Patriotic Fun at Home: Memorial Day Activities for Kids
Memorial Day weekend is a wonderful time for families to come together and honor those who have served our country. In Houston, there are plenty of ways to celebrate, both at home and around town. Here are some fun activities at home and meaningful activities to enjoy with your young children.
Patriotic Cooking
Flag Cake: Bake a simple sheet cake and decorate it with red, white, and blue frosting to resemble the American flag. Use strawberries and blueberries for added decoration and flavor.
Star-Spangled Cupcakes: Bake cupcakes and let the kids help decorate them with patriotic colors using sprinkles, icing, and star-shaped toppers.
Patriotic Popsicles: Make homemade popsicles using red, white, and blue layers. Use fruit juices like strawberry, coconut, and blueberry.
Patriotic Snacks: Make red, white, and blue fruit skewers with strawberries, bananas, and blueberries. Bake star-shaped cookies and decorate them with colored icing and sprinkles.
DIY Memorial Day Parade
Decorate Bikes and Wagons: Let the kids decorate their bikes, scooters, or wagons with streamers, flags, and balloons.
Dress Up: Encourage children to wear red, white, and blue clothing or dress up as historical figures or members of the military.
Parade Around the Neighborhood: Host a mini-parade in your neighborhood or backyard. Play some patriotic music and let the kids show off their decorated rides.
Family Movie Night
Patriotic Films: Watch family-friendly movies that celebrate American history or values, such as “National Treasure,” “An American Tail,” or “Captain America: The First Avenger.”
Outdoor Screening: Set up an outdoor movie night with a projector and screen in the backyard. Provide blankets, popcorn, and drinks for a cozy experience.
Creative Arts and Crafts
Fireworks Paintings: Use black construction paper and have the kids paint fireworks using bright, neon colors. They can use brushes, sponges, or even their hands to create the explosions.
Patriotic Windsocks: Create windsocks from construction paper, paint, and streamers. Hang them up around the house or in the yard.
Star Garland: Cut out star shapes from colored paper, decorate them, and string them together to create a festive garland.
Memory Jar: Create a memory jar where each family member writes down a favorite memory or something they are thankful for. Read the memories together and discuss the importance of remembering loved ones and showing gratitude.
Educational Activities
Story Time and Discussions: Read books about Memorial Day and discuss the importance of the holiday. Ask questions to engage the kids and encourage them to share their thoughts.
History Hunt: Create a simple scavenger hunt where children find items related to American history or symbols, like a small flag, a toy soldier, or a historical book.
Games and Puzzles
Patriotic Bingo: Create bingo cards with patriotic symbols like flags, eagles, stars, and fireworks. Play as a family and offer small prizes.
Memory Match Game: Make a memory match game with patriotic images and symbols. It’s a fun way to improve memory and learn about different patriotic symbols.
Music and Dance
Patriotic Sing-Along: Have a sing-along session with classic patriotic songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and “Yankee Doodle.”
Dance Party: Create a playlist of upbeat patriotic songs and have a dance party in the living room or backyard. Teach the kids some simple dance moves to get everyone moving.
Gardening and Planting
Red, White, and Blue Garden: Plant flowers in red, white, and blue colors, such as petunias, impatiens, and lobelias. Let the kids help with digging, planting, and watering.
Patriotic Pots: Decorate flower pots with red, white, and blue paint or stickers. Use them to plant small flowers or herbs.
Outdoor Fun
Water Balloon Games: Fill water balloons in red, white, and blue colors and have a fun water balloon toss or fight in the backyard.
Sidewalk Chalk Art: Create patriotic-themed drawings on the driveway or sidewalk using chalk. Draw flags, stars, and messages of remembrance and gratitude.
Backyard Picnic: Pack a picnic with sandwiches, fruit, and some Memorial Day-themed treats. Set up a blanket in the backyard and enjoy a family meal outdoors. Play classic picnic games like sack races and three-legged races.
Family BBQ: Host a family BBQ in your backyard or at a local park. Involve the children in preparing simple dishes like fruit salad or decorating cupcakes.
For ideas on how to spend an amazing Memorial Day weekend in Houston for families with young children, check out our blog post “Family-Friendly Memorial Day Fun in Houston: Top Activities for Young Kids”. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!
Founder and Director of Education at Language Kids.
M. Ed.
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