15 Easy Memorial Day Crafts For Kids | Patriotic DIY Ideas
If you need easy Memorial Day crafts for kids that actually keep them busy (and don’t require a craft closet 😅), these are my go-to ideas every year. Every idea uses simple supplies, works for kids of all ages, and doubles as a meaningful moment to talk about the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Memorial Day always feels like the start of summer around here: a long weekend, sunshine, and kids ready for something fun. But it’s also a special occasion with a deeper meaning. It’s the perfect time to slow down, talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day, and spend some intentional quality time together.
If you want even more ideas for the long weekend, I also put together these 150 fun Memorial Day activities for kids with crafts, games, and simple family ideas.
Key Takeaways
- 15 easy Memorial Day crafts for kids
- Uses simple supplies you already have
- Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids
- A fun way to teach the meaning of Memorial Day
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Table of Contents
Why I Love Doing Memorial Day Crafts With My Kids
Before we jump into the crafts, I just want to say this: crafting is such a great way to connect. And if your kids love hands-on activities like this, you might also love these 200 screen-free activities for kids for those days when everyone needs something besides a tablet.
You’re not just making something cute for the fridge, you’re creating space to talk, ask questions, and build understanding. Even with young children, you can keep it simple:
- “We remember people who helped protect our country.”
- “We say thank you to brave men and families.”
That’s it. No pressure. Just a simple craft and a meaningful moment.
Plus, these kinds of hands-on activities help with:
- Fine motor skills
- Creativity
- Focus (yes, even for toddlers… sometimes 😅)
15 Easy Memorial Day Crafts For Kids
Here’s a mix of Memorial Day toddler crafts, preschool ideas, and crafts older kids will actually enjoy, too. All of these activities require adult supervision.
1. Handprint American Flag Craft (Easy & Meaningful)
This is one of my favorite Memorial Day crafts for kids because it’s simple, personal, and honestly… it turns into such a sweet keepsake.
It’s perfect for young kids, toddlers, and even older kids who want to get creative.
Supply List
You only need a few simple supplies for this one:
- White paper or cardstock
- Blue paint (for the handprint)
- Red paint (for the stripes)
- Paintbrush (optional)
- Paper plate (to hold paint)
- Small sponge or cotton swab (for white stars)
- Baby wipes or a damp cloth (trust me 😅)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep your space
Set everything up on a craft table or protected surface. Pour a little blue paint and red paint onto a paper plate.
Step 2: Paint the hand
Gently paint your child’s palm and fingers with blue paint.
👉 Tip: Don’t use too much paint or the print will smudge.
Step 3: Make the handprint
Press their hand onto the top left side of the paper. This becomes the “stars” section of the flag.
Let it dry for a minute or two.
Step 4: Add the stripes
Use fingers or a paintbrush to create horizontal stripes with red paint across the page.
Don’t worry about perfection; this is part of the charm.
Step 5: Add white stars
Once the handprint is dry, use a cotton swab or fingertip to dab on white stars over the blue area.
Step 6: Let it dry
Set aside your finished product and let everything fully dry.
Make It Extra Special
If your kids are a little older, you can add a personal touch:
- Write “Happy Memorial Day”
- Add the year
- Talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day while crafting
It’s such a great opportunity to turn a fun craft into something meaningful.
Mom Tip 💛
If you’re doing this with little hands, expect a mess, and just go with it. This is one of those easy projects where the memory matters more than how it looks.
And honestly? Those slightly messy handprints are always my favorite ❤️ Don’t forget to share your Art work with us on Social Media @theforeignmom.
2. Tissue Paper American Flag Craft
This tissue paper American flag craft is such an easy Memorial Day craft for kids. It uses simple supplies, keeps little hands busy, and is a great way to work on fine motor skills.
Supply List
White cardstock or white paper
Glue stick or liquid glue
Scissors
White star stickers or cut-out paper stars
Pencil, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Tear the tissue paper
Have your child tear red, white, and blue tissue paper into small pieces. They do not need to be perfect.
Step 2: Make the blue section
Add glue to the top left corner of the paper. Press blue tissue paper pieces onto the glue until the corner is filled.
Step 3: Add the stripes
Use red tissue paper to make the first stripe. Then add white tissue paper underneath. Keep alternating red and white stripes across the page.
Step 4: Add the stars
Glue white paper stars or star stickers onto the blue section.
Step 5: Let it dry
Set the craft aside until the glue is completely dry.
Step 6: Display it
Hang it on the fridge, tape it to a window, or use it as a simple patriotic decoration for Memorial Day weekend.
If your child is working on cutting, tearing, and using little hand muscles, these free cutting practice worksheets for kids are another easy thing to keep nearby.
3. Paper Plate American Flag Craft
Supply List
White paper plate
Red paint
Blue paint
Paintbrush
White star stickers or cut-out star shapes
Paper towel or wipes (for quick clean-up)
Optional: pencil for light guidelines
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep your space
Set everything up on a covered craft table. Pour a small amount of red paint and blue paint onto a plate.
Step 2: Create the blue section
Paint the top left portion of the paper plate with blue paint. This will be the flag’s star section.
Let it dry for a few minutes.
Step 3: Add the stripes
Use red paint to paint horizontal stripes across the plate.
👉 Tip: Leave white space in between for the white stripes. No need to paint those.
Step 4: Add the stars
Once the blue section is dry, place white star stickers or glue on small paper star shapes.
Step 5: Let it dry
Set your craft aside and allow everything to fully dry.
I love simple crafts like this because they also sneak in school-readiness skills without making it feel like “learning time.” If you’re curious, here’s my kindergarten readiness checklist.
4. Patriotic Pinwheels Craft
Supply List
Red paper
White paper
Blue construction paper
Pencil
Scissors
Glue stick
Push pin or brad fastener
Straw, pencil, or wooden dowel
Optional: white star stickers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut your paper
Cut a square from red, white, or blue paper.
Step 2: Make corner cuts
Lightly draw diagonal lines from corner to corner. Cut from each corner toward the center, but do not cut all the way through.
Step 3: Fold the corners in
Bring every other corner into the middle of the square.
Step 4: Secure the center
Use a brad fastener or push pin to hold the folded corners in place.
Step 5: Add the handle
Attach the pinwheel to a straw, pencil, or wooden dowel.
Step 6: Decorate it
Add white stars, red stripes, or blue ribbons for a patriotic look.
This is such a fun Memorial Day craft because kids can take it outside and watch it spin in the wind.
5. Red Poppy Paper Craft
Supply List
- Red cardstock
- Black cardstock or construction paper
- Green cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Pencil
- Round cup or bowl for tracing petals
- Googly eyes or white/black paper circles
- Marker
- Optional: blue paper, white stars, red/white paper strips for a patriotic background
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the red petals
Trace and cut 6–8 large red circles or heart-shaped petals from red cardstock. - Build the flower
Glue the petals in a circle, overlapping them slightly so they look like a poppy. - Make the black center
Cut one black circle for the middle. Then cut small black strips and glue them around the circle to make a fringed center. - Add a face
Glue on googly eyes or paper eyes. Draw a small smile with a marker to make it kid-friendly. - Cut the stem and leaf
Cut a long green rectangle for the stem and one large green leaf. Glue them behind the flower. - Create the background
Use blue paper, paper stars, and red-and-white strips to make a patriotic background. - Glue everything together
Place the poppy on top of the background and press it down gently. - Let it dry
Give it a few minutes to dry before displaying it.
6. Patriotic Paper Chain Garland
Supply List
- Red, white, and blue construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick, tape, or stapler
- Ruler
- Pencil
- String or ribbon for hanging, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut the paper strips
Cut red, white, and blue paper into long strips. About 1 inch wide works well.
Step 2: Make the first loop
Take one paper strip, bend it into a circle, and glue, tape, or staple the ends together.
Step 3: Add the next color
Slide another paper strip through the first loop, then bend it into a circle and secure the ends.
Step 4: Keep building the chain
Keep adding red, white, and blue strips until your garland is as long as you want.
Step 5: Let kids decorate it
Kids can add stars, stickers, or little drawings to some of the paper strips before hanging.
Step 6: Hang and display
Hang your patriotic paper chain on a mantel, doorway, window, or craft table for an easy Memorial Day decoration.
Mom Tip:
Pre-cut the strips for younger kids so they can focus on looping, gluing, and building the chain.
7. Painted Wooden Stars
Supply List
- Wooden star cutouts
- Red, white, and blue acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Blue ribbon
- Glue or hot glue
- Scissors
- Optional: paint pens, glitter, stickers, mini star cutouts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Paint the stars
Let kids paint each wooden star red, white, blue, or with stripes and dots. - Add decorations
Use paint pens, stickers, glitter, or mini stars to decorate them. - Let them dry
Set the stars aside until the paint is completely dry. - Attach ribbon
Cut a piece of blue ribbon and glue it to the back of each star in a loop. - Hang and display
Hang the finished stars on a wall, door, window, or patriotic craft display.
If your kids love painting and simple cut-and-glue crafts, they may also love these fun bumble bee crafts for toddlers for another easy spring or summer craft idea.
8. Egg Carton Fireworks Craft
Supply List
Empty egg carton
Scissors
Red, white, and blue paint (acrylic or washable)
Paper plates or trays (for paint)
White or black cardstock (black makes fireworks pop!)
Paintbrush (optional)
Paper towels or wipes (for easy cleanup)
Optional: glitter, star stickers, paint pens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut the egg carton
Cut the egg carton into individual cups. Trim the edges into fun shapes (zig-zag or pointed) to create a “firework” stamp.Prepare the paint
Pour red, white, and blue paint onto paper plates.Dip the stamp
Dip the cut side of the egg carton piece into the paint. Make sure it’s coated but not dripping.Stamp your fireworks
Press the painted egg carton onto the paper. Lift it straight up to reveal a firework burst shape.Layer colors
Repeat with different colors and overlap slightly to create a fun fireworks effect.Add details
Use a paintbrush, markers, or fingers to add dots, lines, and extra bursts.Decorate (optional)
Add glitter or star stickers for extra sparkle.Let it dry
Allow your artwork to fully dry before displaying your festive masterpiece.
If your kids love recycled crafts, you may also like this easy Easter chick craft because it uses simple supplies and turns out so cute.
9. Contact Paper Suncatchers
Supply List
- Clear contact paper
- Red, white, and blue tissue paper
- Scissors
- White star stickers or paper stars
- Ribbon or tape for hanging
- Optional: glitter, sequins, gem stickers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the contact paper
Cut two matching rectangles of clear contact paper. - Peel and place
Peel the backing off one piece and lay it sticky-side up. - Add tissue paper
Place blue tissue paper in the corner, then add red and white tissue strips to make a flag. - Add stars
Stick white stars onto the blue section. - Seal it
Place the second piece of contact paper on top, sticky-side down. - Trim the edges
Cut around the flag and round the corners if you want a softer look. - Decorate
Add glitter, sequins, or gem stickers around the edges. - Hang it up
Tape it to a sunny window and enjoy the glowing flag effect.
10. Sensory Bin (Patriotic Theme)
Supply List
Plastic bin or tray
Star shapes
Small American flags
Scoop or spoon
Tongs
Small bowls or cups
Optional: pom-poms, beads, counting cards
Step-by-Step Instructions
Fill the bin
Add colored rice to the bottom of a plastic bin.Add patriotic pieces
Mix in star shapes, small flags, pom-poms, or beads.Add tools
Place a scoop, tongs, and small bowls inside the bin.Create simple activities
Have kids scoop, pour, sort colors, find stars, or count objects.Encourage learning
Ask questions like, “Can you find a red star?” or “How many flags do you see?”Supervise play
This is best with adult supervision, especially for toddlers.
Sensory play is always a hit in our house, and this homemade playdough animal activity is another fun one for little hands.
11. Shaving Cream Marbled Art
Supply List
Red and blue washable paint
White cardstock
Baking sheet or shallow tray
Toothpick, skewer, or plastic fork
Ruler or craft stick
Paper towels
Smock or old shirt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Spray shaving cream into a shallow tray and smooth it out a little.
Add drops of red and blue paint on top of the shaving cream.
Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors around. Don’t mix too much.
Press a piece of white cardstock on top of the shaving cream.
Lift the paper straight up.
Use a ruler or craft stick to scrape off the extra shaving cream.
Let the marbled paper dry completely.
Cut it into stars, flags, or leave it as patriotic Memorial Day art.
12. Jumbo Craft Stick Flags
Supply List
Jumbo craft sticks (10–12)
Red, white, and blue acrylic paint
Paintbrush
White star stickers (or white paint + small brush)
Glue (school glue or hot glue with supervision)
Paper plate (for paint)
Smock or old shirt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Lay out 6–7 jumbo craft sticks side by side to form the flag base (these will be your stripes).
Paint alternating sticks red and white. Let dry completely.
Line up 3–4 craft sticks and glue them together to create the blue section (top left corner).
Paint this smaller section blue and let it dry.
Add white star stickers (or paint small stars) onto the blue section.
Glue the blue section onto the top left corner of your striped sticks.
Glue one jumbo craft stick vertically on the back to act as the flag handle.
Let everything dry fully before playing or displaying.
💡 Tip: These look so cute stuck into a flower pot or used as Memorial Day decorations!
13. Patriotic Star Garland
Supply List
Red, white, and blue cardstock (or construction paper)
Scissors
Star template (optional)
Hole punch
String, yarn, or baker’s twine
Tape or glue (optional)
Markers, stickers, or glitter (optional for decorating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Draw or trace star shapes onto your cardstock.
Cut out all the stars (mix colors and sizes for a fun look).
Decorate your stars with markers, stickers, or glitter if desired.
Use a hole punch to make one or two holes at the top of each star.
Thread the string or twine through the holes of each star.
Continue adding stars until your garland is the length you want.
Space the stars evenly along the string.
Tie loops or knots at the ends and hang your garland on a wall, mantel, or window.
✨ Tip: Drape it across a window or shelf for an easy Memorial Day decoration that kids will be proud of!
14. Red, White & Blue Ribbon Wand
15. Bald Eagle Craft
Supply List
1 paper plate
Brown paint
Paintbrush
White cardstock or white paper
Brown cardstock or construction paper
Yellow cardstock or construction paper
Googly eyes
Scissors
Glue
Pencil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Paint the paper plate brown and let it dry.
Cut a white circle or half-circle for the eagle’s head.
Glue the white head piece near the top of the paper plate.
Cut two brown wing shapes or feather strips.
Glue the wings to each side of the paper plate.
Cut a yellow triangle for the beak.
Cut two yellow foot shapes.
Glue the beak, feet, and googly eyes in place.
Let everything dry before displaying.
Tip: While crafting, talk about how the bald eagle is a symbol of the United States.
Making These Crafts More Meaningful
Even though these are fun Memorial Day crafts, this is also a great opportunity to gently introduce history.
You can mention:
- Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day
- It became a national holiday to honor those who served
- It’s observed on the last Monday of May
Keep it age-appropriate. Even a short conversation makes a difference.
If you want to take this a step further, I love pairing these crafts with simple learning activities.
My free blank USA map worksheet is an easy way to introduce geography while kids are already thinking about the country.
And if your kids love music, this 50 states song lyrics printable is such a fun way to help them actually remember all the states.
Tips to Keep Craft Time Stress-Free
From one mom to another, here’s what actually works:
- Keep everything on one craft table
- Pre-cut pieces for young kids
- Use washable paint (always 😅)
- Don’t aim for a perfectly finished product
- Let your child help, even if it gets messy
Because honestly? The memory matters more than the craft.
Final Thoughts
These simple Memorial Day crafts for kids are such a fun way to slow down during the busy long weekend and spend intentional time together. And if you’re already planning more warm-weather family fun, don’t miss my 140 family summer bucket list ideas because it’s packed with easy things to do with kids. And for an easy quiet-time activity after all the crafting, my free summer I Spy printable is another fun one to print and keep ready for the kids.
Whether you try one or all fifteen, you’re creating something more than just patriotic crafts; you’re creating connection, learning, and meaningful family moments.
And those are the things your kids will actually remember ❤️
If your craft area gets out of control as fast as mine does, this art supplies organization idea post may help you bring a little order back.
Let’s Stay in Touch 💛
If you loved these Memorial Day crafts for kids, I’d love to have you stick around!
I share simple, realistic ideas for busy moms, things that actually work in real life (and don’t require a craft closet the size of a classroom 😅).
👉 Follow me on Pinterest for:
- Easy crafts for kids of all ages
- Free printables
- Holiday activities (like these easy Memorial Day crafts)
- Simple recipes and family ideas
And if you try any of these crafts, save them so you have them ready for next year. That’s what I always do!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some of the easiest options are a handprint flag, tissue paper flag, and paper plate flag. These use simple supplies like paper, glue sticks, and paint, and work well for young children and toddlers.
The best Memorial Day toddler crafts are low-prep and hands-on. Try:
- Tissue paper collage
- Sensory bins
- Handprint crafts
These are perfect for little hands and help build fine motor skills.
Keep it simple and age-appropriate. You can say:
“Memorial Day is when we remember brave men and women who helped protect our country.”
For older kids, you can talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day and why it’s an important national holiday in the United States.
Most of these easy Memorial Day crafts use household items, like:
- Paper (white, red, and blue)
- Paint (red, white, blue)
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Craft sticks or paper plates
You don’t need anything fancy, just simple supplies.
Yes! These are great for:
- Classrooms
- Playdates
- Small groups
- End-of-year educational activities
Just prep materials ahead of time and choose crafts based on skill level.
Absolutely. These patriotic crafts make great:
- Party activities
- Table crafts
- Decorations
They’re a fun way to keep kids busy during a Memorial Day weekend gathering while still honoring the day.
You can also pair them with my free printable Memorial Day coloring pages if you want an easy quiet activity for the kids’ table.
While crafting, talk about:
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day
- The idea of remembering others
- Gratitude and kindness
Even a short conversation can turn a fun Memorial Day craft into something more meaningful.