33 Best Things to Do on Memorial Day for Kids and Adults
Go all in with these patriotic plans. 🇺🇸
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It's almost the warmest time of the year! Can you feel the shifting of the breeze and coming of hotter temperatures? The new season is calling, days are becoming longer, and Memorial Day is just around the corner. Memorial Day weekend activities kicks off the approaching season with all the hallmarks of summer: lazy days spent pool or lakeside, backyard games with friends and family, and a Memorial Day cookout filled with your favorite grilling recipes and decadent Memorial Day desserts. If you and your family are searching for ways to fully enjoy the long three-day holiday weekend, you’ve come to the right place: These are the best things to do on Memorial Day weekend 2024.
When is Memorial Day 2024?
The holiday always falls on the last Monday in May, which means that this year we’ll be observing the occasion on Monday, May 27, 2024. Before you start planning activities for the weekend, it’s important to remember why we observe the holiday in the first place: to honor Americans who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. So while big box stores often go big on Memorial Day sales, it’s important to pause for a moment of reflection and hold space for the significance of the holiday.
What Can You Do on Memorial Day?
Some of our favorite things to do for memorial day include volunteering, cooking, gathering with friends and family, fun outdoor activities, and much more. If the skies are clear and the weather is warm, fill up that inflatable pool in the backyard and cool off your feet. If the weather sours, gather indoors for a patriotic craft or pop the popcorn and indulge in a great summer movie. No matter how you choose to commemorate the day, this list of Memorial Day activities has options for the whole family—and for indoor celebrations as well.
Discover more about Memorial Day
- Do You Know the Meaning of Memorial Day? Here's What You Need to Know About the Observance
- Memorial Day Quotes to Make You Proud to Be an American
- 65 Memorial Day Recipes to Make Your Cookout Legendary
Go to a Parade
If there’s not one happening near you, tune in to watch the National Memorial Day Parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 27, at 2:00 PM ET.
Learn More about Memorial Day's History
Take time to learn about the origins of this important federal holiday. Its history dates back to 1865 but was formally established across the nation in 1971 after the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act by Congress. The annual event occurs on the last Monday of May and encourages all Americans to honor the memory of fallen troops and "to observe the day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace."
Learn More: The History of Memorial Day
Plan a Backyard Barbecue
A backyard grilling session featuring these Memorial Day recipes for your weekend barbecue is an ideal—and all-American—way to usher in summer.
Tune Into the National Memorial Day Concert
Airing Sunday, May 26, at 8:00 PM EST on PBS, the National Memorial Day Concert is a moving tribute that honors America's servicemen and women. Past celebrity performers have included Mickey Guyton, Sara Bareilles, Vince Gill, and Alan Jackson.
Take a Tour of The White House
Kids will love exploring the historic rooms and fascinating history of The White House through an online tour, created by the The White House Historical Association. If you have time to visit Washington, D.C., book a free in-person tour of the building here.
Set Up a Drinks and Snacks Station
If your Memorial Day includes a laid-back day playing in the yard, set up a drinks and snacks station so everyone can serve themselves. Save the fabric pinwheels and garland made of paper drinking straws for the 4th of July!
Visit a National Park
It's absolutely beautiful outside, and it's even better when you're soaking up the warm weather at one of our America's most beautiful national parks. Before visiting, check the park website for updates on operating status.
Help Build a House for a Vet
Donate or volunteer with a nonprofit organization that builds homes or assists with renovations for injured veterans who have courageously served our country. Visit Building Homes for Heroes® and Homes for Our Troops to explore service opportunities and ways to donate in your local area.
Create a Sidewalk Mural
Kids of all ages (even preschoolers) can get in on the fun of creating a giant sidewalk chalk mural of a flag. Passersby will adore this creative approach to commemorating Memorial Day.
Bake Patriotic Treats
Everyone loves a sweet treat to kick off summer. From cupcakes and cookies to brownies and berry pies, these red, white, and blue Memorial day desserts are a delicious ending to your backyard barbecue.
Read a Patriotic Book
Add a new book to your reading list that celebrates the bravery of the nation's troops and pick up a kid friendly one for the little ones in your life. Discover selections for grownups and children.
Memorial Day Books for Adults
Offerings at the Wall: Artifacts from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Collection
A People's History of the United States
Memorial Day Books for Kids
Memorial Day: Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme
A Day for Rememberin': Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day
America The Beautiful
Shop at Veteran Owned Businesses
Dedicate your holiday by exclusively shopping and dining at businesses owned and operated by military veterans. Browse your local community directory and the national list at VeteranOwnedBusiness.com.
Decorate Your House
Twirl up your house with patriotic decor and other red, white, and blue decorations that are cute and inexpensive to show your appreciation for the people who have served our country.
Donate Flowers to Honor Those Who Served
If you want to honor the memory of veterans at Arlington National Cemetery consider donating to cover the expense of placing flowers at headstones. Visit memorialdayflowers.org to learn more.
Dress a Table in Red, White, and Blue
Take your Memorial Day gathering beyond the deck. Bring a coffee table outside, put down a few water resistant pillows, add a floral centerpiece, and dress the table with welcoming patriotic hues. Browse 65 delicious Memorial Day recipes to plan your festive menu!
Organize Lawn Games
Get everyone outside by hosting a tournament of DIY lawn games for family and friends.
Do a Patriotic Craft
If you've got the creative itch, get the family together for a patriotic craft! This baseball-themed front door wreath will carry you right into summer.
To make: Wrap a 12-inch wire frame with off-white cotton ribbon. Loop a piece of striped upholstery webbing around the frame for a hanger. Hot-glue old baseballs to the frame. Top with a simple bow.
Offer a Moment of Silence
With all the hustle and bustle of a long weekend, it's easy to forget to pause and think about what Memorial Day is really about. Simply take a moment or two with your family to remember those who have served.
Take a Drive
Even if you're just exploring your neck of the woods, it's always nice to enjoy a road trip with your loved ones in tow.
Donate to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Whether you donate time or money, your contribution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be greatly appreciated. To see how you can help, visit the VA's website.
Jenae is the editorial assistant for Prevention.com, where she regularly covers nutrition, beauty, celebrity workouts, and health trends. Previously, she was an intern at ELLE and CountryLiving.com and a web producer for O, the Oprah Magazine. When she’s not writing about health and wellness, Jenae is either playing video games or reading tweets about The Bachelor.
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
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