31 Special Memorial Day Activities Your Family Can Do Together
Including free events and thoughtful ways to honor America's fallen soldiers.
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Memorial Day is a meaningful holiday that honors U.S. soldiers who died in service to the country. It's a federal holiday, which means many people have the day off from work or school. If you're wondering how to spend the day, we've got plenty of suggestions for meaningful Memorial Day activities for the whole family. These ideas allow you to give back to your community, spark important conversations, and enjoy quality time together. From visiting military history museums to volunteering with veterans to listening to the stories of soldiers, these activities emphasize the true meaning of Memorial Day. Some of these activities take just a few minutes, so it's easy to incorporate them with any other Memorial Day plans you have.
Run to honor soldiers and veterans.
Running a Memorial Day 5K or other race is a great way to get your steps in, enjoy the (hopefully) beautiful weather, and honor soldiers and veterans in your community. Cities including Los Angeles and Chicago have races you can sign up for. If there's nothing in your area, you can start your own 5K fundraiser for Wounded Warrior Project.
Have lunch with a veteran.
In honor of Memorial Day, you and your family can take a local veteran out to lunch to thank them for their service. If you don't have any family or friends who served in the military, contact senior living facilities in your area and explain what you'd like to do. They may be able to connect you with a resident who served.
Make a no-sew blanket for a veteran patient.
Spend Memorial Day working on a craft for a good cause. Soldiers' Angels has all the information you need about how to make a fleece no-sew blanket, which can then be mailed into the organization to be donated to a veteran patients in a VA hospital.
Talk to your family about the meaning of Memorial Day.
While you're enjoying burgers in the backyard or driving to the beach, take a moment to talk to your kids about the meaning behind Memorial Day. Some questions you might ask are:
- What makes someone a hero?
- What are some ways we can show respect to people who fight for the U.S.?
- Do you know anyone who served in the military? What are a few words you might use to describe them?
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Visit a museum.
Many museums — particularly those with a focus on military history — host special exhibits and events tied to Memorial Day. For instance, The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City hosts an annual Memorial Day ceremony. The U.S.S. Midway Museum in San Diego also hosts a Memorial Day wreath ceremony. Do some searching to see if any museums in your area have special programming planned for the holiday.
Attend a fireworks show.
Many towns put on a fireworks show in honor of Memorial Day. Pack a blanket and some snacks and go watch the fireworks with your family and friends.
Start a victory garden.
Victory gardens came about during World War I as a way for Americans to combat a growing food crisis. While our food systems today look very different, you and your family can still create your own victory garden of herbs, vegetables and other edible goodies. It can be a science lesson and a history lesson all in one!
Raise the flag.
Displaying an American flag outside your home is a meaningful way to show respect for the country that so many have fought for. Read up on the U.S. Flag Code to ensure you're flying the flag respectfully.
Take a moment of silence.
At 3 p.m., your local time, participate in The National Moment of Remembrance. For at least one minute, send your thanks, love and prayers to soldiers, veterans and the many men and women who died serving our country.
Donate flowers for soldiers' graves.
Even if your weekend is full of family fun, make sure you still pay your respects to the fallen troops with a donation to Memorial Day Flowers, a national foundation that places a flower on the graves of soldiers. A small donation of $5, for example, honors five soldiers with a red rose in front of their headstone.
Take a tour of a National Park.
Over 400 national park sites exist in the U.S. and each of them offer a unique look at America. Plan a tour of your nearest national park and discover the history of these landmarks.
Help build a home for a veteran.
With a donation to Building Homes for Heroes, you can help house an injured veteran. The organization builds and modifies homes for veterans, allowing them and their families to live mortgage-free.
Shop at a veteran-owned business.
If you're planning on eating out or shopping on Memorial Day, consider visiting businesses owned and operated by veterans or military families. Here is a master list of veteran-owned businesses, covering everything from hardware stores to fine dining.
Learn how to play a patriotic song.
Dust off your guitar and take time to learn how to play a special song fit for the occasion, such as Lee Greenwood's classic, "God Bless the U.S.A." Then, when everyone gathers 'round for your Memorial Day picnic, you can impress them with your skills.
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Watch the Memorial Day concert.
Each year, PBS hosts a star-studded concert on the Sunday before Memorial Day. The concert features 90 minutes of live musical performances, heartfelt tributes and more.
Take a tour of the White House.
While visiting in person in always preferred, you can also take a tour of the White House from the comfort of your living room. Head to Google Arts & Culture for a virtual tour of the historic home, complete with facts about its architecture and important events that took place in each room.
Listen to veterans' stories.
Even if you don't know a veteran personally (FWIW, you probably do), listen to a range of stories from active military members and veterans through Storycorps oral history. Or if you'd rather read your way through history, choose from top military memoirs like Band of Brothers, Guts 'n Gunships or The Things They Cannot Say.
Craft your own Memorial Day poppy.
Come Memorial Day, red poppies are worn as a sign of remembrance. In fact, the Friday before Memorial Day is considered National Poppy Day. While you can buy poppy pins at the store, you can also make your own with tissue paper by following this simple step-by-step tutorial.
Donate to related causes.
If you've already filled your three-day weekend with kid-friendly activities, save extra time (and money!) to research trusted military organizations and nonprofits that need donations. Choose a cause that's most relevant or important to you — wounded soldiers, grieving families, veterans with PTSD and so on —and give whatever you can.
Write letters to soldiers and their families.
To your kids, Memorial Day may just be another day off from school. To remind them that it is much more than that, have them write handwritten notes to active American soldiers and veterans. Once your letters are complete, bring them to any A Million Thanks drop-off locations to guarantee a safe, speedy arrival.
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