For most of us, Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer: time for warmer weather, longer days, and barbecues with friends.
Memorial Day has a much deeper meaning. It is a day to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the armed forces. For many, it is also a day to honor family and friends who have died.
That can be a tough message to get across to young kids. The simplest place to begin is to spend some time talking to your kids about what the day means to you.
Talk to them about this being a time to remember those Americans who have fought to keep our country safe and free. Share stories with them about those you have lost and what their sacrifice means for the family and the nation.
Topics like death and war can be hard concepts for kids to grasp. Use your judgment about what is appropriate for your own kids’ age and maturity level. For the youngest, you can simply explain it as a day to say thank you to the people who keep our country safe. Even if they don’t fully grasp it, kids of any age can celebrate the day.
Also, many kids learn best through tangible experiences, so activities or events are a great way to introduce the idea of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day activities with kids
Here are a few ideas and activities for honoring service members with kids this Memorial Day:
- Visit a veterans’ cemetery. Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent is one option, as is Evergreen Washelli in Seattle.
- Take cookies, books or movies to a nearby veterans’ hospital. Call first to see what, if any, contributions are appropriate and are being accepted.
- Have your children create a card or picture to be sent to a soldier serving overseas, through organizations like Operation Gratitude and A Million Thanks.
- Bake a patriotic-themed dessert like a rectangle pound cake shaped like a flag. Use cool whip to frost and blueberries/strawberries for the stars and stripes.
- Check your library for books on Memorial Day, or history in general, and read them together.
- Take part in the National Moment of Remembrance. Each Memorial Day, the president issues a proclamation calling for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. Say a prayer, light candles, sing a song, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, whatever you feel moved to do.
Memorial Day events
Friday, May 23
- Foothills Historical Museum | May 23-26 | Hours vary | Buckley Cemetery | Free | Foothills Historical Museum is hosting a free walking tour of the Buckley cemetery and a ice cream social during Memorial Day Weekend.
Saturday, May 24
- Boeing Employee Concert | Saturday, May 24 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | The Museum of Flight | $18-$26 | Tickets here | In honor of Memorial Day weekend, enjoy a set of patriotic music performed by the Boeing Employee Concert Band. Additionally, all veterans and active duty will receive FREE admission from May 24-26.
- Free admission for Veterans | May 24-26 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | The Museum of Flight | Free | In celebration of Memorial Day and in honor of our veterans and active duty military, They want to give thanks for your service to this country with FREE admission all weekend.
Monday, May 26
- Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony | Monday, May 26 | 9 to 10 a.m. | Library Park, Mill Creek | Free | Join this community ceremony and commemorate the veterans on the behalf of the nation.
- Garden of Remembrance  | Monday, May 26 | 10 a.m. | Benaroya Hall | Free | 2025 Details coming soon | The site designed by Robert Murase to honor the memory of Washington State residents who were killed in service in World War II and other conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, the Persian Gulf, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Memorial Day Parade | Monday, May 26 | 10 to 10:30 a.m. | N. Olympic Ave, Arlington | Free | The City of Arlington’s annual Memorial Day Parade will honor fallen service members along with current military and veterans.
- Memorial Day: Kitsap Live Steamers | Monday, May 26 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | South Kitsap Regional Park | Free | All ages | Enjoy this holiday with a free train ride at the Kitsap Live Steamers to celebrate Memorial Day for the whole family.
- Memorial Day Ceremony | Monday, May 26 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Veterans Park, Lynnwood | Free | All ages | Lynnwood American Legion Post 37 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1040 sponsor a ceremony that includes music, laying of a wreath, and a rifle salute.
- Honoring the Heroes | Monday, May 26 | 1 to 3 p.m. | Washington Memorial Park, SeaTac | Free | Enjoy a fun filled afternoon with patriotic crafts, face painting and more engaging activities for the whole family. At 3 p.m. they will pause for a national moment of remembrance to honor and reflect.
