears, and Home Depot commonly have substantial appliance sales near the end of summer. Discounts can reach 30 percent off or higher, and you may even get free delivery and removal of your old appliance.

Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

End of summer sales are also common at auto dealerships. Usually, the new model year hits car dealer lots in the fall, so they want to get rid of any older models before the new ones arrive.

For example, the 2019 cars, trucks, and SUVs will start becoming available at dealerships in the fall of 2018. This means you may find great deals on new 2018 and even remaining new 2017 vehicles as part of a summer sale.

If you really want to score a deal, also shop for a new car at the end of the month and later in the day. Usually, salespeople are working to meet their monthly sales quotas as the month closes and may be more willing to reduce a vehicles price near the end of the day so that they can finish up the deal and head home.

Televisions

While the biggest TV sales usually happen in November, some retailers begin making room for the new model year as early as September. This means you can find discounted televisions as electronics retailers and department stores, making it a decent time to shop for a TV.

However, if you want to score a real bargain, you may need to wait until October or November. Just keep in mind that Black Friday competition can be fierce for electronics, so you can always take advantage of sale prices now if you want to avoid the hassle.

Warm Weather Clothing and Shoes

Since cooler weather is on the horizon, you can find great discounts on summer attire. Stores are working to clear summer clothing and shoes out of the inventory, ensuring they have room for fall items.

Tank tops, shorts, summer t-shirts, sandals, bathing suits, and similar items might be available as either part of a summer sale or on clearance racks. Either way, you can purchase a number of items at great prices.

If you want to make the most of these bargains, look for shirts that can be layered under fall jackets, cardigans, or flannels. Then, you can keep using these pieces even when the weather begins to turn.

Additionally, you can always buy shoes and clothing for next summer, letting you save money now while building a great summer 2019 wardrobe. Just make sure, if you are shopping for your children, that you consider buying larger sizes than they need today. That way, if they have a growth spirt, everything will still fit.

Office and Back-to-School Supplies

Since school is either in session or will be soon, many retailers are starting to put office and back-to-school items on sale at the end of summer. This can include anything from pens and pencils to computers and printers, so keep your eyes open for bargains.

It is important to note that office and back-to-school supplies might not be at their cheapest yet, as they might not go on clearance until early fall. However, there could still be great deals to be had, and you’ll have a better selection than if you wait.

Wine

One category that typically goes on sale at the end of summer that may surprise you is wine. Often, wine retailers are preparing for the new harvest to come in, so they may discount select wines to make room.

Check at your local retailers, liquor stores, and even wineries to see if they are holding a sale. Discounts can vary, and not everyone offers one, but you may be able to save 20 percent or more on your favorite wines.

Exterior Paint

Most people complete outside painting projects during the summer. As temperatures cool, many exteriors paints go on sale, allowing you to save big if you need to repaint your house, fence, or outdoor furniture.

Home improvement stores, paint retailers, and even department stores like Walmart may have a summer sale on paint, so consider shopping around if you really want to find a bargain.

iPhones

Usually, the announcement of the newest iteration of the iPhone comes out in the early fall. This means you can get the current model for less near the end of summer because cell phone retailers are preparing for the new model.

Once a new iPhone model goes on sale, the previous version is always discounted since it is no longer the latest and greatest option. As long as you are okay with being a model year behind, you can save big by purchasing the device after the announcement.

Ultimately, end of summer sales are a great time to find bargains in all of the categories above. If you want to save big, start keeping your eyes open for sale flyers, particularly as Labor Day approaches.

Do you know about any other great summer sales? If so, let us know in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about shopping bargains? Check out these articles:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

National Park Day is Coming – What Freebies are Available?

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There are over 400 national parks spread across the US. A few times a year, the National Park Service waves the traditional entry fees, allowing visitors to enjoy these wonderful locations at no cost.

September’s national park day coincides with National Public Lands Day, an annual event that falls on the fourth Saturday of September each year. In 2018, National Public Lands Day falls on September 22.

Plus, 2018 is a special year, making it a great time to head to the park. Not only is it the 25th anniversary of National Public Lands Day, but it’s also the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System and National Trails System 50th anniversary year.

The History of National Public Lands Day

Originally established in 1994, National Public Lands Day is a celebration of the connection between magnificent green spaces and their communities. It’s filled with volunteer opportunities, leading it to become the largest single-day volunteer effort in the nation.

Each year has a different focus. For 2018, volunteer work will concentrate on resilience and restoration of public lands, including national parks.

The National Environmental Education Foundation coordinates the volunteer effort in cooperation and partnership with other agencies, including:

  • National Park Service
  • US Forest Service
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Department of the Army
  • US Army Corps of Engineers
  • Department of the Interior
  • Bureau of Reclamation
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service

Specific events are held on and around National Public Lands Day, creating opportunities to either volunteer or enjoy some family fun.

Free Entrance on National Park Day

The biggest freebie on National Park Day is the ability to enter national parks that usually charge an entrance fee for free. Fee-free days help everyone enjoy what the areas have to offer, making a trip to a national park more affordable.

It’s important to note that not every location participates in the program. Parks that are part of the National Park Service will be free, but destinations operated by other entities may still charge for entrance. Additionally, some parks are always free, so the fee-free day doesn’t provide an additional benefit.

Further, the freebie only applies to the usual entrance charge. Other activities and amenities, such as boat launches, camping sites, and tours, may still come with a cost.

Free Volunteer Opportunities and Voucher

National Public Lands Day is the biggest volunteering days in the country. You can take part in a volunteering initiative and even receive no-cost training at some locations to ensure you are ready to participate. For example, Stones River National Battlefield is training volunteers on the removal of invasive plant species ahead of and on National Park Day.

Many sites are also hosting trail and river clean-up events, allowing volunteers to do their part to keep the parks in tip-top shape. What training and volunteer opportunities are available varies by location, so you’ll need to check for events at your chosen destination.

Everyone who participates in a volunteering event will also get a voucher for a fee-free day that they can use in the future. This allows them to make a difference at the park and then return to enjoy a recreational day without having to pay an entrance fee.

In some parks, there may even be a volunteer-only camping area, allowing you to stay at the park overnight on the Friday before National Park Day. By volunteering, you may be able to camp at one of these locations, including with children, for no-cost. However, this isn’t available at every destination.

Free Family Fun Events

Some parks are even hosting family fun days. For instance, Thomas Edison National Historical Park will have a variety of special family-friendly activities for four hours on National Public Lands Day at Glenmont. There will be obstacle races, watercolor painting, Victorian board games, a paper airplane building contest, and more.

Not every location hosts family fun events. However, being able to enter the park for free is fun in its own right. You can take a hike, have a picnic, and explore a variety of sites throughout the area.

What About State Parks?

Many state parks also recognize National Public Lands Day. But, they aren’t guaranteed to have free entry.

However, many locations coordinate volunteer activities where participants do get freebies. For example, they may provide snacks, drinks, or even a free lunch to those who lend a hand.

If you want to head to a state park on National Public Lands Day, make sure to check out the location’s website. They may have information about free events and volunteering opportunities on their site, letting you plan your trip more effectively.

Are There Any Other National Park Days in 2018?

After National Public Lands Day, there is one other free entrance day in 2018. It is scheduled for Sunday, November 11, in recognition of Veterans Day.

However, the National Park Service tends to offer four chances to go to the park for free each year. While the dates for 2019 aren’t officially set, the first in 2019 will likely coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday in January.

After that, there will be a day in April that aligns with the first day of National Park Week. The next will be on National Public Lands Day in 2019, falling on September 28, 2019. Lastly, there will be another fee-free day on Veterans Day in November.

What If You Want to Go to the Park on Another Day?

If you can’t head to a national park for National Public Lands Day, you can always go on any other day the park is open. If you have an annual pass, which costs up to $80, you can visit any participating park for no additional cost while your pass is valid.

Shorter passes are also available, though the cost can vary by location and how you enter. Typically, walk-ins and bike-ins are around $15 per person. Vehicle entrance fees are generally $25 to $30 per car and motorcycles are usually about $20 to $25.

If you intend to go to a National Park on a day that has an entrance fee, it is wise to review the prices in advance. This ensures you are able to cover the cost when you arrive.

Do you volunteer on National Park Day? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about the National Parks? Give these a try:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.