Whether out of town or within the confines of their home, there are many ways to spend Memorial Day with the family. This federal holiday honors those who have lost their lives in the U.S. Armed Forces service. While its meaning is significant, the holiday takes place on a long weekend, making it the ideal time to be with loved ones.
How to Spend Memorial Day With the Family
Memorial Day is a federal holiday that takes place on the last Monday of May. It is a day that honors and mourns members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have died while in service. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, so many families use the long weekend to go on a quick getaway or spend time together.
Here are the best Memorial Day family activities.
1. Teach the Kids
Memorial Day weekend shouldn’t just be an excuse to have time off and have fun. The holiday holds great importance, and teaching its meaning to kids is equally vital. Parents should educate their children on what it means to celebrate Memorial Day while also spending time together.
Doing this will teach children from a young age to appreciate the contributions of military members. It will teach them gratitude, remembrance, and respect—all valuable to their development.
2. Attend a Parade
One of the best ways to spend Memorial Day with the family is to attend a local parade. Many cities and towns play host to special parades or ceremonies on Memorial Day. These parades honor those who have given their lives to their country.
While parades are available in smaller towns, bigger cities typically hold more extravagant celebrations. Washington, DC, in particular, is known for holding one of the largest and most popular parades, known as the National Memorial Day Parade. If travel is no problem, spending a weekend in a big city is definitely worth considering.
3. Visit a Memorial or Cemetery
Many cities and towns have local cemeteries or memorials that honor fallen heroes. Families can visit these places to learn more about the holiday and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
If families already find themselves in Washington, DC, to watch the National Memorial Day Parade, the Arlington National Cemetery is nearby. This cemetery features more than 400,000 carefully preserved headstones that serve as a permanent tribute.
4. Attend a Concert
Another way to spend Memorial Day with the family is to attend a concert. Again, a National Memorial Day Concert takes place in Washington, DC. Families should plan ahead and book their tickets early, as this popular concert sells out fast.
Alternatively, families can watch the PBS broadcast of the concert from their homes. The concert boasts many musical performances, but it also features dramatic readings as well as documentary footage that honors fallen heroes.
5. Watch a Re-enactment
For families looking for a more unconventional way to celebrate Memorial Day, watching a re-enactment is definitely a top choice. A re-enactment is when a group of people recreate historic war events. These re-enactments usually take place on the site of famous battles, complete with authentic military gear and historical attire.
On Memorial Day, many re-enactments take place throughout the country. Families can look for one in their local area or a nearby city. This is a great way to spend time together while teaching kids about historic battles. Some re-enactments even ask attendees to come in era-appropriate attire.
6. Have a Cookout
Since Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, it is also when schools take their summer breaks. With schools out and parents getting time off work, families can use this weekend to enjoy a cookout.
A simple cookout can already work wonders. For a truly memorable one, families can decorate their lawns and patios with patriotic memorabilia and flags. They can also invite veterans to attend while wearing their uniforms. Kids can come dressed in period costumes or in patriotic attire.
7. Plan a Movie Marathon
When it comes to activities for Memorial Day with the family, there is no going wrong with a movie marathon. There are plenty of movies that are entertaining, educational, and aligned with the spirit of the holiday. Of course, given the subject matter, a lot of these movies feature war, so it’s a good idea to filter through options for a more family-friendly affair.
8. Go on a Picnic
With the weather starting to warm up, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to go on a picnic. Pack a basket, grab a tablecloth, and head on over to a nearby park. To go a step further, families can even visit state or national parks for a true taste of the great outdoors. Just remember to pack bug spray for those pesky insects!
9. Try Backyard Camping
Camping is a perfect way to spend Memorial Day with the family. For those who don’t have the means or opportunity to go camping in the woods, backyard camping is a great choice. Pitch a tent in the backyard, have a barbecue, roast some s’mores, gaze at the stars, and tell stories around a makeshift campfire.
10. Write Thank-You Letters
Arts and crafts encourage creativity in kids and allow them to express themselves in a more tangible manner. Why not mix arts and crafts with Memorial Day by writing thank-you letters to military members?
This is a great activity for the entire family. While it might not take a lot of time, those who receive the letters are sure to appreciate them immensely. Many programs also help facilitate this, connecting people with military members and their own families.
A Fun Memorial Day With the Family
Memorial Day allows families to spend quality time together while honoring the true meaning of the holiday. These activities will help bring families closer and educate kids at the same time. Since it’s a long weekend, there’s certainly room for more than one activity!
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Try These Memorial Day Recipes For A Memorable Holiday
- Memorial Day Facts And FAQs Every American Should Know
- Going On A Picnic? Try These Fourth Of July Picnic Food Ideas And Recipes
