Portland Veterans Day Freebies And Family-Friendly Deals 2025

Portland businesses are showing appreciation for military service members with numerous freebies and discounts on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The city's restaurants, entertainment venues, and service providers are offering complimentary meals, admission, and services as a token of gratitude to veterans and active-duty personnel. This comprehensive guide details the available offers, including special opportunities for families and children at venues like Playdate PDX.

Overview of Portland's Veterans Day Appreciation Offers

Throughout Portland, businesses are participating in Veterans Day celebrations by offering free or discounted services. Most offers require proof of military service, such as a military ID, DD214 form, or veteran organization card. Some promotions extend to family members of service personnel, while others are available only to the individual veteran or active-duty member. It's important to note that not all deals are available on the exact date of Veterans Day, so checking with individual businesses beforehand is recommended.

Food and Dining Freebies

Several Portland-area restaurants are participating in Veterans Day appreciation events with complimentary meals:

• Applebee's: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free entrée from a special menu at participating locations on November 11. This offer is for dine-in service only, and it's advisable to contact local Applebee's locations to confirm participation.

• Claim Jumper: On November 11, veterans and active-duty military enjoy a complimentary meal. The special menu includes items such as BBQ chicken salad, classic cheeseburger, black tie chicken pasta, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, country fried steak, and southern fried chicken. Claim Jumper has two locations near Portland: 9085 SE Sunnyside Rd. in Clackamas and 18000 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd. in Tigard.

• Denny's: Active and retired military personnel can receive a free Original Grand Slam breakfast on November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon. The meal includes two buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausage links, and two eggs cooked to order. This offer is for dine-in service only and is available at four Denny's locations in and around Portland.

• Golden Corral: Military Appreciation Night is scheduled from 4 p.m. to close on November 11. Anyone who has served in the U.S. military, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves, can receive a complimentary thank-you meal. This offer is valid for dine-in service only. The closest Golden Corral to Portland is located at 11801 NE Fourth Plain Blvd. in Vancouver.

• IHOP: Participating locations will offer veterans free Red, White and Blueberry Pancakes on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This promotion is for dine-in service only.

• Dave & Buster's: Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free entrée (up to $20 value) and a $10 Power Card on November 12. The closest location is at 11860 SE 82nd Ave Suite 4020 in Happy Valley.

• Boiled PDXNuts: This business is offering 20% off all Etsy orders on November 11 when using code BPDXVET20.

Entertainment and Recreation Discounts

Portland's entertainment venues are also honoring military personnel with special offers:

• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad: On November 8 and 9, veterans can receive a complimentary train ride with the purchase of another adult ticket. The train departs at noon and 2:30 p.m. both days.

• Lan Su Chinese Garden: On November 11 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., active-duty military, veterans, and their families can enjoy free admission. Visitors can use code VETSD when booking online or mention the promotion at the ticket booth. The garden is located at 239 NW Everett St. in Portland.

• Portland Japanese Garden: This venue in Washington Park offers free admission to military members in celebration of Veterans Day. The garden features five traditional styles of Japanese gardens and is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan.

• Oregon Zoo: Military veterans and active-duty personnel, along with their families, can enjoy free admission to the zoo on November 11.

• Forest Service Recreation Area: Veterans and all visitors can receive free entrance to Forest Service recreation areas on November 11. This includes recreation sites and trailheads in Oregon and Washington, such as the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and 14 other locations.

• National Parks: All visitors can receive free entrance to U.S. National Parks on November 11.

Service and Personal Care Offers

Several service providers are showing appreciation for military members through complimentary services:

• Washman Car Wash and Auto Spa: Veterans can receive a complimentary car wash on November 11 at any of the 14 Washman locations in and around Portland.

• Great Clips: Veterans and active military members can get a free haircut on November 11 or pick up a free haircut card to use at a later date.

• Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center: The Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District is hosting a free breakfast for veterans and their families from 9-11 a.m. on November 11. The event, located at 9985 SW 125th Ave. in Beaverton, will also feature free activities.

Playdate PDX: Family Entertainment Options

Playdate PDX, located at 1434 NW 17th Ave in Portland, offers a three-story indoor playground with interactive features including two dance floors and a special ball cannon area. The venue is designed for children with a dining area for parents to enjoy as well.

Regular pricing at Playdate PDX is: - $10 for all-day play Monday through Friday - $15 for all-day play on weekends and holidays (including non-school days) - Adults play free, but all visitors must wear socks in the play structure

Membership options include: - Player Passes: 10 all-day admissions for $90 ($9 per admission) - Royal Player Passes: 25 all-day admissions for $175 ($7 per admission)

Special events at Playdate PDX include: - Wild Wednesday: On the last Wednesday of every month, visitors can earn free admission by donating two non-perishable items or donating $5 or more - FREE Friday Night Puppet Show: Regularly scheduled puppet shows at no additional cost - Monday Night Football: Special viewing events

Playdate PDX also offers: - Field trip programs with reduced group pricing for up to 50 children - Private party rentals available outside of normal operating hours - Building rental options for more private events - Gift cards available in any amount, usable for both admission and food/beverages

The venue is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, with early closures on certain holidays. Observed closure days include Easter Sunday, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve (early closure at 5pm). Christmas Eve also has an early closure at 5pm.

Additional Portland Free Events and Offers

Beyond Veterans Day specific promotions, Portland offers various free community events and resources:

• North Portland Free Clothing Exchange: This community initiative allows residents to exchange gently used clothing, particularly for children who outgrow clothes quickly. The exchange is built on the principle of passing along items that are no longer needed.

• Movie Madness: Portland's local video rental store hosts free community screenings every week, offering entertainment at no cost.

• Gobble Up Portland: This specialty food show features more than 85 local and independent food, beverage and kitchenware makers along with food trucks, providing an opportunity to sample local products.

• PDX Sidewalk Joy Map: This interactive map showcases fun neighborhood galleries, exchanges, and displays, allowing for self-guided tours of local creations.

• Kennedy School: McMenamins properties often host special events, including the Kennedy School's anniversary celebrations.

• Starbucks: The coffee company typically offers a special freebie for military members on Veterans Day and is committed to supporting the military community year-round.

Planning Your Veterans Day Outing

When planning to take advantage of these Veterans Day offers, consider the following:

1. Bring Proof of Service: Most offers require verification of military status. Acceptable forms typically include military ID cards, DD214 forms, or veteran organization cards.

2. Check Operating Hours: Confirm that businesses are open on Veterans Day and note any special hours or requirements.

3. Make Reservations When Possible: For popular restaurants or venues, making reservations in advance is recommended.

4. Consider Family Members: Some offers extend to family members, so inquire about whether your spouse or children can participate.

5. Review Offer Details: Carefully read the terms of each offer, including any restrictions on menu choices or time limitations.

Conclusion

Portland's 2025 Veterans Day celebration offers numerous opportunities for military personnel and their families to enjoy complimentary meals, entertainment, and services. From family-friendly venues like Playdate PDX to restaurants, recreational areas, and personal service providers, the city's businesses are showing appreciation for those who have served. By planning ahead and bringing appropriate documentation, veterans and active-duty members can make the most of these special offers. Beyond Veterans Day, Portland continues to offer various free community events and resources that residents and visitors can enjoy throughout the year.

Sources

1. Portland Veterans Day Deals
2. Playdate PDX
3. Portland Free Events