Memorial Day 2016

Did you know that Memorial Day originally started out as “Decoration Day” in 1868 after a general wanted a designated day to decorate the graves of the men who died during the Civil War? However after WWI it became a day to remember all of our fallen service members who’d died in action.  Now, please do not confuse this with Veteran’s Day (which is in November) that honors all service members.  Memorial Day is just for those who’ve paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  By all means enjoy the day, enjoy the time off, enjoy being with your family and friends. Just keep in mind the sacrifices that were made to give you the freedoms you experience today.

With all of that being said, I do have some activities that can help keep the kids, both young and… not as young, occupied during your Memorial Day get togethers.

• Scavenger Hunt:  You can make your own or try the one by this blogger here.  It doesn’t need to be anything complex, just a few simple items the kids can hunt down in the neighborhood or campground.
• Three Legged Race: Pretty self explanatory.  Just have the kids grab a partner and tie two of their legs together.  Designate a starting and ending point.  Then let them race!
• Water Balloon Pinatas:  Simply fill some balloons with water, hang them in trees, and let the kids swing at them with sticks.  Just be sure the kids can reach the balloons with the sticks they pick out. Check these out!
• Backyard Scrabble or Boggle:  You’ll need some giant squares with the letters on them.  This blogger has an example of them and how she made them here.