12 Ways to Enjoy Memorial Day with Your Family

By Sarah Martens
Updated May 14, 2020
Gretchen Easton
Celebrate the long weekend with these fun Memorial Day ideas. We're sharing ways you can pay your respects, enjoy quality family time, and make meaningful memories. These Memorial Day activities are fun, inexpensive, and perfect for the whole family.
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Have Dinner Outside

Edmund Barr

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.

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Play Yard Games

Edmund Barr

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

Related: Make a DIY Ring Toss Yard Game

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Host a Family Pizza Party

Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The secret to a summer pizza party? Your grill! Head outside with all the fixings for pizza, and cook them up on the grill. Let each kid customize their own and serve up easy sides like salad and charcuterie.

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Have a Picnic

Andy Lyons

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 blanket in the car. Bring games, Memorial Day decor, and more for a fun day of family activities.

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Watch a Movie Outside

Rebekah Molloy

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.

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Go to the Beach

Blaine Moats

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!

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Get Grilling

Carson Downing

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.

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Have Brunch

Kat Teutsch

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.

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Camp in the Backyard

Rebekah Molloy

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

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Roast S'mores

Laurie Black Photography

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.

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Pay Respects

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.

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Go Biking

Gretchen Easton

May is National Bike Month. Dress up your bike with Memorial Day decorations like stars and streamers, 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.

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