14 Fun Things to Do With Kids on Memorial Day

Memorial day is Monday, May 30th. These days, it’s a day when we’re bombarded with sale ads and deals from big box stores. But the real meaning of this day is to remember the brave men and women who have lost their lives for our freedom. This Memorial Day, honor them by spending time with loved ones and reflecting on all we have to be grateful for. Here are 14 fun things to do with kids on Memorial Day. 

Memorial Day Parade 

Show the kids the real meaning of this day by participating in a Memorial Day parade. Kids will get to see different groups of veterans firsthand and learn about the different branches of the armed forces in a fun and meaningful way. Click here for a directory of Memorial Day parades. 

Plant Poppies 

Red poppy flowers have been the official remembrance flower since WWI. Plant some in your garden this year for a beautiful remembrance display that will flower each spring. 

Bake Yummy Goods 

Kids love to bake! Spend some time baking up treats for local veterans this Memorial Day. You can share them with veteran friends, local veteran groups or at the local VA hospital. This list from Taste of Home has several fun patriotic baked goods to try. 

Make a Patriotic T-Shirt 

Try this simple and fun craft to add a handprint American flag onto a plain white t-shirt. Kids will love getting their hands messy to make this one, and you’ll get to wear it again in a few months on Independence Day. 

Shop at a Veteran-Owned Business

Support local veterans by shopping at a veteran-owned business. Click here for a directory of businesses nationwide. 

Pack a Patriotic Picnic 

Picnics with kids are a blast with the right planning! Visit this blog for patriotic picnic ideas with kids. 

Help Veterans Find Homes 

Make this Memorial Day meaningful by donating to Building Homes for Heroes. This nonprofit builds and modifies homes for injured veterans, so they can live comfortably and debt-free. 

Watch a Memorial Day Concert 

Tune in to PBS on May 29th at 8pm EST for the annual Memorial Day concert. Click here to watch the livestream of talented performances and tributes to our fallen heroes. The concert will also remain available for two weeks after the event. 

Take a Virtual Tour of the White House 

This Memorial Day, take the opportunity to teach the kids about our nation’s government. Take a virtual tour of the White House with the Google Arts & Culture app. 

Listen to Veteran’s Stories 

This Memorial Day, reach out to a veteran you know and ask if they would like to share their stories with your families. Alternatively, tune into StoryCorps to watch and listen to storytelling interviews with veterans. 

Write Letters of Thanks

Make a thank-you card or write a letter this Memorial Day. With AMillionThanks.org, your letter can be sent to active, reserve, and veteran military members.

Send a Care Package

Express your gratitude for our Military and First Responders this Memorial Day by sending a care package with Operation Gratitude. 

Make Patriotic Sidewalk Art

Decorate the neighborhood this Memorial Day with red, white, and blue sidewalk chalk. Spread messages of gratitude and make your corner of the world a little brighter. 

Make Patriotic Star Suncatchers 

Kids and toddlers will love this simple patriotic star suncatcher craft. With a few basic supplies, add a touch of red, white, and blue decor to your home. 

Remember the Meaning of Memorial Day 

This day is a bittersweet one, where we both honor the many lives lost to war and celebrate our freedoms as Americans. It can be a difficult day to explain to children, but these Memorial Day 2022 activities with kids will help kids begin to understand this day. These fun things to do with kids on Memorial Day help make Memorial Day meaningful for the whole family.