Things to do Memorial Day weekend 2022 near me

When Americans think of Memorial Day, it’s often as the unofficial start to summer. The three-day weekend is typically filled with lazy days spent outdoors at the beach or lake, grills fired up and ready to cook Memorial Day barbecue recipes, and red, white, and blue Memorial Day desserts. The holiday always falls on the last day Monday in May, which means that this year, we’ll be commemorating the occasion on Monday, May 30, 2022.

When planning things to do for Memorial Day, it’s important to remember the purpose of this national holiday: honoring those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. So while stores may encourage shopping with steep Memorial Day sales and you’re stoked to get a day off from work or from school, don’t forget to pause for a moment and hold space for the significance of the holiday.

The Memorial Day activities we’ve rounded up here will help you do exactly that. On the fun side, you can enjoy patriotic crafts and DIY lawn games, while Memorial Day tribute ideas include sending care packages to our troops and paying your respects for the fallen at a national cemetery. (The VA maintains 155 in 24 states.) Also an option: tuning in to the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS!

This list of Memorial Day activities has something for the whole family, including kids of elementary school and preschool age. We’ve also got ideas for indoor celebrations, should the rain keep you from enjoying the great outdoors.

1

Tune Into the National Memorial Day Concert

Turn on your TV and watch a moving tribute that honors America's servicemen and women from the comfort of your home. This year's event airs Sunday, May 29, at 8:00 p.m. EST on PBS. Past celebrity performers have included Mickey Guyton, Sara Bareilles, Vince Gill, and Alan Jackson.

If you're a hands-on kind of family, everyone will enjoy working on a patriotic craft together. This flag-inspired flower pot is the perfect addition to any front porch.

Get the tutorial at Lolly Jane.

Get everyone outside by hosting a tournament of DIY lawn games for family and friends.

4

Take a Virtual Tour of The White House

Kids will love exploring the historic rooms and fascinating history of The White House via this online tour, created by the The White House Historical Association.

5

Create a Sidewalk Mural

Kids of all ages (even preschoolers) can get in on the fun of creating a giant sidewalk chalk mural of a flag. Passersby will adore this creative approach to celebrating Memorial Day.

6

Donate to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Whether you donate time or money, your contribution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be greatly appreciated. To see how you can help, visit the VA's website.

Honor the heroes of the past by sending a care package to an active duty service member. According to the Support Our Troops website, $25 credit card gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.) are the most requested item because they're used to buy wifi.

9

Offer a Moment of Silence

With all the hustle and bustle of a long weekend, it's easy to forget to pause and think about what Memorial Day is really about. Simply take a moment or two with your family to remember those who have served.

10

Camp Out In Your Backyard

From pitching a tent to making popcorn over a fire, these backyard camping ideas will make you feel like you're in the great outdoors.

11

Set Up a Drinks and Snacks Station

If your Memorial Day includes a laid-back day playing in the yard, set up a drinks and snacks station so everyone can serve themselves. Save the fabric pinwheels and garland made of paper drinking straws for the 4th of July!

13

Plan a Backyard Barbecue

14

Post a Special Message on Instagram

15

Listen to Patriotic Music

Crank up the volume and queue up our list of Memorial Day songs. The collection of tracks will have you bursting with American pride.

Everyone loves a sweet treat to kick off summer. From cupcakes and cookies to brownies and berry pies, these red, white, and blue Memorial day desserts are a delicious ending to your backyard barbecue.

17

Pay Respects at a Cemetery

Because the long weekend is known for its climbing temperatures, a dip in a pool is a great way to cool off. Might we suggest your own personal stock tank pool for your backyard?

Sweet strawberries and blueberries will be in season around Memorial Day, so find the nearest farm for berry picking and get some fresh ingredients for your next summer dessert.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer, and a beach trip is often a way families kick off the season. Before planning a trip, check beach openings and follow state and local guidelines.

It's absolutely beautiful outside, and it's even better when you're soaking up the warm weather at one of our America's most beautiful national parks. Before visiting, check the park website for updates on operating status.

Have a relaxing afternoon and head to the local lake or river and float in the cool water. Remember to pack life jackets, and check state and local guidelines before planning a trip.

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