Make the most out of Memorial Day with your family! From parades to picnics, discover fun and meaningful ways to celebrate this holiday with your kids.
When is Memorial Day This Year?
Memorial Day always lands on the last Monday in May. For many of us, this federal holiday, three-day weekend signals the start of summer. This year, the United States celebrates Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, 2026.
This day was designed to bring honor and remembrance to those who fought and gave their lives in defense of their country, who served our country, and who were proud Americans.  Many of us also use this day to recognize the service of veterans still living.  We also remember loved ones who have passed away by bringing flowers to their graves.
As a family, we take advantage of the 3-day weekend and spend time together on a camping trip or another short vacation. We have some ideas for you if that is your style.
What Can We Do On Memorial Day?
Our Memorial Day Weekend Guide is overflowing with family fun during this three-day weekend. Whether your family wants to celebrate the meaning of the holiday with events that honor veterans and soldiers or celebrate the start of summer, we have plenty of ideas to keep your family entertained.
Plymouth Memorial Day Ceremony
Date(s): 05/21/2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Plymouth Veterans Memorial, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, MN, 55447
Plymouth’s Memorial Day Ceremony will include the Pledge of Allegiance, a musical performance and poetic reading.
Memorial Day Ceremony and Sing-Along
Date(s): 05/25/2026 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: Burnsville Civic Center Park & Skate Park, 100 Civic Center Pkwy, Burnsville, MN, 55337
Join Burnsville’s annual Memorial Day ceremony, featuring Scout Troup 471 presenting the colors, a performance of Taps and a patriotic sing-along.
Memorial Day at the Fort
Date(s): 05/25/2026 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave, Saint Paul, MN , 55111
Historic Fort Snelling will be open on Memorial Day for self-guided exploration and special programming, including a flag ceremony, cannon firing, historic rifle demonstrations spanning five eras, a WWII-era speech, performances by the Fife & Drum Corps, and swing music by the Brooklyn Big Band. Admission is $8-$12/pp or free with a Minnesota Historical Society membership. Veterans admitted free today.
TCMRRM Open Memorial Day
Date(s): 05/25/2026 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Twin City Model Railroad Museum, 668 Transfer Rd Ste 8, St Paul, MN , 55114
Twin City Model Railroad Museum is open Memorial Day hours. In honor of the holiday, the museum’s layouts will feature military themed trains and models of trains that haul military equipment across the country.
Columbia Heights Memorial Day Event (FREE)
Date(s): 05/25/2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Huset Park, 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN , 55421
The public is invited to attend a special Memorial Day event in the park – meet at the WWII Memorial. If the weather allows, the awesome splash pad at Huset Park may be turned on – but you’ll need to follow the city’s social channels for the latest updates.
15 Kid-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day
Make family memories your own way on Memorial Day. There are so many fun things to do this weekend – both at home and around the Twin Cities. These are just a few ideas for DIY fun on Memorial Day Weekend.
- HIGHLIGHT PATRIOTISM AT A MEMORIAL DAY PARADE. Wave your little flags if you have them and point out military service members as they parade past.
- OBSERVE the National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm local time with a moment of quiet or prayer.
- VISIT A MEMORIAL PARK. We think these are a great way to sneak in a short observance on days of remembrance for small kids. After exploring the memorial, you can hit the playground.
- MAKE BOUQUETS with flowers from your garden or from a craft shop. You could visit a cemetery to decorate the gravestones of your loved ones even the graves of local military men.
- THROW A “WELCOME SUMMER” PICNIC. Pick a local park or your own backyard and just enjoy the weather, simple food and each other
- PLAY BACKYARD GAMES. Pull out the frisbee, toss around a baseball, or teach the kids your favorite backyard games from your own childhood.
- GO BEYOND THE BACKYARD BARBECUE: Find a Park with a Grill. Pack up the burgers, brats, and your family’s favorite foods for cookouts to enjoy a day at the park.
- GO SWIMMING at one of these pools, beaches or waterparks to kick off a splash-happy summer.
- GET CRAFTY: Try one of these 25 American Flag Crafts for Kids from Non-Toy Gifts
- VISIT A HISTORY MUSEUM OR HISTORIC PLACE. Fort Snelling is always a good choice on Memorial Day. Note that Military Families can visit Blue Star Museums for FREE through Veterans Day. (Just be sure to go online and make sure the museum of your choice is open on Memorial Day).
- CHALK YOUR WALK OR DRIVEWAY. Although, Kindness in Chalk Day is in the fall, the same concept of little acts of kindness with sidewalk chalk applies to Memorial Day messages.
- HIKE TOGETHER. Start with a short kid-friendly hike or make it a longer hike when the kids are big enough.
- BIKE TOGETHER. The Twin Cities have tons of family-friendly bike trails.
- ATTEND A MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT. Outdoor concerts are fun ways to introduce kids to patriotic standards like The Star-Spangled Banner and the Grand Old Flag.
- FIND A FESTIVAL. Get started with summer festival season
What Are Your Memorial Day Weekend Plans?
Did we miss something awesome? Drop us a comment and share your Memorial Day Weekend plans with the community.