Memorial Day is a significant holiday in the United States, honoring the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in military service. While many families associate the holiday with barbecues, parades, and the unofficial start of summer, it is also a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the importance of remembrance, patriotism, and community service. At The Kids Point, we believe that learning should always be engaging and meaningful. That’s why we have compiled a list of fun and educational activities that will help children understand the true meaning of Memorial Day while making lasting memories.
Learning About Memorial Day History
Understanding the history of Memorial Day is an essential part of honoring the holiday. Parents and teachers can make this a fun learning experience with the following activities:
- Storytime: Read books or share age-appropriate stories about Memorial Day. Titles such as The Wall by Eve Bunting or Rolling Thunder by Kate Messner can help children understand the sacrifices of soldiers in a way they can relate to.
- Virtual Tours: Explore online exhibits from the National Archives, the Smithsonian, or the National Memorial Day Museum. Many offer interactive resources tailored for kids.
- Timeline Creation: Help kids create a timeline that traces Memorial Day’s history from its origins as Decoration Day after the Civil War to its official designation as a federal holiday in 1971.
Visit a Local Memorial or Cemetery
A visit to a local memorial, cemetery, or veterans’ monument is a hands-on way to teach kids about the significance of the day. Here are some ideas:
- Lay Flowers or Flags: Many communities organize volunteer efforts to decorate graves with American flags or flowers. Encourage children to participate and explain why these symbols are used to honor fallen heroes.
- Research a Soldier’s Story: Choose a veteran’s grave to research online. Some cemeteries have records of service members, and children can learn about their lives and contributions.
- Create Thank-You Cards: If visiting a veterans’ home or community event, encourage children to write thank-you notes to living veterans as a way of expressing gratitude.
Attend a Parade or Watch a Memorial Day Ceremony
Many towns and cities hold parades, featuring veterans, marching bands, and patriotic displays. If attending a parade:
- Teach children to stand and remove their hats when the flag passes by as a sign of respect.
- Encourage them to look for different branches of the military and recognize the various uniforms and insignia.
- If you can’t attend in person, watch the National Memorial Day Concert or other televised events that showcase tributes to fallen soldiers.
Create Memorial Day Crafts
Crafts are a fantastic way for children to express their creativity while learning about the holiday. Here are some ideas:
- Tissue Paper Poppies: Since poppies are a symbol of remembrance, making paper poppies is a meaningful craft. Children can gift them to veterans or display them at home.
- Patriotic Windsocks: Using red, white, and blue streamers, children can craft windsocks to hang outside as a Memorial Day decoration.
- Handprint Flag Art: Younger children can use their handprints to create an American flag design, helping them learn the flag’s meaning in a fun way.
Cook a Patriotic-Themed Treat
Cooking together is an enjoyable way to bond as a family while incorporating lessons on teamwork and nutrition. Some easy, themed treats include:
- Red, White, and Blue Parfaits: Layer strawberries, blueberries, and yogurt or whipped cream in clear cups for a festive and healthy snack.
- Flag-Themed Fruit Skewers: Alternate pieces of banana, strawberries, and blueberries on skewers to create edible American flags.
- Star-Spangled Cookies: Bake sugar cookies in star shapes and decorate them with red, white, and blue icing.
Watch a Family-Friendly Movie or Documentary
Memorial Day is a great time to watch films or documentaries that highlight historical events and the sacrifices of military personnel. Kid-friendly options include:
- The Pledge of Allegiance (a short educational film explaining patriotism)
- Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero (an animated story about a real-life military dog)
- Remembering the Fallen (a child-friendly documentary exploring Memorial Day traditions)
Organize a Charity or Community Service Project
Giving back is a meaningful way to commemorate the holiday. Families can:
- Write Letters to Soldiers: Organizations like Operation Gratitude collect letters for active-duty troops.
- Donate to Veterans’ Charities: Encourage kids to collect donations for organizations supporting veterans and their families.
- Help a Military Family: If you know a family with a deployed service member, offer to help with yard work, babysitting, or a homemade meal.
Host a Family Discussion on Gratitude and Sacrifice
Encourage kids to reflect on what Memorial Day means and discuss the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and peace. Some discussion prompts include:
- Why is it important to honor those who served?
- What freedoms do we enjoy today because of their sacrifices?
- How can we show respect to veterans in our daily lives?
Participate in a Memorial Day Run or Walk
Many communities host Memorial Day races, often benefitting veterans’ organizations. Families can:
- Walk or run together to honor fallen heroes.
- Create homemade race bibs with the names of soldiers they wish to remember.
- Organize a backyard obstacle course or fitness challenge inspired by military training.
Fly the American Flag Properly
Teaching kids how to properly display the American flag is a simple but powerful lesson. Show them:
- How to raise and lower the flag respectfully.
- The significance of flying the flag at half-staff until noon.
- How to fold the flag in a traditional triangular shape.
Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, gratitude, and community. By incorporating these fun and educational activities into your celebrations, children can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members while enjoying meaningful family traditions. At The Kids Point, we believe that learning should always be engaging, and these activities offer the perfect blend of education and enjoyment. This Memorial Day, take the time to honor the holiday’s true purpose while creating cherished family memories.