Memorial Day weekend means sunshine, BBQs, and an extra day off with your favorite people. Whether you're hunting for kid-friendly events, outdoor adventures, or just an excuse to get out of the house — we've got you covered.
And while you're enjoying the fun, it's also a perfect time to pause and reflect on why this day exists: To honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country.
A Moment to Remember: What Memorial Day Is All About
While this is a weekend that can be packed with fun, it’s also a time for families to reflect on why this holiday holds meaning.
Here are three simple ideas you can do as a family to mark the day that honors those who died serving in the U.S. military.
- Observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day — a tradition called the National Moment of Remembrance.
- Visit a veterans memorial or cemetery to pay respects.
- Display a flag at home or help your child make a red poppy craft — a symbol of remembrance after WWI.
- 👉🏽 Get more ideas here!
Just one small act of gratitude can leave a lasting impression on your kids.
Easy Weekend Fun Ideas for Families
Looking for at-home fun? Here are five ideas on how to mark the weekend at home:
- Backyard BBQ + sprinklers = Instant summer joy
- Family hike or nature walk with scavenger hunt
- Red, white, and blue bike parade around the block
- Chalk your sidewalk with patriotic messages
- Craft an American flag pin with safety pins and beads. Get directions here!
JannHuizenga | Canva |
Quick Memorial Day Facts to Share with Kids
- Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day after the Civil War.
- It became a federal holiday in 1971, always on the last Monday in May.
- Volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery place over 400,000 flags each year.
Family-Friendly Memorial Day Weekend Parades
May 24th - The 11th Annual Raynham Memorial Day Parade at 10am
Commemorative Ceremony will follow the parade at 11:15am at the Gazebo
Parade Route: Starts at Merrill Elementary, down Pleasant street, along South Main street, down King Philip street, ending with a Commemorative Ceremony at 11:15am at the Gazebo
May 26th - Bridgewater Memorial Day Parade at 10:30am
Parade Route: Perkins street to Town Common with a Ceremony
May 26th - Brockton Memorial Day Parade at 10am
Parade Route: 156 W. Elm St, West Elm Street, to Newbury Street, to Belmont Street, to Main Street, to West Elm Street, ending at the War Memorial, where there will be a ceremony at 10:30am
May 26th - East Bridgewater Memorial Day Celebration at 9am At Northville Cemetery on Oak Street
At 10 am join the 157th Commemoration of Memorial Day at the Town Common. Following the ceremony, a family-style chicken barbecue will be held in the Peter Moskos Pavilion at the East Bridgewater Commercial Club.
May 26th - Easton Memorial Day Parade at 10am
Parade Route: Start at North Easton Village Shoppes (corner of Main and Washington streets), proceed down Main Street and continue to Veterans Memorial Park, where the parade will conclude with a ceremony.
*In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the VFW Hall, 61 Rockland St.
May 26th - Halifax Memorial Day parade at 10am
Parade Route: Halifax Country Club to the Town Hall, 499 Plymouth St. A formal ceremony will be held in front of Town Hall.
May 26th - West Bridgewater Memorial Day Commemorative Service at 10 am at War Memorial Park.
Click here to see our full calendar.
Have a Memorial Day event to add? Submit it to our calendar here!
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