23 Things to Do on Memorial Day

Go to a Parade

If there’s not one happening near you, tune in to watch the National Memorial Day Parade along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, at 2:00PM ET.

Tune Into the National Memorial Day Concert

Airing Sunday, May 28, at 8:00 PM EST on PBS, the National Memorial Day Concert is a moving tribute that honors America's servicemen and women. Past celebrity performers have included Mickey Guyton, Sara Bareilles, Vince Gill, and Alan Jackson.

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.

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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 commemorating Memorial Day.

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.

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.

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Send a Care Package

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.

Decorate Your House

Do a Patriotic Craft

If you've got the creative itch, get the family together for a patriotic craft! This baseball-themed front door wreath will carry you right into summer.

To make: Wrap a 12-inch wire frame with off-white cotton ribbon. Loop a piece of striped upholstery webbing around the frame for a hanger. Hot-glue old baseballs to the frame. Top with a simple bow.

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Visit a Small Town

The long weekend is the perfect excuse to visit a nearby small town! Local parades, picnics, and concerts will likely round out the three-day fun.

Organize Lawn Games

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

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.

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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!

Watch a Movie Outside

Plan a Backyard Barbecue

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Post a Special Message on Instagram

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.

Bake Patriotic Treats

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.

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Pay Respects at a Cemetery

Go Berry Picking

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.

Jenae is the editorial assistant for Prevention.com, where she regularly covers nutrition, beauty, celebrity workouts, and health trends. Previously, she was an intern at ELLE and CountryLiving.com and a web producer for O, the Oprah Magazine. When she’s not writing about health and wellness, Jenae is either playing video games or reading tweets about The Bachelor.

Jennifer Aldrich was the editorial assistant for CountryLiving.com.

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