South Sound Veteran’s Day Events: Ceremonies and Family Friendly Outings

UPDATED FOR 2019

A special Sounds Fun Mom, “Thank You,” to all who serve and have served. If you’re looking for something to do with the kids this Veterans Day, or for a ceremony to attend as a family, here’s a list: Thank you in advance for using the provided links to confirm details. Let us know if you know something great we missed! 

Please note that I haven’t been to most of these, or even verified them, so I can’t speak to how kid friendly they are. You may want to call first-or do chime in, if you’ve attended one with your kiddos. You’re also most welcome to share any others you know about! I have ceremonies first, followed by outings/activities/freebies for Veterans.

Ceremonies

Suggestion-If you have young kiddos, next year consider attending a ceremony at your local elementary, junior high, or high school. I promise they are all having one, and I am sure you would be most welcome. Do call first to find out the schedule and the visitor policy.

Museum of Flight – The Museum of Flight honors America’s Veterans

The Museum of Flight honors America’s Veterans with music, ceremonies and a new exhibit featuring the Congressional Gold Medal. The events begin at 11:00 AM with an hour of patriotic music performed by the Boeing Employee’s Concert Band, followed at noon with a ceremony

Museum admission FREE for veterans all day.

The events are FREE to non-veterans with admission to the Museum.

Tahoma National Cemetery

Kent; Veteran’s Day I don’t see details posted yet, but they do a ceremony every year.

Washington Soldier’s Home

Orting  Event at 2PM, but I don’t see any details. You may want to call ahead.

War Memorial Park Tacoma

Readers have found this one to be reasonably kid friendly in the past. 11am

2nd Annual Gig Harbor Veterans Day Event at the Tacoma Narrows Airport November 11th 2019 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at Pt. Fosdick Airplane Hangar, Tacoma Narrows Airport, 1108 26th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA., 98335 | Cost: Admission is free to veterans and $15.00 for guest

State Capitol Observances

Olympia. There will be several different ceremonies and observances throughout Veteran’s Day.

Note that the Puyallup event and the Auburn parade are have passed.

Freebies, Deals, and Fun 

*Note that freebies for military members and veterans may require specific id. Be sure to check before you go and bring it along! 

Everyone can enjoy free admission to National Parks and Washington State Parks 

on November 11th. Note: Fees are still required at Washington state DNR lands and Fish and Wildlife sites.

Veterans’ Appreciation Days at Northwest Trek

and Point Defiance Zoo

LeMay Auto Museum

ACM recognizes the contributions of America’s veterans and current service members. Active duty, retirees and veterans will receive complimentary Museum admission on Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11. Can’t visit the Museum on November 11? Military receive discounted admission and 10% off ACM membership daily.

*Military ID or proof of service is required to receive complimentary admission. Does not include dependents. 

The Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia

Military families get half-price admission on Veterans Day, Nov. 11th

Free Movie Day at Galaxy Theaters Gig Harbor

Fundraising; by donation event. Found on fb and new to us.

This is a free event with donations being accepted for Peninsula Hands On Art! All seating will be on a “first come, first served” basis. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

Free Skate for Veterans and active duty military at Tiffany’s Skate Inn Puyallup 1-5PM

Other Stuff

Many schools are out on Friday in observance of the holiday and most libraries and government offices are closed.