Celebrate with July 4th freebies

This guest post comes from Leah Ingram at Living on the Cheap.

In most cities across the U.S., we've come to expect one specific freebie on the Fourth of July -- a fireworks show. But fireworks aren't the only freebie you'll find this year. A number of businesses are sending up their own freebies for their customers to enjoy on Independence Day.

Free food

• Hardee's and Carl's Jr. are getting into the Spider-Man spirit on Independence Day. If you show up at a Hardee's or Carl's Jr. location on July 4 dressed like Spider-Man, you'll get free food -- a free grilled cheese bacon thickburger.
• Kids eat free at Ikea on July 4 (as well as July 2-3). Unlike many kids-eat-free deals, you don't need to purchase an adult meal to get this freebie. Just show up, and each child under 12 gets a free kid's combo meal, worth $2.49. (Note: This offer is not valid at Ikea Houston.)
• Stop in at Starbucks on July 4, and you'll get a free tall Starbucks coffee. This is part of the Starbucks #INDIVISIBLE initiative to get customers talking about the upcoming election.
• Jamba Juice has a buy one, get one free deal going on through July 4. When you bring in this coupon, you'll get a free smoothie or drink when you purchase a smoothie or drink. You'll find a list of participating locations by clicking on the link to the coupon.

It's not free, but Boston Market has a coupon for 50% off a family meal on July 4. (Post continues below.)

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Free stuff

• If you haven't gotten around to joining BJ's Wholesale Club, you're in luck: Through July 8, you can get a 60-day free trial membership to your local BJ's or just drop by and shop free. Memberships start at $50 so this is a huge savings if you've always wanted to shop at BJs. We're got tips on how to use coupons most effectively at BJ's.
• Many states require you to obtain a fishing license before casting your line, but not necessarily on Independence Day. This year on July 4, there is a good chance that your state is giving you a fishing freebie. North Carolina, for example, will let you fish for free July 4. So will South Carolina and Maryland. In California, fishing will be free July 7.
• Members of the military can enjoy free admission to a number of zoos across the country. Some participating zoos include the Pittsburgh Zoo (the military gets free admission on Memorial Day and Veterans Day as well), the Cincinnati Zoo and the Birmingham Zoo.
• Bank of America is helping cardholders continue their July Fourth celebration by offering free museum access this weekend (July 7-8) as part of the Museums on Us program. This freebie is available at museums, zoos, science centers, botanical gardens and other cultural institutions to Bank of America cardholders (bank customers or credit card users).

Here's hoping you have a fun, fabulous and -- with these tips -- free Fourth of July!

More from Living on the Cheap and MSN Money:

• Cheap recipes for your Fourth of July barbecue
• How to save money on a summer party
• Use your nose to save money on car repairs
• Best things to buy in July
• Find a better credit card
• The best deals at outlet malls