Celebrate Memorial Day with easy, meaningful family fun! Patriotic games, crafts, scavenger hunts & more—perfect for a weekend of connection.
Memorial Day Weekend is often the unofficial kickoff to summer—but more than that, it’s a time to pause, remember, and connect. Whether you’re honoring heroes, firing up the grill, or just soaking in some much-needed family time, it’s the perfect chance to make meaningful memories together.
If you’re looking for easy, family-friendly Memorial Day activities, this list is packed with simple ways to celebrate, connect, and have fun—without adding more to your already-full plate.
1. Create a Patriotic Flag Craft
Pull out the construction paper, crayons, and glue sticks and let your kids design their own American flags or decorate red, white, and blue stars. This is an easy, hands-on way to talk about what the flag means while letting them get creative.
Want something no-prep? Try our Summer Color by Number Printable if your kids love to craft.
2. Backyard BBQ & Picnic Fun
Even if it’s just your family, throw together a backyard BBQ. Let the kids help make fruit kabobs or decorate the table with patriotic colors. Bonus points if you eat picnic-style!
3. Patriotic Games the Whole Family Will Love
Want to add a little extra fun to your Memorial Day weekend? These easy, patriotic-themed games bring all the laughter without a ton of prep—and they’re perfect for kids and adults alike!
- Fun 4th of July 5 Second Game – Fast-paced, laugh-out-loud fun where quick thinking is a must!
- 4th of July Scattergories – Great for family gatherings, and a sneaky way to keep those brains working over the long weekend.
These are so simple to print and play—and they’re just as perfect for Memorial Day as they are for the 4th of July!
4. Try a 4th of July Scavenger Hunt
Add a little patriotic fun to your family walk with a festive scavenger hunt! Look for things like flags, stars, red or blue flowers, and other holiday-themed finds—it turns a simple stroll into an exciting adventure for the kids.
Grab our 4th of July Scavenger Hunt Printable here and make your walk even more fun (and meaningful)!
5. Read or Watch Something Meaningful Together
Find a children’s book or short video that helps explain the meaning of Memorial Day. It’s a gentle way to open up conversations about service, gratitude, and sacrifice.
6. Use Conversation Starters at Dinner
Whether you’re serving burgers or grilled cheese, use this time to connect. Try asking:
- What does being brave mean to you?
- Who is someone you admire and why?
- What’s one thing you’re grateful for this weekend?
Use our Summer Conversation Starters to keep the chat going.
7. Easy & Festive Red, White, and Blue Treats to Try
Nothing brings the family together like a good dessert—and these patriotic treats are as fun to make as they are to eat! Whether you’re prepping ahead or whipping something up last-minute, these ideas are simple, colorful, and totally kid-approved:
- 15-Minute Patriotic Trifle – Layers of whipped cream, berries, and cake in a dish that looks just as good as it tastes.
- Perfect 4th of July Layered Drink (Mocktail) – A red, white, and blue sparkling drink that’s fun to pour and even more fun to sip!
- Patriotic Mini Cheesecakes – Mini-sized, no-bake cheesecakes topped with fresh berries. Perfect for little helpers in the kitchen!
- 4th of July Dessert Board – A no-stress way to serve up a spread of treats that looks like you spent hours (but didn’t!).
Let the kids help with the decorating or assembling, because making the treats together is half the fun.
8. Write Thank-You Notes to Veterans
Grab some paper or printable cards and write simple thank-you messages. You can deliver them to a local VA center or include them in care packages with a community group.
9. Prep for Summer Together
Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to get everyone excited for summer. Sit down with your kids and start planning!
Use our Summer Bucket List Printable to dream up your adventures, or a Summer Prep Planner to get organized (without feeling overwhelmed).
10. End the Day with a Sunset Walk
After a full day of fun, take a slow walk around the block or sit in the backyard together. Share something you’re thankful for, what you loved about the day, or just enjoy the quiet.
From One Mom to Another…
Memorial Day Weekend doesn’t need to be packed with plans or Pinterest-worthy activities to be meaningful. Sometimes, the best moments come from slowing down, showing up, and finding small ways to connect as a family.
So whether you try one idea or all ten, I hope this weekend gives you space to celebrate, remember, and make memories that truly matter.
Share the Memories!
Spending time with your family this Memorial Day weekend? I’d love to see how you’re using these family-friendly ideas! Whether you’re playing patriotic games, going on a scavenger hunt, or enjoying a backyard BBQ, tag me on Instagram @MicheleTripple so we can celebrate meaningful moments together.
Michele Tripple is a renowned author and expert in the fields of parenting, relationships, and personal development. She is a certified Life Coach with her degree in marriage and family studies, her experience as a Family Life Educator, and over a decade of experience as a professional writer; Michele has authored books that provide practical advice and insights into improving family dynamics and personal growth. Her work is celebrated for its blend of research-driven information and relatable, real-world applications. Michele has been a keynote speaker at conferences and has contributed to numerous publications and media outlets, solidifying her reputation as an authoritative voice in her field and helping families build relationships.