150 Fun Memorial Day Activities for Kids: Crafts & Games
If you’re looking for fun Memorial Day activities for kids, this post is full of 150 Memorial Day ideas, patriotic crafts, and simple ways to spend quality time together.
Memorial Day always feels like a fresh start around here…
But if you’re anything like me, you also want simple ways to keep the kids busy without overcomplicating the weekend.
It’s the unofficial start of summer, the kids are suddenly outside all day, and everything slows down just enough to enjoy it. We usually keep things simple: a small Memorial Day cookout, a few outdoor games, and just soaking up the long weekend together.
But at the same time, this isn’t just another holiday weekend.
It’s a really important holiday.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for the brave men and women of the United States military who made the ultimate sacrifice through their military service.
So for us, it’s always a mix of both fun and meaning.
Quick Takeaways
- 150 fun Memorial Day activities for kids
- Easy crafts, outdoor games, and toddler-friendly ideas
- Meaningful ways to teach kids about Memorial Day
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Why Memorial Day Matters (Simple for Kids)
Before jumping into all the fun things, I always take a minute to talk about the significance of Memorial Day.
I keep it simple:
It’s a national holiday on the last Monday of May
It honors service members, military personnel, and the armed forces
It’s about remembering and showing national pride
Sometimes we read “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae and talk about the red poppy and its significance.
Even young learners can understand that it’s a day to remember others.
150 Fun Memorial Day Activities For Kids
Here are 150 fun Memorial Day activities for kids to enjoy throughout Memorial Day weekend, whether you’re staying home, heading to a local park, or planning something with the whole family.
These ideas work for kids of all ages, from toddlers to older kids, and are a great way to make the most of the long weekend.
Easy Memorial Day Crafts & Creative Activities
You can grab Free Memorial Day coloring pages to get started:
Color Memorial Day coloring pages
Draw an American flag
Make a paper American flag
Create a red, white & blue collage
Paint fireworks on paper
Make a handprint flag craft
Create a patriotic paper chain
Build a popsicle stick flag
Make a patriotic windsock
Decorate a “Happy Memorial Day” sign
Draw a bald eagle
Create a star garland
Make a patriotic bookmark
Paint rocks with patriotic designs
Make a tissue paper flag
Create a paper plate flag
Build a mini parade float
Draw a soldier silhouette
Make a patriotic crown
Create a simple wreath craft
Finger paint with patriotic colors
Make pom-pom painted stars
Create foam star magnets
Make a ribbon wand
Build a paper firework craft
Use stickers to decorate stars
Make a patriotic necklace
Create a bead flag pattern
Build a cardboard flag
Make a glitter jar with patriotic colors
If you love easy diy projects like this, you might also enjoy 10 Bumble Bee Crafts For Toddlers.
And if your craft supplies are always a mess (same 😅), these Art Supplies Organization Ideas helped me a lot.
Free Memorial Day Activity (Easy Win for Moms)
If you need something super simple that actually keeps kids busy, this is one of my go-to fun activities during the holiday weekend.
👉 Grab my Summer I Spy Printable Activity Sheets.
It works really well for:
kids of all ages
younger kids and early finishers
building focus and fine motor skills
quiet time during a Memorial Day cookout
It’s honestly one of those perfect opportunity activities that gives you a few minutes to breathe.
Toddler-Friendly Activities & Sensory Play
These toddler-friendly activities are perfect for younger kids who love hands-on play but still need things simple and manageable. The majority of these ideas focus on sensory play, creativity, and building fine motor skills without requiring time-consuming setups.
They’re a great option during the Memorial Day weekend when you want something easy, engaging, and age-appropriate for little ones, especially during those in-between moments when they need a calm activity but still want to feel included in all the fun.
Create a patriotic sensory bin
Make a paper eagle craft
Paint a patriotic flower pot
Decorate sunglasses with stars
Create a patriotic banner
Make a DIY drum
Build a cardboard airplane
Make a felt star craft
Create a ribbon flag
Make a patriotic dreamcatcher
If you need more kids’ activities like this without screens, I always come back to this list of 200 Screen-Free Activities For Kids.
Outdoor Memorial Day Activities for Kids
These outdoor Memorial Day activities are a fun and easy way to keep kids active, enjoying fresh air, and making the most of the long holiday weekend together.
Host a backyard picnic
Play a water balloon toss
Run through a sprinkler
Draw sidewalk chalk flags
Ride bikes
Visit a local park
Play tag
Build an obstacle course
Run relay races
Play kickball
Blow bubbles outside
Toss a Frisbee
Play hide and seek
Backyard camping
Nature walk
Scavenger hunt
Hula hoop contest
Jump rope
Sack race
Play catch
If your kids are already in summer mode, these outdoor Memorial Day activities are a great way to keep them moving, laughing, and enjoying the fresh air all weekend long. If you need even more ideas, my 140 Family Summer Bucket List Ideas is a perfect addition, plus don’t miss my Flying with Kids Tips for your upcoming trips.
Games, Patriotic Celebrations & Family Fun
These games and patriotic celebrations are a fun way to bring everyone together, keep kids entertained, and make the holiday weekend feel extra special for the whole family.
Tug of war
Cornhole
Ring toss
Balloon volleyball
Dance to patriotic songs
Freeze dance
Family game night
Charades
Build a fort
Watch fireworks
Backyard parade
Dress in patriotic colors
Photo booth
Family photos
Scrapbook page
Share stories
Picnic race
Backyard tent
Watch a Memorial Day parade
Lawn bowling
Educational Activities & Memorial Day Lessons
Read about Memorial Day
Talk about its meaning
Learn about the American flag
Write a thank-you letter
Learn about military branches
Visit a war memorial
Talk about service members
Learn about military families
Study flag colors
Learn about the bald eagle
Read In Flanders Fields
Make a flip book
Learn about poppies
Talk about the Civil War
Compare with Veterans Day
Practice a moment of silence
Write gratitude notes
Create a gratitude list
Draw what freedom means
Learn patriotic songs
If you’re working on early learning, this Kindergarten Readiness Checklist is helpful, too.
Food, Fun & Memorial Day Cookout Ideas
These food and cookout ideas are an easy way to make the Memorial Day weekend feel fun and special, while letting kids help with simple snacks, treats, and family-friendly meal prep.
Fruit skewers
Patriotic cupcakes
Star cookies
Picnic lunch
Decorate a cake
Parfaits
Family BBQ
Fruit salad
Snack board
Lemonade
Brownies
Popsicles
Ice cream bar
Smoothies
Grill hot dogs
Decorate plates
Cook together
Sandwich stars
Themed dinner
Snack station
Meaningful Memorial Day Ideas
These meaningful Memorial Day ideas are a simple way to slow down, honor the day, and still make special memories together as a family during the long weekend.
Write letters to veterans
Donate to a charity
Attend a local ceremony
- Visit a local veterans museum
Make a poppy pin
Talk about sacrifice
Memory jar
Reflect together
Say a prayer
Thank a veteran
Decorate your home
Make a centerpiece
Decorate your backyard
Hang a flag
Window decorations
Porch banner
Decorate bikes
Outdoor lights
Picnic blanket
Table decor
Water play day
Splash games
Sand play
Kiddie pool
Obstacle race
Running challenge
Relay competition
Dance party
Watch sunset
Share what you learned
Final Thoughts
Memorial Day doesn’t need to be complicated.
It’s about slowing down, enjoying the three-day weekend, and remembering why this federal holiday exists.
Whether you’re doing easy Memorial Day crafts, playing outside, or just spending time together, these fun Memorial Day activities for kids are what make it meaningful.
Let’s Stay in Touch 💛
If you love simple ideas like this, come follow along on Pinterest.
I share a mix of fun activities for kids, easy crafts, printables, and realistic ideas that actually work for busy moms (because let’s be honest… not everything on Pinterest does 😅).
You’ll find things you can pull together quickly, whether you need a last-minute activity, something for a rainy day, or just a simple way to keep your kids busy without screens.
I also share seasonal ideas ahead of time (because we all know things like Memorial Day, summer activities, and holidays sneak up fast), so you always have something ready when you need it.
If you’re trying to keep your kids engaged, spend more quality time together, and make everyday moments a little more fun, you’ll feel right at home there.
👉 Come hang out with me on Pinterest, I’d love to have you there 💛
Frequently Asked Questions
Crafts, outdoor games, and simple Memorial Day activities are all great options.
Simple patriotic crafts, coloring pages, and sensory bins work best.
Backyard games, water fun, and park trips are perfect for the holiday weekend.
It’s a day of remembrance honoring those who gave their lives in the United States military.