12 Ways to Enjoy Memorial Day with Your Family

Gather for a casual dinner outside to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Keep the dishes and decor simple; bunches of fresh-from-the-garden blooms star on this summer table. Serve up dishes that showcase in-season produce like berries, asparagus, and greens.

Get the family outside with a fun yard game competition. Set out classic Memorial Day activities like bags, ring toss, and horseshoes ($32, The Home Depot). Plan a friendly competition and take turns rotating through the games.

Related: Make a DIY Ring Toss Yard Game

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to head to a local park and eat outside. Pack up ready-to-go recipes and toss a picnic blanket ($25, Target) in the car. Bring games, Memorial Day decor, and more for a fun day of family activities.

Memorial Day weekend is no time to be inside! Gather the family and set up an outdoor movie screen. It's easier than you think and is a fun Memorial Day idea you can use all summer long. Don't forget the popcorn.

If you leave near an open beach, sink your toes into the sand and relax during Memorial Day weekend. Gather your family and head to the local shores. Whether it's a beach, lake, or pond, your family will love being outside. Don't forget the sunscreen, drinks, and towels!

Fire up the grill and enjoy a feast outside. Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to uncover your grill and cook food over the coals. This year, try an unexpected recipe like this Grilled Chicken with Blueberry-Tarragon Sauce.

Kick-off Memorial Day weekend with a delicious (and patriotic!) brunch.  Even at home, you can make the weekend special with a DIY bloody Mary bar and fun red, white, and blue decor.

Sleeping under the stars is a fun Memorial Day activity for adults and older kids. Set up a tent ($65, Target) with plenty of pillows and blankets for comfortable snoozing. Read books, stargaze, and enjoy each other's company during the long Memorial Day weekend.

Dessert is a must-have for any Memorial Day cookout. And nothing screams summer like a smoky roasted s'more. Set up an outdoor fire pit and all the fixings to make classic s'mores. Adults and kids will love this fun Memorial Day activity.

Related: How to Make an Easy Fire Pit in a Weekend

Pay tribute to those who served by visiting a nearby cemetery. Place flags and flowers on the graves and honor those who have fought for our country. It's a great way to spend quality time with family and honor the meaning and history of the holiday.

May is National Bike Month. If you don't already have bikes for the family, late spring is a good time to invest in one you can use all summer long. For kids we recommend the Schwinn Classic Kids Bike ($170, Amazon). Dress up your bikes with Memorial Day decorations like stars and streamers ($11, Walmart), then head out for a family ride. Add decorations to your helmets and wear red, white, and blue for a fun and patriotic ride around town.