How Can You Make Memorial Day Meaningful for Kids?

Memorial Day weekend is typically the unofficial start of summer for many families. Everyone is eager for a long weekend together, and the kids are looking forward to the warmer days.

However, Memorial Day is also an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday—honoring the men and women who served and made sacrifices for our nation.

It may be difficult for younger children to understand, and that’s OK! For Memorial Day to be meaningful, there doesn't need to be a serious or complex discussion. Simple moments of thankfulness, community, and togetherness can sometimes be the most effective method to help kids connect with the spirit of the holiday.

Here are some simple ideas for making Memorial Day weekend enjoyable and significant for the entire family.

1. Start the Day with Gratitude

Spend some time in silence as a family before starting the weekend's activities. It doesn't need to be official or serious, but having a discussion can have an important impact.

You can ask: 

• What freedoms are we grateful for?

• What does helping others mean?

• This weekend, how might we express gratitude and kindness?

Keeping the message straightforward and cheerful helps younger children remember. 

2. Spend Time Outside Together

Memorial Day weekend is often one of the first weekends that really feels like summer. Take advantage of it!

Have a picnic, play tag, create a backyard obstacle course, go for a bike ride, or spend the afternoon at the park. It doesn't have to be expensive! After a busy academic year, simply spending time together outside can be rejuvenating.

At Bolder Play, we believe some of the best family memories happen during simple outdoor moments, laughing in the backyard, running through the grass, and staying outside until the sun goes down.

3. Make the Gathering Kid-Friendly

If you are hosting friends or family, having a few simple activities ready for the kids can make the day smoother for everyone.

Some easy ideas:

• Sidewalk chalk stations

• Water balloon tosses

• Backyard races

• A scavenger hunt

• Red, white, and blue-themed games

Kids do not need a packed schedule to have fun. Sometimes a little freedom to run and play is just what they need! 

4. Honor the Meaning of the Holiday in a Simple Way

There are small, meaningful ways to acknowledge Memorial Day as a family without making it feel overwhelming for children.

You could:

• Visit a local memorial or parade

• Put flags out in the yard

• Write thank you notes to veterans or military families

• Pause for a moment of silence together

These little traditions help kids understand that Memorial Day is about more than just a long weekend.

5. Keep the Weekend Simple

It is easy to feel pressure to fill every minute with plans, especially heading into summer. But kids usually remember the simple things most.

Popsicles outside.
Running barefoot through the grass.
Laughing around the dinner table.
Staying up just a little bit after their normal bedtime. 

Those are the moments they will remember! 

A Weekend to Remember

From all of us at Bolder Play, we would like to honor and remember the brave men and women who served our country with courage and sacrifice.

We hope your Memorial Day weekend brings time for connection, gratitude, and making memories with the people you love most.