Simple Things to Do on Memorial Day 2025
May 10, 2025
Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend- it’s a chance to pause and remember the brave heroes who gave their lives for our freedom. Originally known as “Decoration Day”, the holiday has evolved into a national moment of remembrance and gratitude.
As we commemorate their bravery and dedication, it’s also a chance to come together with loved ones and create meaningful memories. But if you’re a busy mom juggling schedules, snacks, and sleep routines, you’re probably also wondering: how can we actually enjoy this holiday as a family without burning out?
Good news: Memorial Day 2025 falls on Monday, May 26, which means a three-day weekend that’s perfect for some low-stress fun, fresh air, and meaningful moments with your crew. In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy and heartfelt things to do on Memorial Day with your family that don’t require hours of planning.
Outdoor Things To Do On Memorial Day
Let’s be honest – packing up the entire family for a road trip can feel like a second job. But you don’t have to go far to make it feel special. A quick hike, a beach day, or even pitching a tent in the backyard can do wonders. Think simple. Think close to home. These are some of the best things to do on Memorial Day if you want to soak up sunshine without stressing out.
Not up for leaving town? Staycations are seriously underrated. Try:
- a picnic at your local park
- make s’mores over a firepit
- or host a backyard BBQ with neighbors. No hotel booking required.
That said, whether you’re packing for the road or prepping at home, chaos can sneak in fast, forgotten items, last-minute errands, and then fall into the “what did we forget?” panic mode.
More Outdoor Memorial Day Activities:
- Visit a botanical garden or nature preserve.
- Take a family bike ride around a new neighborhood or trail.
- Organize a lawn game tournament with cornhole, frisbee, or sack races.
- Set up an outdoor movie night with a projector and blankets.
- Create a DIY waterpark with sprinklers, slip-and-slides, and kiddie pools.
Easy Outdoor Fun for the Kids (That Won’t Wear You Out)
Looking for simple ways to keep your little ones entertained with things to do on Memorial Day weekend? Whether you’re venturing out or staying close to home, there are plenty of meaningful and easy activities, even with a baby or toddler in your hands.
- Start with local, kid-friendly events: Check to see if your hometown is hosting a Memorial Day parade. It’s a fantastic opportunity for your child to experience the patriotic spirit – watching the vibrant floats, waving flags, and perhaps even seeing veterans proudly marching and waving to the crowd. It’s a moment that blends fun with education and meaning.
- Don’t forget about splash parks, playgrounds, etc: These options require minimal prep and give kids a fun, safe space to play and explore. They also provide you, as the parent, with a small break and allow you to relax while the kids are busy.
Tip: Use MYNDIFY ‘s planner to create to-do lists and packing lists ahead of time so you’re not scrambling the morning of. Whether it’s sunscreen or sandwiches, checking things off your list keeps things calm.
Indoor Things To Do On Memorial Day
If you’d rather keep things cozy at home, we get it. Memorial Day can be just as meaningful indoors. Choosing indoor activities is one of the most relaxing things to do on Memorial Day, especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Here are some fun and meaningful indoor ideas:
- Bake something festive- think red, white, and blue cupcakes or berry parfaits.
- Make fruit skewers with the kids for a colorful, healthy treat.
- Try DIY paper poppies or flag-themed art to connect with the holiday’s meaning.
- Create patriotic windsocks or decorate flower pots with American flags.
- Make a “thank you” banner for veterans.
- Enjoy a family movie night or indoor picnic on the living room floor.
- Try a themed dinner or playlist to make the night feel special.
Family-friendly Memorial Day movie options:
- “Akeelah and the Bee”
- “National Treasure”
- A military-themed film suitable for your kids’ ages
Hosting Without the Hassle
One of the most meaningful ways to honor Memorial Day, especially if you have a relative who served, is to gather your loved ones for a relaxed, joyful celebration. Hosting allows everyone to come together, share memories, and appreciate the freedom and connection we often take for granted.
- A local potluck is a great way to keep things simple and communal. Ask guests to bring their favorite all-American dishes – hot dogs, burgers, pasta salad, and desserts- and enjoy a laid-back meal where everyone contributes.
- Prefer something indoors or low-key? A family game night can be just as special. Break out the board games like Monopoly, Candyland, or Uno and let the laughter flow. These moments of fun and connection are what holidays like Memorial Day are truly about.
Tip: Planning an event can quickly become chaotic, no matter how small. Use MYNDIFY’s task feature to create a simple task list and tie it to your event record. From assigning dishes to remembering to grab extra napkins, MYNDIFY keeps you organized, even when life gets hectic.
Meaningful Ways to Honor the Holiday
Every family needs its own set of traditions. This Memorial Day, consider starting one that’s simple but significant. Even little ones can learn the meaning of Memorial Day.
Give Back and Teach Gratitude
- Visit a local memorial, talk about a family member who served, or watch a short video together about why we celebrate. Teaching the meaning behind the holiday is one of the most important things to do on Memorial Day.
Take a virtual tour of a memorial or read a storybook about service and sacrifice. Many museums and historical societies offer virtual tours or kid-friendly resources you can access from home.
Looking to give back? Many organizations have family-friendly volunteer options – even something as small as writing a thank-you note to a veteran can spark a meaningful conversation. You could also assemble care packages, donate to a veteran’s charity, or plant flags at a cemetery if allowed in your community. For example, Homes for Our Troops builds and donates specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.
Tip: Save causes or volunteer ideas in MYNDIFY for better recall. Don’t forget to include links to make execution even easier.
Traditions You Can Start This Year
Every family needs its own set of traditions. This Memorial Day, consider starting one that’s simple but significant. Some ideas:
- A moment of silence before your meal.
- Lighting a candle in honor of fallen soldiers.
- Watching a patriotic concert or fireworks show (many are streamed online).
- Reading the names of local service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Creating a tradition gives your children something to look forward to and helps keep the meaning of Memorial Day alive across generations.
Plan Better with MYNDIFY
Planning Memorial Day does not have to be overwhelming. With MYNDIFY, you don’t have to hold it all in your head. Plan smarter, offload the stress, and focus on what matters most- quality time with your favorite people. Let MYNDIFY help you track what works this year so you can repeat (or tweak!) it next time.
- Brainstorm: Ask Inky, your AI assistant, what it would recommend you for memorial day. No one knows you better than Inky!
- Plan: Create a “Memorial Day” record in MYNDIFY to gather your thoughts. Log your ideas, experiences, to-dos, and lessons learned – all in one place. It’s a simple way to reflect, remember, and plan even better next time.
- Reflect & Improve: At the end of the weekend, take two minutes to log your favorite moments in MYNDIFY. That way, you’ll remember what brought joy, what worked, and what you might want to skip next year.
Planning now helps make sure good intentions turn into action. Whatever you choose to do, let this Memorial Day be meaningful, memorable, and most importantly- yours.
You Deserve to Enjoy This Weekend
As moms, we often carry the mental load of making the magic happen. But Memorial Day is also a reminder that we’re free to slow down. Choosing how to celebrate – whether through relaxation, fun, gratitude, or togetherness – is an act of self-care.
Whether you spend it outside, inside, or somewhere in between, give yourself permission to keep it simple and intentional.
Images from Pixabay
