Memorial Day Activities the Whole Family Will Love

Throw a Red, White & Blue Picnic (Anywhere!)

Memorial Day is the perfect excuse to break out the festive colors and enjoy quality time with your loved ones over a red, white, and blue picnic. Even if you don’t have a big backyard, you can make this work beautifully in a small outdoor space, community park, or even inside your home. The key is to make it feel special with themed decorations, simple yet tasty foods, and family participation.

Start by choosing your picnic location. For families in apartments, a shared courtyard, rooftop, balcony, or even your living room floor with a checkered blanket can set the scene. Head to your local park if you want more space and fresh air. Bring along a foldable picnic blanket, collapsible chairs, and a cooler bag to keep food fresh.

For food, think simple and colorful. Arrange red strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon slices next to white cheese cubes, crackers, and marshmallows. Add blueberries or blackberries to round out the patriotic color scheme. You can also get creative with themed foods like star-shaped sandwiches, red and blue Jello cups, or fruit kabobs on skewers.

Get the kids involved in prepping the snacks. Let them assemble fruit trays or decorate cupcakes with red, white, and blue sprinkles. This helps them feel a part of the celebration and keeps them entertained.

Decorations can be minimal but effective. Use patriotic paper plates, napkins, and cups. Add small American flags in potted plants or as table centerpieces. You can even create a DIY photo booth corner with flag-themed props for fun family photos.

Don't forget to pack sunscreen, bug spray, and wipes to keep everyone comfortable. Bring along a Bluetooth speaker for a playlist of upbeat, family-friendly patriotic songs to complete the festive vibe.

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• Foldable picnic blankets

• Patriotic picnic tableware

• Collapsible coolers

• Portable Bluetooth speakers

  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  Make DIY Patriotic Crafts for Kids

  
  

Crafting is not only a fun activity to do with your children, but it also provides an opportunity to teach them the meaning and values behind Memorial Day. When kids use their hands to create something beautiful and meaningful, it sticks with them. That’s why Memorial Day crafts are a great way to combine fun with purpose.

Start by setting up a simple craft station. This can be a kitchen table, a fold-out table on a balcony, or even a craft blanket on the floor. Cover your space with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth for easy cleanup.

For younger kids, keep it simple with easy-to-assemble crafts like:

• Paper plate American flags using red and blue markers and strips of paper

• Handprint flag art (use washable paint)

• Star garlands made from construction paper and string

• Tissue paper poppies to represent remembrance

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Older kids can try more detailed crafts:

• Making a patriotic wreath with ribbons and a foam ring

• Creating pinwheels that spin in the wind

• Designing Memorial Day cards to send to local veterans or active-duty service members

  
  

While crafting, talk to your kids about what Memorial Day represents: honoring those who served in the military and remembering the sacrifices made for our country’s freedom. Even young children can grasp the concept of being thankful and respectful.

To make things easier, you can buy ready-to-go craft kits that include all the materials and instructions. This saves time and ensures you have everything you need.

After your crafting session, decorate your home or apartment with your creations. Hang garlands on doors, tape flags to windows, and display poppies or wreaths proudly.

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• Patriotic craft kits

• Construction paper sets

• Washable kids' paint and brushes

• Glue sticks

• Safety scissors

• Craft aprons for kids

• Foam wreath bases and ribbon sets

• Colorful tissue paper

• Pinwheel kits

Play Games in the Park or Shared Outdoor Space

Memorial Day is an excellent opportunity to get kids outside and active, especially after a long winter or time spent indoors. You don’t need a huge backyard to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun. Many apartment communities have courtyards or access to nearby parks, which are perfect for a few hours of play.

Start with choosing activities that require minimal setup and can be transported easily. Classic games like ring toss, bean bag toss, and water balloon fights are always a hit with kids. Bring a lightweight mesh bag with all your supplies and set up a mini play zone. If you're heading to a park, pick a shaded spot and arrive early to find a good area.

Here are some game ideas that work great in small outdoor spaces:

• Sack races with pillowcases

• Relay races using plastic spoons and small balls

• Hula hoop contests

• Bubble-blowing competitions (with a bubble machine or wand kits)

• Chalk obstacle courses on the sidewalk

• Giant tic-tac-toe made with paper plates or rope

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Bring along a few towels or a change of clothes for water-based games. If space allows, set up a small splash pad or sprinkler system. These can work even on balconies or patios with a water source nearby.

Remember to include everyone, including adults! Kids love seeing their parents join in the fun, even if it’s just blowing bubbles or playing referee.

Keep safety in mind. Use sunscreen, provide plenty of water, and have a small first-aid kit handy. Pack snacks like granola bars, fruit cups, or juice boxes to keep energy levels up.

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• Portable game sets (ring toss, bean bag toss)

• Bubble machines and refill packs

• Chalk kits with stencils

• Foldable lawn chairs for parents

• Water balloons (reusable)

  
  
  
  

Watch Fireworks or Create Your Own Light Show

No Memorial Day feels complete without fireworks. If you live near a city that puts on a show, attending in person can be exciting. But even if you don’t, you can recreate the fun at home in creative and safe ways.

For families with young children or pets, traditional fireworks may be overwhelming or not allowed in your area. Instead, try a kid-friendly light show. Hand out glow sticks, light-up wands, and LED toys. Decorate the space with string lights or lanterns for ambiance. If you have a projector, play a fireworks video on a blank wall or outdoor screen to mimic the real thing.

For a memorable experience, set up an evening picnic or movie night under the stars. Lay out a blanket, pop some popcorn, and cuddle up as a family. Watching fireworks on TV or streaming past shows on YouTube is a safe and cozy way to celebrate.

If you do have access to sparklers or small fireworks, always supervise

closely. Use a metal bucket to dispose of used sparklers and keep water nearby.

Make it even more special with patriotic-themed snacks: red, white, and blue popsicles, colored popcorn, or star-shaped cookies. Play music in the background for a festive vibe.

Ask kids to reflect on their favorite moment of the day or write a short thank-you note to a veteran or soldier as the night winds down. It’s a great way to bring the holiday full circle and end it on a thoughtful note.

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• LED light toys

• Patriotic string lights

• Mini projectors

• Star-spangled picnic blankets

• Popcorn makers

Disclosure: This post contains AI generated content.  While the information provided is accurate and valuable, it was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence.