On Memorial Day we remember and give thanks for the US Soldiers who fought and died in war. Traditionally, we celebrate via city sponsored parades, neighborhood marches, or picnics and BBQ’s with friends. It always feels like the official start of summer in America!
Although the celebration might be a little different this year, it’s still possible to create a patriotic, celebratory weekend for your family! Typically our Memorial Weekend plans include either:
1). A mini vacation, or
2). A pool side BBQ with friends and family.
Since both of those options might be off the table, I decided to get creative! Keep reading if you need inspiration around fun and easy ways to celebrate Memorial weekend while maintaining social distance!
- Make the holiday a Teachable Moment :: Have you ever actually taught your children the true meaning of Memorial Day? Sadly, I have not! I’m pretty sure our kids think Memorial Day means hamburgers, hot dogs and a pool party, instead of celebrating those who have sacrificed their lives before us! This year I plan to do a better job of revealing the WHY behind our celebration. I just ordered this book on Amazon and plan to incorporate it into a Home School lesson prior to Memorial Day. But first on this day we’ll honor the brave. We won’t forget the lives they gave. Think of ways you and your children can honor the brave in your family, or your community.
I also love this Scholastic book. What Does it Mean to be American? - Create Patriotic Decorations for your own Family Parade :: There might not be a city or neighborhood parade this year, but we can still craft patriotic decorations and host a mini parade on our own street! Oriental Trading Company has easy, inexpensive holiday decorations! I can’t wait to get busy with the kids and decorate our bikes for a family parade! I just got a new bike for Mother’s Day so it will be the first year I’m actually riding!! Don’t have bike riders? Try making these mini marching drums. That will really get the attention of your neighbors :).
Dream up an American Themed BBQ for your family at HOME!:: Gather your most patriotic swimsuits, dream up a fun, festive menu, set up the slip and slide, water balloons and water guns and get ready for a day of fun in the sun with your family at home! Don’t forget the festive tunes, red, white and blue decor, hamburgers, hot dogs and S’mores!- Host a Cul de Sac Grill Party! :: Why not drag a portable grill in the front yard and share a social distancing style BBQ with friends? With the right boundaries in place you can easily stay compliant with social distancing! Think tailgating, but a lot easier and more convenient. We enjoyed a social distance block party with friends a couple weekends ago and it was so good for the soul!
- Create a Stars + Stripes Patriotic Flower Pot :: My kind of craft is EASY, low on mess, and high on the return. Not only does this craft check all the boxes, but I would probably buy this pot if I saw it on the shelf at Target!! All you need is a terra cotta pot and some chalk paint! I can’t wait to make ours! Same idea here, but with mason jars!
- Picnic at Veterans Memorial Park in Cedar Park :: Typically we would venture out here to play in the pool, but turns out we’ve been missing the main point! Pack a picnic, tour the Memorial Monuments and celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day with your children! Check out this article for 27 patriotic, PORTABLE recipes. Perfect for your family picnic!!!
- Venture out to Texas Wine Country :: Get in the car and drive about an hour to the Texas Hill Country for a serene, vacation like experience! My husband and I recently spent a lazy, sun filled, Sunday afternoon re-visiting some of our favorite Texas wineries. It’s the perfect way to spend a long weekend and there is plenty of outdoor space for social distancing. Some of our favorites include 7 Creeks Vineyard, William Chris and Perissos.
- Take the kids for a Kayak on Lady Bird Lake
- Head out for a family cycle at The Veloway at Circle C Ranch Metro Park :: A 3 mile, paved bicycle tract that is flat and free of cars!! Perfect locale to enjoy a bike ride with your experienced bike riders.
- Sail Away on Lake Travis :: Plan a sunset sail on Lake Travis with Texas Sailing! Pack the champagne and cheese plate, imagine you are on a far away land and enjoy a unique experience on our local lake! If you are an experienced sailor you may rent and sail away! Captained sails are available as well in case you lack experience {like myself}.
How are you planning to celebrate Memorial Day this year?
