Simple and Budget-Friendly Outings to Enjoy Together this Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day doesn’t have to mean plane tickets, hotel bills, or over-packed schedules.
In fact, some of the most meaningful memories are made just an hour from home—especially when you’re intentional about where you go, what you see, and how you spend time as a family.
As a mom, it’s easy to feel the pressure to plan a “big” holiday weekend. Social media makes it seem like everyone else is taking their kids to Disney, staying in expensive Airbnbs, or attending sold-out concerts.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need a huge budget to give your kids a holiday to remember.
This guide is full of faith-friendly, educational, and joy-filled Memorial Day weekend trip ideas you can do as a day trip—or close-to-home outing.
No passports, pricey attractions, or hotel drama needed. Just pack the cooler, grab your water bottles, and head out for a day with purpose.
Here’s some easy, affordable, and truly meaningful family trip ideas for Memorial Day weekend!
1. Visit a Local Living History Farm or Heritage Site
Perfect for: Families with elementary-age kids, homeschoolers, and anyone who loves hands-on learning
A visit to a nearby living history farm or heritage village is one of the most engaging and affordable ways to mark the holiday weekend.
These sites often feature costumed interpreters, old-fashioned buildings, working animals, and interactive experiences that help children connect with the past in a meaningful way.
Many of these places highlight early American life, rural traditions, or pioneer-era tools and trades—all of which help families appreciate how far the country has come and the roots we stand on today.
It’s a great way to blend education with fun, and most locations have affordable day passes or offer discounted family tickets.
Pack a picnic and find a shady spot under a tree for lunch, then explore gardens, blacksmith shops, or even take a wagon ride if it’s available.
For Christian families, these outings also offer a natural way to talk about gratitude, stewardship, and legacy—without a sermon.
Elevate your trip:
- Road Trip and Travel Journal for Kids – Encourage children to sketch or write about what they saw
- Family-Size Insulated Picnic Bag – Perfect for packing snacks and staying under budget
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2. Explore a Local Botanical Garden or Arboretum with a Patriotic Scavenger Hunt
Perfect for: Nature-loving families, toddlers to tweens, and low-key outdoor adventures
Botanical gardens and arboretums offer beautiful, calming spaces to enjoy nature while sneaking in some learning.
On Memorial Day weekend, these quiet spots can feel like a breath of fresh air—especially compared to busy amusement parks or crowded events.
Before heading out, create a simple nature scavenger hunt. You could put a twist on it and have the kids look for red, white, and blue flowers, birds, or objects, or complete challenges like “find something shaped like a star” or “spot something older than you.”
Here’s our FREE Spring Scavenge Hunt to get you started!
Most gardens allow you to print maps in advance, which can double as part of the activity.
Many of these sites also have shaded benches, walking trails, and snack spots—making it ideal for families who want a slower pace without spending a fortune.
Elevate your trip:
- Nature Scavenger Hunt Cards – Easy to use anywhere
- Kid-Friendly Binoculars – Lightweight and perfect for little explorers
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3. Houseful of Boys? Try This Instead!
Perfect for: Families with all boys, outdoorsy dads, or households that lean toward hands-on adventure
If Memorial Day weekend always feels a little too full of bunting and board games, and your household is bursting with boys (or men who still act like them)—try flipping the script.
Surprise your crew with a day made just for them.
For younger boys, set up a Nerf gun war or water blaster fight in the backyard. Use cardboard boxes or outdoor furniture for barricades, assign teams, and let them loose. It’s chaotic. It’s hilarious. It’s basically what they were born for.
For older boys and teens, take things to the next level with an afternoon at the local gun range or a stop at Bass Pro or Cabela’s for gear browsing. And if you want to blow their minds? Hand them a crossbow!
Ravin Crossbows are top-end, compact, high-performance, crazy satisfying to use and let’s be honest – just really cool! They’re designed for precision but don’t require a lifetime of experience to get started. Your guys are going to love them! Head to a dealer or buy online!
Crossbow favorites:
- Ravin R10 – Sleek, accurate, and beginner-friendly
- Ravin R500 – High-tech, powerful, and precision-driven
Pair the day with a bold brew from Black Rifle Coffee Company—veteran-owned and unapologetically patriotic, available on Amazon.com or in stores [ad]. A strong cup of their dark roast served in a Stars & Stripes mug sets the tone perfectly.
This kind of day hits all the right notes: respect, fun, bonding, and just enough testosterone to make the whole weekend feel like something they’ll never forget.
Top Amazon.com Picks for Your Houseful of Guys:
- Ravin Crossbows – Premium crossbows, these are bound to wow the guys!
- Electric Water Gun Pistol – Hours of fun, in and out of the pool!
- Nerf Elite Dart Blaster – Lightweight, durable, and easy to reload
- Zuru Bunch O Balloons – Fill and tie 100+ water balloons in under a minute
- Black Rifle Just Black Coffee Pods – Veteran-owned, bold, and made for mornings like this
- American Flag Coffee Mug – Durable and dishwasher safe with patriotic flair
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4. Visit a County Courthouse Square or Historic Downtown Area
Perfect for: Families who enjoy history, architecture, and grabbing ice cream along the way
Many historic downtown areas or courthouse squares come alive during holiday weekends—with bunting on buildings, live music, small festivals, and plenty of local charm.
Start your trip with a slow stroll around the main square, pointing out architectural details, veterans’ memorials, or plaques honoring fallen soldiers.
Most of these places have at least one historic church, bell tower, or old-fashioned storefront worth exploring.
Afterward, stop at a family-run café or grab ice cream cones from a local shop. You can even turn it into a photography challenge: Who can capture the most “Americana” moment of the day?
It’s a simple, low-cost outing that feels like a step back in time—and it’s a lovely way to celebrate community pride.
Elevate your trip:
- Instant Film Camera – Creates nostalgic, real-time prints for kids to keep
- Red, White & Blue Woven Picnic Blanket – Perfect for spreading out near a fountain or green space
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5. Take a Self-Guided Landmark Tour in Your Nearest City
Perfect for: Older kids, curious tweens, teens, or families who enjoy adventure with a little structure
Every city—big or small—has landmarks that are overlooked by locals but fascinating when explored on purpose. Think: old train stations, bridges with a story, vintage diners, war memorials, statues, or public art displays.
Build your own “Landmarks Bingo” or checklist and turn the day into a low-cost adventure. You can download a map ahead of time, or simply pick a starting point and wander with intention.
Look up trivia or fun facts on the fly and let each family member take turns being the “guide.”
Bring a small cooler and snacks, wear good walking shoes, and take lots of photos. You’ll be surprised how many stories you uncover within a 10-mile radius of your own home.
Elevate your trip:
- National Parks Passport Journal – Capture memories from every local landmark you explore
- Collapsible Soft Cooler Bag with Shoulder Strap – Lightweight, easy to carry, and fits lunch for the whole crew
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6. Visit a Local Farm or U-Pick Berry Field
Perfect for: Families with young kids, nature lovers, and anyone who loves turning outings into keepsake moments
Nothing says summer quite like berry-stained fingers and a basket full of strawberries. Many local farms offer u-pick berry patches (especially strawberries) around Memorial Day weekend, and it’s one of the most affordable and memorable ways to spend a day together.
Bring your own containers (or use theirs), and let the kids roam the rows collecting the ripest fruit they can find. Some farms even have small petting areas, hayrides, or simple playgrounds that make it feel like an event—without the ticket prices of bigger attractions.
After picking, lay out a blanket and enjoy a snack right there. Or head home and bake a strawberry cobbler together with what you found.
Elevate your trip:
- Fruit Picking Baskets – Reusable for berry picking or displaying snacks
- Kids’ Hat with Chin Strap – Keeps the sun off while they hunt for fruit
- Sunscreen – An absolute necessity for safe outside play
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7. Ride Bikes to a Local Picnic Spot
Perfect for: Active families, tweens and teens, or anyone trying to cut back on gas and screen time
Memorial Day weekend is ideal for dusting off the bikes and heading out together—especially if you map out a simple route to a nearby park, lake, or greenbelt.
Even just a ride through your neighborhood or a scenic bike trail can turn into an adventure when there’s a picnic waiting at the end.
Keep the food simple: a few sandwiches, apples, trail mix, and drinks in reusable bottles. Use a backpack cooler or a soft tote to carry what you need.
If your kids are still learning road rules or safety, this is a great low-key way to practice while enjoying time outside.
For younger kids, you can attach a wagon or use a child seat to bring them along. And don’t forget a Bluetooth speaker to add some soft background music when you arrive at your picnic spot.
Elevate your trip:
- Patriotic Blue Tooth Speakers – this fun patriotic fannypack is actually a bluetooth speaker too! So you can listen to your favorite tunes as you cycle!
- Insulated Backpack Cooler – Lightweight, hands-free, and holds snacks and drinks for the whole crew
- Red, White & Blue Bike Streamers – Add a festive touch to kids’ bikes for the holiday weekend
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8. Host a Backyard Game Day Instead of Going Anywhere
Perfect for: Big families, budget-conscious weekends, and low-key neighborhood fun
If travel isn’t in the cards—or you’re just done with holiday traffic—bring the fun home with a full-blown backyard game day.
You don’t need fancy equipment or a massive yard to make it a hit. Just a few classic games, some friendly competition, and maybe a homemade scoreboard.
Try a mix of old favorites: cornhole, lawn darts, jumbo Jenga, tug-of-war, or even a three-legged race. For a red, white, and blue twist, divide into patriotic teams (Team Stars vs. Team Stripes!) and hand out small prizes from the dollar store.
Add a picnic blanket for resting between rounds, a cooler of cold drinks, and a DIY trophy (spray-painted can or mason jar!) to crown the day’s champions. It’s memorable, screen-free, and totally customizable.
Elevate your day:
- Patriotic Cornhole Game Set – Durable and festive for all ages
- Giant Wooden Tumbling Tower Game – A backyard crowd-pleaser
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9. Take a Day Trip to a Small Town and Support Local Businesses
Perfect for: Families who want charm, nostalgia, and a break from the big-box routine
Skip the crowds and chain stores for a day, and head to a nearby small town for a dose of Americana that’s slow, sweet, and surprisingly fun.
Even towns with just one main street often have hidden gems: an old ice cream parlor, a vintage bookstore, a mom-and-pop diner, or a quirky general store.
Walk the streets, admire the bunting in shop windows, and challenge your kids to “spot the oldest building” or “find a penny candy under $1.” It’s a low-cost outing with big charm.
Want to make it extra memorable? Choose one treat you’d normally grab at a chain (like Ben & Jerry’s or Starbucks) and swap it for the local version instead. Not only is it more personal—it’s often better!
Elevate your trip:
- Reusable Red, White & Blue Tote Bag – Perfect for carrying souvenirs, bakery finds, or local goods
- Retro-Inspired Instant Camera – Capture your small-town memories in vintage style
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10. End the Day with a Backyard Campfire or Porch Picnic
Perfect for: Families winding down, introverts recharging, or anyone who wants a quiet, meaningful moment
After a full day of fun, food, and flag-filled festivities, it’s easy to forget to slow down. But sometimes, the most memorable part of a holiday weekend isn’t the party—it’s the peaceful moment that follows.
Gather the family, brew a final cup of coffee or cocoa, and head out to the backyard or porch. Light a campfire (or turn on a tabletop fire bowl if you’re short on space) and share what stood out about the day.
Set up lawn chairs, spread a picnic blanket, and offer easy treats: s’mores, popcorn, or even leftover flag cookies from earlier. If you’re in a porch-sitting mood, add a throw blanket and a candle or lantern for glow.
Want to tie it all together? Invite each person to say one thing they’re thankful for or one person they’re remembering this weekend.
It’s not a production. It’s connection.
Slow-down favorites:
- Tabletop Fire Pit – Smokeless and perfect for porches or patios
- Outdoor String Lights – Set the tone for cozy late-night conversation
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The Takeaway
Social media might scream “go big or go home,” but real memories? They’re built in small-town diners, strawberry fields, picnic trails, and front porches.
This Memorial Day weekend you don’t have to spend a fortune or plan a picture-perfect itinerary. You just need a little intention.
From living history sites and landmark bingo to crossbow bonding days with your boys or a spontaneous berry-picking session—there’s no shortage of real moments to be had.
And when you keep it simple, meaningful, and budget-friendly, you create space for what actually matters: laughter, gratitude, legacy, and connection.
So whether you’re heading out or staying close to home, these ideas aren’t about doing more—they’re about doing it better!
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Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
