27 Staycation Ideas for Memorial Day Weekend

Are you looking to stay close to home over Memorial Day weekend? Don’t worry; you are not alone. Heavy traffic, large crowds, high gas prices, added expenses, and other factors are just a few of the reasons people choose to stay home.

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 Deciding to stay close to home does not mean a boring weekend. On the plus side, many of these activities are low or no cost which is perfect if you are on a tight budget. Are you searching for inspiration? Check out the following staycation ideas for Memorial Day weekend.

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Please note: “As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Go Hiking: Check out your local trails. Get outdoors and enjoy nature.
  2. Go Stargazing: Grab a blanket, your favorite snacks, and spend an evening looking at the stars.
  3. Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic basket or cooler and spend the day there.
  4. Indoor Picnic: Rainy weather? Have an indoor picnic in your living room.
  5. Host a Bonfire: Invite family and friends over for a bonfire. Roast hotdogs and S’mores.
  6. Plan a Movie-Themed Weekend: Watch an entire series of movies. For example, X-Men, Marvel Universe, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Transformers, Fast and the Furious, Indiana Jones, or Ice Age are perfect for multiple movie nights.
  7. Classic Game Night: Yes, video games are fun. But host a classic game night with board games.
  8. Host a BBQ: Prepare your favorite foods on the grill. Can you smell the grilled burgers already?
  9. Ice Cream Fun: Create a sundae bar or make root beer floats. If you want extra fun, make homemade ice cream. Remember, ice cream is an excellent treat after a BBQ.
  10. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Take time out of your schedule to watch the sunrise or sunset.
  11. Pizza Night: Host a pizza night. Order in from your favorite place. (Remember to tip generously; not everyone gets the weekend off). If you do not want to order in, make homemade pizzas.
  12. Create an Indoor Fort: Create a fort out of blankets, sheets, and pillows. Kids of all ages enjoy forts.
  13. Be a Hometown Tourist: Go to the art gallery or museum. Eat at a new café or restaurant.
  14. Community Event: Attend a local activity. Many communities host special events for Memorial Day weekend.
  15. Go on a Bike Ride: A family bike ride is a great way to spend time together.
  16. Read a Book: Do you have a new book to read? Go ahead, and spend your entire weekend reading your book.
  17. Pool Time: Do you have a swimming pool? A long weekend is a great time to set up and get your pool ready for the summer.
  18. Go to the Beach: Spend an afternoon at the beach.
  19. Go on a Virtual Tour: Don’t feel like leaving the house? Go on a virtual tour. Enjoy new locations from the comfort of your couch.
  20. Bake or Cook: Make a special dessert. Try a recipe from a different culture. Or make a family favorite.
  21. Volunteer: Do you want to give back to the community? Volunteer your time over the weekend.
  22. Clean and Declutter: A long weekend is a wonderful time to clean and declutter your living space.
  23. Crafts: Try a new craft. Paint, draw, or make something.
  24. Plant a Garden: Growing a garden is a great outdoor activity plus you get fresh tomatoes.
  25. Unplug: Spend the weekend away from your electronic devices. Unplugging for a few hours, a day, or an entire weekend is great for your overall well-being.
  26. Sleep: If you have been busy with work or school, catch up on sleep. Take naps or sleep in.
  27. Do Nothing: It’s okay not to make plans. Relax and enjoy your weekend.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

9 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend

Every year, the last Monday in May honors the sacrifice of the brave men and women who have died serving in the United State military.  In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday. Observing the 3-day holiday weekend is different for everyone. Many families host gatherings, attend parades, or go on a road trips. If you are looking for ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, check out the following list for inspiration.  

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  1. Attend a Memorial Day Parade: Many communities honor Memorial Day with a parade.
  2. Moment of Silence or Prayer: Another community activity for Memorial Day focuses on a formal ceremony of raising the United States Flag. Depending on the sponsorship of the event, the activity may hold a moment of silence or prayer for the fallen military members.
  3. Attend a Community Concert: Many communities will sponsor free outdoor concerts for Memorial Day weekend. The concerts generally focus on a patriotic theme. Depending on the events, the concert may ask for donations to support other types of veteran-based events. Or the community may host vendors to make money for future endeavors.
  4. Watch Fireworks:  Another popular community event for Memorial Day weekend is patriotic fireworks. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy the fireworks display with your family.
  5. Volunteer: Volunteering as a family is always a rewarding experience. For example, to honor Memorial Day, many organizations place flags on the headstones of military members. The activity is a simple way to give back. Getting your family involved is a great learning experience.
  6. Visit a Memorial Wall or National Cemetery: Visit a Memorial Wall or walk through a National Cemetery to show respect and honor the men and women who never made it home.
  7. Research Your Family’s Military History: Search your family’s history. Finding information about family members who served is a rewarding experience.
  8. Host a BBQ: Gather your family or friends for a Memorial Day BBQ at your home, the local park, or other areas of interest. When serving, take a moment to recognize the fallen heroes with a toast. The act of toasting is a simple gesture but can easily turn into a long-standing Memorial Day tradition.
  9. Be Thankful: Whether you and your family chose to travel, attend events, or stay home, for Memorial Day weekend, be thankful for your choice.

The Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off the summer season. Celebrate, remember, and appreciate the weekend with your family and friends. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

10 Staycation Ideas for Memorial Day Weekend

Traffic, large crowds, high gas prices, and other factors are just a few of the many reasons to stay home over Memorial Day weekend. Staying home or having a staycation does not necessarily mean a boring weekend. If you are looking for inspiration, check out the following staycation ideas for Memorial Day weekend.

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Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Go Hiking: Look up hiking trails near your home. If you are not a hiker, start out with the basic trails. The short walks are perfect for families with small children. Enjoy an entire day outdoors, pack a lunch, and take lots of pictures.
  2. Host a Bonfire: Invite friends and family over for a bonfire. Roast hotdogs and S’mores. Enjoy a night out under the stars. Before hosting a bonfire, check for any restrictions in your area.
  3. Go Stargazing: If the night is clear, just look at the stars. Bring a blanket and your favorite snack food. Enjoy a night out under the stars.
  4. Movie Night: Host a themed movie night. Watch Harry Potter, Star Wars, Frozen, Ice Age, or binge-watch a television series. All are perfect for a night at home. Order pizza or make your favorite snacks.
  5. Game Night: Dust off the board games or use your favorite video game to host a game night. For added fun, make ice cream floats, or create a sundae bar.
  6. Go on a Picnic: Pack a lunch and go to your local park for a picnic. A picnic basket full of sandwiches, snacks, and beverages makes a perfect lunch. If you do not know what to bring on a picnic, stop and grab a pizza. To-go pizzas are inexpensive and a great treat.
  7. Do Crafts: Spend an afternoon doing crafts. Paint, draw or create something to hang on your wall. Your local dollar store carries craft supplies to fit a tight budget.
  8. Be a Hometown Tourist: Make a list of local places to go. Try a new restaurant or café. Go to the art gallery or historical museum.
  9. Attend a Community Event: Many communities host free concerts, parades, or other activities for Memorial Day. Go and enjoy the local activities.
  10. Do Nothing: No rule states you must be busy over Memorial Day weekend. Do not make any plans. Relax and enjoy your time with your friends or family.  

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

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