Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 great ways to teach your kids about Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of summer in many places, but the federal holiday holds a much deeper meaning, especially for military families. While the practice of honoring soldiers lost in battle dates back to ancient times, Memorial Day in the United States began following the Civil War. First known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day honors all those who have given their lives in the line of duty while serving in the armed forces.

Memorial Day, which officially became a federal holiday in 1971, is observed on the last Monday in May each year. Many families use the extended weekend from work and school for family-friendly outdoor activities. Certainly, Memorial Day parades and barbecues are a lot of fun, but it’s also important to teach your children the meaning behind the day. Unlike Veterans Day, which honors all military members serving past and present, Memorial Day honors those whose lives were lost.

Even though it is a somber remembrance, there are kid-centered ways to teach children about the meaning behind Memorial Day.

two little girls having fun at Memorial Day parade
Natalia Kirichenko/Shutterstock

Attend a Memorial Day parade

One of the most straightforward ways to teach your child about the significance of Memorial Day is to attend a Memorial Day parade in your area. Of course, parades are cool with floats, bands, and candy, but a Memorial Day parade will feature the local American Legion, VFW, and other veteran organizations. Teaching your child to stand and clap as vets walk past is a simple gesture reinforcing the contributions members of the military make to our country.

Bring flowers to a memorial

Many local American Legions and VFWs have special wreath-laying ceremonies early in the day on Memorial Day. Attend one as a family, bringing flowers, and have your kids place the flowers by the memorial at the end of the ceremony. If there isn’t a ceremony, you can still stop by and place flowers as a remembrance for lives lost.

Thank a veteran for their service

A simple yet meaningful gesture would be to thank a veteran for their service. During Memorial Day weekend, veterans typically collect donations at supermarkets and hand out poppies. Say thank you when heading in or out of the store and explain to your child why you expressed your gratitude.

Make a service member smile

A great way to honor military men and women on Memorial Day is to do something to make a service member’s day by sending a card or care package. First, check with your local VFW or American Legion to see if your town has any residents serving. If not, then visit AnySoldier.com to find out how you can send a care package to a member of the armed forces. Always pack enough goodies for the soldier to share with their unit. Suggested care package items include:

  • Sunblock
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Flip-flops
  • Lip balm
  • Deck of cards
  • Crossword or word-find puzzle books
  • Paperbacks
  • Stationery
  • Chips
  • Nuts
  • Trail mix
  • Granola bars
  • Non-melting candy
  • Powder
  • Lotion

Share books about Memorial Day

Since Memorial Day honors armed-forces members who died serving their country, the holiday can be difficult to discuss with children. Sometimes, sharing a children’s book on the subject is a wonderful way to introduce the meaning behind Memorial Day. Here are some great books to share with kids about Memorial Day:

  • The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans: This book by Barbara E. Walsh and Layne Johnson will help children understand why vets hand out poppies on or around Memorial Day.
  • America’s White Table: In this book by Margot Theis Raven and Mike Benny, a group of sisters is asked by their mom to set a white table for their uncle. The girls learn about the tradition of setting a white table for a service member who has died, is missing in action, or is a POW. America’s White Table is a poignant read with older children and teens.
  • Let’s Celebrate Memorial Day: Barbara deRubertis’ book discusses the significance behind Memorial Day as well as how service members are honored for their ultimate sacrifice. This book works for younger and older children.
  • Rolling Thunder: If you’ve ever wondered why bikers are an integral part of Memorial Day parades, this book by Kate Messner and Greg Ruth explains the story of a little boy who gets to ride with his grandpa in Washington, D.C., on Memorial Day.

Across the nation, Memorial Day weekend has become the unofficial start of summer. While picnics, trips to the beach, and barbecues are super fun, it’s important to take some time during the long weekend to discuss with children why we have off from school and work on the last Monday in May. Try one of these ways to teach your kids about Memorial Day this year.

Editors' Recommendations

Nate Swanner
Nate is General Manager for all not-Digital-Trends properties at DTMG, including The Manual, Digital Trends en Espanol…
Need a Halloween craft for 10-year-olds? Here are spookingly great ideas
The best Halloween activities for a hauntingly good time
A group of kids ready for Halloween.

The Halloween season comes with the most creative crafts for your pumpkins to do. Halloween activities for kids are the favorite thing to do in October — aside from trick-or-treating. They are also the most convenient, as you probably already have the materials to do them around your house. When you have older kids, like 10-year-olds, it’s more relaxing to get crafting. You could get into more detailed crafts or do them side by side since they don’t need the supervision younger children would, and these Halloween crafts for 10-year-olds are perfect to have a spooktacular season.

Themed games to play
There is nothing like getting the kids together to play a game. Whether the whole family gets in the fun or the kids play solo, themed games always make things more interesting.
Spooky bingo
What you’ll need

Read more
The best Halloween costumes for a family of 5
Wow the neighborhood with these family costumes
A family dressed up for Halloween.

There is never any reason to be sad about the end of summer because the fall season comes with its own set of excitement. There's pumpkin picking, mums, fall festivals, hayrides, and of course, Halloween. Kids absolutely love Halloween which has something to do with all the candy from trick or treating, but a lot of the thrill comes from dressing up. Halloween isn't just for the kiddos either. Adults adore donning costumes too.

Thanks to social media, and well, just plain fun, coordinating the family's Halloween costumes has become a big thing in recent years. Parents don't just walk around the neighborhood supervising the kids. They wear costumes that complement what the kids are wearing. Now, don't worry if you're not the best at coming up with a super cool theme for this year's Halloween costumes for your family of five. We've got family of five Halloween costumes that scare, are adorable, creative, and funny. So, if you're looking for inspiration for October 31st, you don't need the Sanderson Sisters to cast a spell over the neighborhood.

Read more
The best Halloween costumes for a family of 4 that are simple to find or create
Halloween themes for your crew of four
Family of four dressed in Halloween costumes.

Dressing up for Halloween as a family is a bonding experience your kids will remember forever. Plus, it might get you guys the good candy for being the cutest family out trick-or-treating. Whether you have little ones or older kids, there are a variety of group costume ideas to get the whole family in the spooky spirit. Check out some of the best Halloween costumes for a family of four that will make your crew the neighborhood celebrities on All Hallows' Eve.

Dress up as your favorite animated or movie family
Use being a family of four to your advantage by looking up families that feature four or more members, then each family member could pick their favorite character and bring the beloved show or movie to life. Let the little kids pick out their favorite show or see if the parents want to throw it back to a movie they grew up with.
Iconic animated families to recreate

Read more