Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and you know what that means – three whole days with the kids at home while you’re trying to balance honoring our heroes with keeping little hands busy.
Your living room doesn’t have to turn into a battlefield of boredom and “I’m hungry” complaints every five minutes. These 19 Memorial Day crafts for kids are about to become your secret weapon for a peaceful, patriotic weekend that actually means something.
From red, white, and blue handprint flags that’ll make grandparents tear up to edible star treats that double as snacks, each project takes 30 minutes or less and uses stuff you probably already have lying around. No fancy art supplies or Pinterest-perfect setup required.
The best part? While your kids are gluing, cutting, and creating, they’ll learn about the real reason we get this long weekend. These aren’t just random crafts – they’re memory-makers that teach respect for our military families while keeping those busy fingers occupied.
1. Patriotic Paper Plate Wreath
Crafting a festive wreath for Memorial Day can be a wonderful activity for children, fostering a sense of national pride and remembrance. This vibrant paper plate wreath, adorned with red, white, and blue, offers a fantastic way for kids to express their creativity. Youngsters can enjoy folding the paper into accordion-like pleats, arranging them around a circular base to form a striking display.
Adding white stars of various sizes and patterns truly brings this patriotic craft to life. Some stars can be solid white, while others feature playful polka dots or classic stripes, adding visual interest and texture. This hands-on project allows children to develop fine motor skills and learn about color coordination while creating a meaningful decoration. It’s a cheerful piece that families can proudly hang to honor the spirit of Memorial Day.
This delightful wreath serves as more than just a decoration; it’s a tangible representation of a child’s contribution to Memorial Day festivities. It encourages discussions about the holiday’s significance in an age-appropriate manner, making learning both engaging and memorable. Families will appreciate the effort and thought put into crafting such a heartwarming symbol of remembrance and unity.
2. Handprint American Flag Art
Creating a handprint American flag offers a deeply personal and touching craft for children to make for Memorial Day. This project transforms a simple canvas into a cherished keepsake, showcasing little hands that contribute to a meaningful display. Children can help paint the red and white stripes and the blue field, learning about the flag’s design as they go.
The unique addition of handprints in contrasting colors adds a delightful and intimate touch to this patriotic artwork. Each handprint represents a child’s involvement, making the flag a truly collaborative family effort. This artistic endeavor allows for creative expression while teaching youngsters about the symbolism of the American flag in a memorable way. It is a heartfelt tribute that can be proudly displayed indoors or outdoors.
This handprint flag serves as a beautiful reminder of family unity and a way to honor the significance of Memorial Day. It is an engaging activity that promotes conversations about national holidays and history. The completed piece becomes a treasured memento, capturing a moment in time and the spirit of remembrance.
3. Star-Spangled Windsock
Crafting a star-spangled windsock provides a delightful way for kids to celebrate Memorial Day with a bit of patriotic flair. This engaging project begins with a simple tube, which children can decorate with a vibrant blue base and shimmering white stars. Adding a touch of glitter around the rim gives it an extra festive sparkle.
Long ribbons in red, white, and blue, some solid and some patterned, stream from the bottom, catching the breeze beautifully. These flowing streamers evoke a sense of movement and celebration, making the windsock a joyful addition to any outdoor space. Children can enjoy attaching the ribbons and stars, honing their crafting skills while creating a visually appealing decoration.
This charming windsock serves as a wonderful outdoor decoration, gently swaying in the wind as a tribute to Memorial Day. It is a fantastic opportunity to discuss the holiday’s meaning with young ones in an interactive and creative manner. Families will surely appreciate this cheerful and handcrafted symbol of remembrance.
4. Patriotic Beaded Bracelets
Crafting patriotic beaded bracelets provides a wonderful, hands-on activity for children preparing for Memorial Day. Little ones can enjoy selecting red, white, and blue beads, stringing them together to create vibrant wristwear. This simple yet engaging craft helps develop fine motor skills and encourages creativity in a fun, celebratory way.
Some beads might be solid, while others feature textured patterns or subtle sparkles, adding variety to each bracelet. Children can make different combinations, creating unique designs that reflect their personal style and patriotic spirit. These bracelets are not only enjoyable to create but also make charming accessories to wear during Memorial Day festivities.
These delightful bracelets serve as a tangible reminder of the holiday’s significance, allowing children to express their respect and remembrance. It is a peaceful and engaging craft that promotes quiet concentration and artistic expression. Families will cherish these handmade keepsakes, created with care and thought for Memorial Day.
5. Spinning Patriotic Pinwheels
Crafting spinning patriotic pinwheels is a charming and active way for children to engage with Memorial Day celebrations. These delightful paper creations, adorned with red, white, and blue patterns, bring a cheerful motion to any outdoor space. Kids can enjoy folding and securing the paper to create the classic pinwheel shape, developing their dexterity.
Each pinwheel features a unique design, with some showcasing playful polka dots, others bold stars, and some a mix of both on their patriotic colors. As the wind blows, they twirl gracefully, creating a captivating visual display that adds a festive touch to gardens or porches. This hands-on activity encourages creativity and an appreciation for simple, kinetic art.
These vibrant pinwheels serve as more than just decorations; they are a joyful expression of national spirit and a tangible way for children to contribute to the holiday atmosphere. They offer an opportunity to discuss the meaning of Memorial Day in an accessible and engaging manner. Families will cherish these handcrafted symbols of remembrance and celebration.
6. Glittering Star Luminaries
Crafting glittering star luminaries offers a dazzling and reflective way for children to honor Memorial Day. These captivating jars, adorned with patriotic colors and sparkling stars, create a beautiful glow that enhances any evening gathering. Kids can enjoy applying glitter to the inside of the jars, watching as they transform into shimmering beacons of light.
Each luminary features a bold star cutout, allowing the candlelight to peek through and cast enchanting patterns. Some jars can be a rich blue, others a vibrant red, and some a crisp white, creating a harmonious display of national colors. This engaging craft encourages artistic expression and provides a hands-on opportunity to create something truly special.
These twinkling luminaries serve as a touching tribute to those honored on Memorial Day, adding a sense of peaceful reflection to outdoor spaces. They offer a gentle way to introduce children to the holiday’s solemnity and beauty. Families will appreciate the warm ambiance these handcrafted decorations bring, making evenings more meaningful and memorable.
7. Popsicle Stick Flags
Crafting popsicle stick flags offers a creative and accessible activity for children to celebrate Memorial Day. This project transforms simple craft sticks into charming representations of the American flag, allowing young artists to explore patriotism. Kids can enjoy painting the red stripes and the blue field, carefully adding small white stars to complete their miniature banners.
Arranging the painted sticks side by side creates a flat flag design, showcasing the classic red, white, and blue pattern. This hands-on activity helps children develop fine motor skills and encourages attention to detail as they work on their patriotic masterpiece. It’s a delightful way to introduce the symbols of the holiday in a tangible and engaging manner.
These handmade flags serve as a sweet and personal decoration for Memorial Day, bringing a touch of heartfelt artistry to any home. They are a meaningful keepsake, reflecting the effort and creativity of the children who made them. Families will appreciate these unique tributes, created with care and enthusiasm for the holiday.
8. Exploding Firework Art
Creating exploding firework art on coffee filters offers a vibrant and creative way for children to express their excitement for Memorial Day. This craft transforms simple coffee filters into dazzling displays of color, mimicking the celebratory bursts in the sky. Kids can enjoy painting radial patterns in red and blue, watching the colors blend and spread across the filter’s surface.
Adding glitter or small star confetti can enhance the “spark” of each firework, making the artwork truly shimmer. The soft, crinkled texture of the coffee filter lends itself beautifully to this artistic technique, allowing for unique and abstract designs. This engaging activity fosters artistic exploration and introduces children to color mixing in a playful manner.
These vibrant firework art pieces serve as a cheerful decoration for Memorial Day, bringing a festive spirit to any space. They are a wonderful opportunity to discuss the celebratory aspects of the holiday with young ones. Families will appreciate these handcrafted bursts of color, created with youthful enthusiasm and imagination.
9. Commemorative Painted Rocks
Creating commemorative painted rocks offers a thoughtful and artistic way for children to observe Memorial Day. This activity allows young ones to decorate smooth stones with patriotic symbols and messages of remembrance. Kids can enjoy painting miniature American flags, vibrant poppies, or peaceful doves, transforming simple rocks into meaningful tributes.
Each rock becomes a unique canvas, featuring heartfelt words like “USA,” “Honor,” and “Remember,” often accompanied by stars. This hands-on project encourages both artistic expression and reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of the holiday’s importance. Placing these decorated stones in a garden or along a pathway creates a beautiful and touching display.
These special painted rocks serve as a tangible way to honor those who served, inviting quiet contemplation and respect. It is a calming and focused craft that helps children connect with the solemnity of Memorial Day in a gentle manner. Families will cherish these personalized tokens of remembrance, created with care and genuine sentiment.
10. Soaring Patriotic Airplanes
Crafting soaring patriotic airplanes from clothespins offers a whimsical and imaginative activity for children celebrating Memorial Day. These charming miniature planes, decorated in red, white, and blue, invite playful storytelling and a sense of airborne adventure. Kids can enjoy assembling the clothespin bodies with the wooden wings, turning simple materials into delightful flying machines.
Each airplane is adorned with either bold red stripes or a field of blue dotted with white stars, creating a distinct patriotic look. This hands-on project encourages creativity and fine motor skills, allowing children to personalize their aircraft. Surrounding them with fluffy white “clouds” and small white beads enhances the playful, sky-high scene.
These charming airplanes serve as a creative way for children to engage with the themes of courage and freedom associated with Memorial Day. They provide a tangible representation of airborne heroes, sparking imaginative play and learning. Families will appreciate these unique, handcrafted toys, fostering a sense of pride and remembrance.
11. Patriotic Tie-Dye Shirts
Crafting patriotic tie-dye shirts offers a vibrant and interactive way for children to prepare for Memorial Day. This creative activity allows young ones to design their own wearable art, showcasing a spirited red, white, and blue pattern. Kids can enjoy the exciting process of tying and dyeing the fabric, anticipating the unique spiral designs that emerge.
The swirling patterns of red and blue on the white shirt create a dynamic and eye-catching effect, making each shirt one of a kind. This hands-on project encourages artistic experimentation and provides a fun lesson in color theory and pattern creation. It’s a wonderful way for children to express their individuality while embracing patriotic themes.
These lively tie-dye shirts serve as a cheerful and personal way to celebrate Memorial Day, allowing children to proudly wear their handmade creations. They are a memorable keepsake from a fun-filled crafting session, fostering a sense of accomplishment. Families will appreciate these unique and spirited garments, adding a touch of homemade charm to holiday festivities.
12. Classic Patriotic Paper Chains
Crafting a classic patriotic paper chain is a timeless and enjoyable activity for children to prepare for Memorial Day. This simple yet effective decoration allows young ones to contribute to the festive atmosphere by creating a long, colorful garland. Kids can enjoy cutting strips of red, white, and blue paper, then looping and gluing them together to form an interconnected chain.
Some paper strips might feature subtle patterns, like tiny stars or text, adding a touch of visual interest to the solid colors. This hands-on project helps develop fine motor skills and teaches children about repetition and pattern creation in a fun, engaging way. The process of connecting each link symbolizes unity and community, resonating with the spirit of the holiday.
This cheerful paper chain serves as a charming and traditional decoration for Memorial Day, bringing a homemade touch to hallways or party areas. It offers a wonderful opportunity to discuss the holiday’s importance while engaging in a collaborative craft. Families will appreciate the collective effort and the festive result of this enduring craft project.
13. Handcrafted Thank You Medals
Creating handcrafted “Thank You” medals offers a deeply respectful and meaningful activity for children to participate in for Memorial Day. This craft allows young ones to express gratitude and remembrance in a tangible form. Kids can design star-shaped medals, perhaps from cardstock or craft foam, and adorn them with heartfelt messages of appreciation.
One medal prominently displays the words “THANK YOU,” serving as a direct message of appreciation for those who served. Children can use gold or silver paint or paper to mimic the appearance of real medals, adding a sense of honor to their creations. This thoughtful project encourages children to reflect on the sacrifices made and the bravery of service members.
These personalized medals serve as a poignant reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day, fostering a sense of respect and gratitude in young hearts. They are a quiet yet powerful way to teach children about the importance of honoring heroes. Families will cherish these handmade tributes, symbolizing deep appreciation and remembrance.
14. Patriotic Garden Rocks
Crafting patriotic garden rocks offers a cheerful and artistic way for children to decorate for Memorial Day. This outdoor activity allows young ones to transform ordinary stones into vibrant expressions of national pride. Kids can enjoy painting smooth rocks with red, white, and blue, creating various designs that celebrate the holiday.
Some rocks might feature the full American flag design, complete with stripes and stars, while others showcase a heart shape filled with stars, symbolizing love for the country. Another rock might simply display bold red stripes on a white background, evoking a baseball theme. This hands-on project encourages creativity and adds a festive touch to garden beds or pathways.
These colorful garden rocks serve as a delightful and durable decoration for Memorial Day, bringing a touch of homemade charm to outdoor spaces. They offer a simple yet impactful way for children to contribute to holiday preparations. Families will appreciate these unique, handcrafted accents, adding a joyful spirit of remembrance to their home.
15. Patriotic Dartboard Game
Creating a patriotic dartboard game offers an exciting and interactive activity for children to enjoy on Memorial Day. This craft transforms a simple corkboard into a festive game, bringing a lively spirit to holiday gatherings. Kids can help arrange red, white, and blue pushpins or small balloons on the board, forming a colorful target.
The border of the board is adorned with stars, reinforcing the patriotic theme and adding to its playful appeal. Alongside the board, coordinating darts with red and blue fletching await eager players, promising hours of fun. This hands-on project encourages precision and friendly competition, making it a wonderful addition to any celebration.
This engaging dartboard game serves as a cheerful way to entertain children during Memorial Day festivities, providing a dynamic and memorable experience. It offers a lighthearted opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends. Families will appreciate this handcrafted game, adding an element of playful excitement to their holiday remembrance.
16. Playful Patriotic Photo Booth Props
Creating playful patriotic photo booth props offers a humorous and memorable activity for children celebrating Memorial Day. These whimsical accessories, adorned with red, white, and blue, invite laughter and creative expression. Kids can enjoy cutting out shapes like star-spangled sunglasses, Uncle Sam hats, and funny mustaches, attaching them to sticks for easy posing.
One prop boldly declares “USA! HERO!”, serving as a direct message of appreciation and national pride. The variety of designs ensures there’s a prop for every personality, encouraging imaginative play and silly poses. This hands-on project fosters creativity and provides a fun outlet for celebrating the holiday in a lighthearted way.
These engaging photo booth props serve as a delightful addition to Memorial Day gatherings, creating opportunities for cherished family photos and joyful memories. They offer a simple way to bring smiles and laughter to the day’s events. Families will appreciate these unique, handcrafted accessories, adding an element of playful fun to their holiday remembrance.
17. Stamped Firework Art
Creating stamped firework art offers a lively and hands-on way for children to express their creativity for Memorial Day. This craft allows young artists to produce vibrant bursts of color on large sheets of paper, mimicking celebratory fireworks. Kids can enjoy dipping a round object, such as a paper towel roll, into red and blue paint, then pressing it onto the paper to create bold, circular patterns.
Splattering small dots of contrasting colors around the stamped shapes adds to the dynamic, explosive effect, making the artwork feel even more energetic. This engaging activity encourages artistic exploration and provides a fun, tactile experience for children. The ample space on the large paper allows for grand and imaginative creations, capturing the excitement of the holiday.
These energetic firework art pieces serve as a cheerful decoration for Memorial Day, bringing a festive and patriotic touch to any space. They offer a wonderful opportunity to discuss the celebratory aspects of the holiday with young ones in a visual and interactive manner. Families will appreciate these handcrafted bursts of color, created with youthful enthusiasm and spirited imagination.
18. Woven Friendship Bracelets
Crafting woven friendship bracelets offers a delightful and engaging activity for children to participate in for Memorial Day. These colorful bracelets, intricately braided with red, white, and blue strands, symbolize camaraderie and connection. Kids can enjoy the process of weaving the threads together, developing patience and fine motor skills as they create wearable art.
Each bracelet displays a beautifully intricate pattern, with the different colored cords intertwining to form a visually appealing texture. The tightly woven design ensures durability, making these bracelets cherished keepsakes that can be worn long after the holiday. This hands-on project encourages creativity and a sense of accomplishment for young crafters.
These charming friendship bracelets serve as a meaningful way for children to express their unity and appreciation during Memorial Day. They are a tangible reminder of shared experiences and community spirit. Families will appreciate these handmade tokens, created with care and a sense of joyful collaboration.
19. Inspiring Patriotic Canvas Art
Creating an inspiring patriotic canvas art piece provides a meaningful and artistic way for children to honor Memorial Day. This craft allows young artists to paint a heartfelt message of national pride on a canvas, creating a lasting tribute. Kids can enjoy blending red, white, and blue paints to form a dynamic background, evoking the colors of the American flag.
The prominent words “land of the FREE” and “home of the BRAVE” are thoughtfully inscribed on the canvas, serving as powerful reminders of the holiday’s significance. Scattered white stars add a charming and celebratory touch, enhancing the overall patriotic theme. This hands-on project encourages both artistic expression and reflection on important national values.
This heartfelt canvas art piece serves as a beautiful decoration for Memorial Day, bringing a sense of honor and inspiration to any home. It offers a wonderful opportunity to discuss the meaning of freedom and bravery with young ones in a tangible and engaging manner. Families will appreciate this handcrafted artwork, created with care and genuine respect for the holiday.