This post was updated March 18, 2026
Memorial Day is the perfect time to slow down, spend time together, and get creative with your kids. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, heading to the beach, or just looking for something fun to do at home, these easy Memorial Day crafts for kids are a great way to celebrate.
From simple red, white, and blue projects to meaningful activities that help kids understand the importance of the holiday, these crafts are fun, budget-friendly, and perfect for all ages.
I love Memorial Day! It’s a day for me to reflect. It’s the unofficial start of summer and it’s a three day weekend for everyone with family celebrations outdoors, like barbecues, picnics and red, white, and blue desserts.
Did you know?
Memorial Day was Originally Called Decoration Day.
The first Decoration Day was held on May 5, 1868 to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. (The South refused to participate and instead held their own separate Confederate Memorial Days.) It wasn’t until after World War I that the holiday became known as Memorial Day and expanded to include those lost in all American wars.
It is a day of honoring those who have died fighting for our country. As a first generation American in my family, I am proud to be able to be included in this holiday. My boys are second generation Americans and love doing crafts, especially patriotic crafts like American Flag crafts.
🇺🇸 Memorial Day Activities and Traditions
There are many meaningful traditions associated with Memorial Day. Some families visit cemeteries to place flowers or flags on the graves of fallen soldiers. Others attend parades or patriotic ceremonies. Many people also take time to reflect, remember, and give thanks for those who have served our country.
Whatever you choose to do, adding **easy Memorial Day crafts for kids** is a great way to involve children and help them understand the meaning of the holiday. So grab the glitter, glue, and paint—and let them get creative!
🎨 Easy Memorial Day Craft Ideas for Kids
Here are some fun and simple patriotic craft ideas:
– A wreath made from red, white, and blue paper or fabric strips
– Handprint American flags (perfect for toddlers!)
– Memorial Day coloring pages with patriotic images
– Patriotic necklaces made with star-shaped or red, white, and blue beads
– Mini American flags to wave or use as decorations
– A paper plate bald eagle (or other patriotic animal) puppet
– Cards or banners with messages like “Thank you for your service”
– A paper plate Uncle Sam craft
– A Memorial Day memory collage with photos or drawings
– A time capsule to open on a future Memorial Day
These patriotic crafts for kids are simple to set up and use materials you likely already have at home. They’re great for classrooms, homeschool activities, or a relaxing afternoon during Memorial Day weekend.
Memorial Day Crafts for Kids
Memorial Day Crafts for Kids
Make these patriotic Ribbon Flip Flops for less than $5 in 20 minutes! Jazz up plain flip flops and turn them into 4th of July flip flops.
Add a gorgeous glow to your Memorial Day or 4th of July celebrations with these fun and easy patriotic kid-made mason jar lanterns! Click for video tutorial.
This American Flag Handprint Craft is such a cute patriotic keepsake made using paint sticks! See how to make our kids 4th of July craft in the video!
The Fourth of July is coming up and I decided to make cute DIY Fourth of July greeting cards for friends and loved ones. I'd like to do something fun for Forth of July, even if it's just a patriotic DIY craft. It's still rewarding to make something for someone else.
This American flag dot marker printable is perfect for Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, or the Fourth of July. Kids will love it!
Ice Dyed Patriotic Firecracker T-Shirts are a twist to tie-dying tees for the 4th of July parades and parties made with ice!
Celebrate the 4th of July or any patriotic day with this fun-to-make Popsicle Stick American Flag Craft for Kids!
I love Mod Podge, Mason Jars, and all things patriotic, so one of my projects for the Patriot's Palooza party was to DIY this patriotic Hero Mason Jar. Â It can be used for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, a service member's return from deployment, military retirement party, or any other patriotic occasion.
Patriotic Rock Painting is great for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and other USA holidays. This tutorial also comes with a free printable.
This. Â This orange cherry mocktail for Memorial Day (and every single other day) is awesome sauce. Â Seriously, the combination of just FOUR things creates a splash of yumminess. Â The paper straws make it darling! Â Kids (of all ages) LOVE special drinks for celebrations, especially ones that include maraschino
🎨 Why Kids Love These Memorial Day Crafts
A backyard BBQ or picnic
A beach day or park outing
Watching a local Memorial Day parade
Writing thank-you notes to veterans
These easy Memorial Day crafts are designed to be fun, low-prep, and engaging for kids of all ages. Many of these activities also help build fine motor skills, creativity, and an understanding of patriotic traditions.
Whether your child loves painting, gluing, or hands-on building, there’s something here for everyone.
🎉 More Memorial Day Activities for Kids
If you’re planning a full day of fun, pair these crafts with:
Reading books about Memorial Day together
