Your Memorial Day Guide to Family Fun

Memorial Day is the time set aside to honor those who have fallen in military service to our country. It’s also considered the unofficial start to the summer.

There are a number of ways you can celebrate this holiday with the honor it deserves while also having a fun time with your family.

Whether you’re all grown ups or you have some little ones amongst you, here are some activities that will help you have some fun and make lasting memories.

Take in some history

First and foremost, this is a holiday all about those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Visiting a historical site like a monument or memorial is a fitting thing to do with the family and can provide some great teachable moments for the kids.

You can also pay a visit to your local cemetery and lay a wreath or some flowers at the graves of one or more veterans buried there. A small act like this can leave a big impact on your children and the family who will be touched to find a surprise tribute at the grave of their loved one.

Go on a picnic

Picnics, cookouts, and BBQ’s are standard fare for Memorial Day celebrations, but it doesn’t have to be anything fancy! Pack up some sandwiches and snacks, plenty of water, and head out to your favorite spot or find an unexplored area and spread your blanket!

Get your game on

A little friendly competition with your family members is always a fun time. As long as you remember the friendly part!

You could play some of the usuals like volleyball, badminton, kickball, or cornhole. If you’re up for a change, try something a little different like bocce or croquet.

Take a ride

There’s nothing quite like a family bike ride. Following the proper safety precautions, find a good area like a bike path or park and take off for the day. If you do intend to be gone for a long time, make sure you bring some snacks or lunch and plenty of water, especially if the day is very warm.

Rainy day backup

Sometimes your best-laid Plan A doesn’t work out and you need to go to Plan B! Uncooperative weather doesn’t have to derail your fun.

Consider some of these activities:

• Go to the movies. Spring is usually a time when family-friendly offerings start to hit theaters.
• Check out a museum. You can take in some art or treat the kids to a natural science museum or the local children’s museum.
• Go ahead, jump.A trampoline park is a great rainy day activity for kids of all ages. The adults can bring along a camera and snap some fun pictures.

Rain or shine, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding something fun to do over the Memorial Day holiday. You can even combine activities to fill up the whole long weekend.

Try to keep the meaning of the day in mind and find a way to pay your respects to a fallen hero, even if it’s in a very small way.

Conrad’s is here to help you prepare for Memorial Day -- and every holiday. Contact us today to schedule your vehicle’s maintenance.