Looking for things to do on Veterans Day in Massachusetts? Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, military family, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend the holiday, Massachusetts offers plenty of opportunities to explore, learn, and save!
Every November, museums, historic sites, and attractions across the Commonwealth honor those who have served with free admission, discounted tickets, and special programs.
Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and with the MBTA’s $10 Commuter Rail Holiday Pass, you can enjoy unlimited Commuter Rail travel all day, making it easier and more affordable to explore Massachusetts without a car! Active-duty military members ride FREE year-round with a valid military CAC card!
From historic Plymouth and the South Shore to Salem, Concord, Worcester, and beyond, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit this Veterans Day, including free attractions, military discounts, and destinations accessible by Commuter Rail.
Some offers are exclusive to Veterans Day, while others are available to eligible military members and veterans year-round.
Free & Discounted Veterans Day Attractions Outside Boston
1. Battleship Cove: Fall River, MA
For a Veterans Day experience steeped in military history, head to Battleship Cove in Fall River.
Home to the legendary USS Massachusetts, Battleship Cove features one of the country’s most impressive collections of historic naval vessels. Visitors can step aboard warships, explore exhibits, and discover the stories of sailors who served throughout American history.
On November 11, 2026, from 9 AM to 4 PM, Battleship Cove is offering free admission to veterans and active-duty military members with qualifying identification.
It’s an especially meaningful destination for military families and history enthusiasts looking to spend Veterans Day honoring those who served.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the MBTA Fall River/New Bedford Line from Boston’s South Station to Fall River Depot. From the station, arrange a local bus, taxi, or rideshare to Battleship Cove at 5 Water Street. The museum is not immediately adjacent to the station, so plan for the last-mile connection.
2. Plimoth Patuxet Museums & Mayflower II: Plymouth, MA
Veterans Day Special Discount: $45 Tickets for Veterans
Step back in time and explore the rich history of Plymouth at Plimoth Patuxet Museums! Through immersive living-history exhibits, discover the stories of the Indigenous Wampanoag people and the English colonists who settled in Plymouth during the 17th century.
On Veterans Day, November 11, join Keolis massAdventures for a special, discounted Veterans Day Adventure to Plymouth, Massachusetts. We’ll handle the details and transportation so you can focus on enjoying your day with friends and family.
Veterans Day Pricing for Keolis massAdventures Plimoth Patuxet Day Trip:
- Veterans: Just $45 per person
- All Other Travelers: Save $10 off regular admission
Your tour package includes an MBTA Commuter Rail Pass, round-trip transportation between Kingston Station and the attractions, admission to Plimoth Patuxet Museums and Mayflower II, and step-by-step travel instructions.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Kingston Line from Boston’s South Station to Kingston Station. From there, additional transportation is needed to reach Plimoth Patuxet Museums and downtown Plymouth, which is taken care of for you when you book with Keolis massAdventures.
3. Worcester Art Museum: Worcester, MA
Year-Round Military Benefit: FREE Admission for Veterans & Military Members
Looking for a cultural escape this Veterans Day? The Worcester Art Museum is a fantastic destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and families.
The museum features an impressive collection spanning centuries and cultures, including paintings, ancient artifacts, decorative arts, and its renowned Arms and Armor Galleries.
Eligible military members and veterans receive free general admission with military identification, plus admission for one guest.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Worcester Line from South Station or Back Bay to Worcester’s Union Station. From there, use a local WRTA bus, taxi, or rideshare to reach the museum on Salisbury Street.
4. Concord Museum: Concord, MA
Year-Round Military Benefit: FREE Admission for Active-Duty Military & Family
Few places capture Massachusetts’ Revolutionary history quite like Concord.
At the Concord Museum, visitors can explore artifacts and exhibits that tell the stories of the American Revolution, literary history, and the people who helped shape the nation.
The museum offers complimentary admission to active-duty military members and their families. Veterans should check directly with the museum for any additional eligibility or Veterans Day offers.
After your visit, explore downtown Concord, enjoy its independent shops and cafés, or visit the historic North Bridge at Minute Man National Historical Park, where outdoor historic grounds are free to explore.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Fitchburg Line from North Station or Porter Square to Concord. The Concord Museum is approximately a one-mile walk from the station. Downtown Concord is also accessible on foot.
5. Old Sturbridge Village: Sturbridge, MA
Year-Round Military Benefit: FREE Admission for Eligible Military Families
Experience what life was like in rural New England during the early 1800s at Old Sturbridge Village.
This living-history museum features historic homes, working farms, artisan demonstrations, and costumed interpreters who bring the past to life.
Active-duty military members, veterans, and their families receive complimentary general daytime admission for up to six people, with an additional 25% discount for others in their party.
It’s a wonderful destination for families looking to combine history, hands-on learning, and a classic New England setting.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Worcester Line from South Station to Worcester Union Station. Sturbridge is not directly served by Commuter Rail, so you’ll need to arrange additional ground transportation from Worcester. Confirm transportation availability before planning a car-free visit.
6. Explore a Working Cranberry Farm: Middleborough, MA
Veterans Day Special Discount: $45 Tickets for Veterans
Looking for a quintessential New England experience this Veterans Day? Head to cranberry country and discover one of Massachusetts’ most iconic agricultural traditions at a working, family-owned cranberry farm.
On this unique day trip, guests can walk alongside the bogs, learn how cranberries are grown, and discover the difference between wet and dry harvesting methods. It’s an opportunity to experience a side of Massachusetts that many visitors never get to see!
Special Veterans Day Pricing:
- Veterans: Just $45 per person
- All Other Travelers: Save $10 off regular admission
Your tour package includes an MBTA Commuter Rail Pass, round-trip transportation between the Middleboro Station, and the farm, a guided tour of the cranberry bog, and cranberry-themed snacks and drinks. Plus, step by step instructions to take the guesswork out of your day trip.
What’s Included: Commuter Rail travel, round-trip station transfers, the farm experience, and step-by-step travel instructions.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Travel from South Station to Middleborough via the new Fall/River New Bedford Commuter Rail Line. Keolis massAdventures provides transportation from the station to the cranberry farm and back, so there’s no need to arrange your own ride.
7. Peabody Essex Museum: Salem, MA
Year-Round Military Benefit: FREE Admission for Eligible Military & Veterans, Including Guests
Salem may be famous for its Halloween celebrations, but the city has so much more to explore after October!
The Peabody Essex Museum is one of New England’s leading art and cultural museums, featuring collections of maritime history, American art, Asian art, and contemporary works.
The museum offers complimentary admission for active-duty military members and veterans, with admission for up to six people under its military benefit.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station to Salem. The museum is approximately a half-mile walk from the station, making it one of the easiest car-free museum outings on the North Shore.
Free & Discounted Veterans Day Attractions To Visit In Boston
8. USS Constitution Museum: Charlestown, MA
Military Benefit: FREE Admission for Active & Retired Military Members
Celebrate Veterans Day by exploring one of America’s most recognizable naval landmarks.
Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution Museum brings the history of Old Ironsides to life through interactive exhibits, maritime artifacts, and stories of the sailors who served aboard the famous ship.
The museum offers free admission to active and retired military members with photo identification. The museum’s general admission is also donation-based, and visitors can explore the historic Navy Yard.
The USS Constitution ship itself is operated separately by the U.S. Navy and is free to visit, subject to security screening and operating hours.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
If you’re coming from outside of Boston, take the Commuter Rail to North Station, then walk approximately 20–25 minutes to the Charlestown Navy Yard. Alternatively, use MBTA subway and bus connections to shorten the walk.
9. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston, MA
Year-Round Military Benefit: FREE Admission for Veterans, Active-Duty Military & Up to 5 Guests
Not every Veterans Day outing has to focus on military history!
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston offers an incredible opportunity to explore art and culture from around the world, including American paintings, ancient Egyptian artifacts, photography, contemporary art, and rotating exhibitions.
Veterans and active-duty military members receive complimentary general admission for themselves and up to five guests. Tickets must be obtained in person with qualifying military or veteran identification.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Commuter Rail to Back Bay or South Station, then connect to the MBTA Green Line E branch to the Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is also accessible by walking from nearby transit stops.
10. New England Aquarium: Boston, MA
Year-Round Military Benefit: $10 Off Admission for Veterans
Looking for a family-friendly Veterans Day activity? Head to the New England Aquarium on Boston’s waterfront. Explore marine habitats, watch penguins, and discover fascinating ocean creatures at one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Veterans receive $10 off standard adult or senior Aquarium admission with qualifying proof of veteran status. Active-duty military members also receive discounted admission, including $10 off adult admission and $5 off eligible child admission.
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Commuter Rail to South Station and walk approximately 15–20 minutes to the Aquarium. You can also connect to the MBTA Blue Line and exit at Aquarium Station.
More Ways Veterans & Military Families Can Save in Massachusetts
Veterans Day may only happen once a year, but military discounts throughout Massachusetts aren’t limited to November 11.
Many museums and attractions recognize veterans, active-duty military members, retirees, reservists, and military families with special admission benefits throughout the year.
Programs such as Blue Star Museums also offer complimentary summer admission to eligible active-duty military personnel and their families at participating museums nationwide.
Before visiting, always check whether an offer applies to veterans, active-duty service members, retirees, or dependents, as eligibility varies by location.
Celebrate Veterans Day: Explore More of Massachusetts by Commuter Rail!
From historic battleships and world-class museums to charming New England towns and working cranberry farms, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Veterans Day in Massachusetts!
Even better? You can explore beyond Boston without a car! The MBTA’s $10 Commuter Rail Holiday Pass offers unlimited Commuter Rail travel on Wednesday, November 11, making it easier and more affordable to discover destinations like Salem, Concord, Worcester, and Fall River. Just remember that some attractions require additional transportation from the station.
At Keolis massAdventures, we’re proud to make exploring Massachusetts easy, accessible, and car-free! Join us for one of our specially priced Veterans Day adventures, or use this guide to plan your own memorable day trip.
Please note: Military discounts, admission policies, and transportation schedules are subject to change. We recommend confirming details before your visit.
