Memorial Day for Kids: Packing, Travel & Activities
Sun’s out, bags packed (ish), and someone’s already asking, “Are we there yet?” Yep, it’s Memorial Day weekend — the official kick-off to summer mayhem.
Whether you’re road-tripping to grandma’s, crashing at a rental, or staying put and turning your backyard into a staycation zone, one thing’s guaranteed: traveling with kids isn’t exactly chill. But it can be fun — or at least fun-adjacent — with a little prep and the right kind of energy (read: snacks and inflatable everything).
At FUNBOY, we’re here for the madness and the memories. That’s why we put together this no-stress, high-fun guide to Memorial Day weekend with kids — from what to pack to travel hacks and easy activities that don’t involve dozens of snack breaks or a meltdown at mile marker 12. Because if summer’s starting now, you might as well start strong.
What Should You Pack for a Memorial Day Weekend With Kids?
Let’s start with the stuff you’ll actuallyuse. Not the random toy they haven’t touched in six months but now can’t live without, or the fourth pair of backup pants “just in case.”
We’re talking about the real MVPs — things that make your weekend smoother, your kids happier, and your stress levels slightly more manageable.
Kids Sleepover Air Mattresses
Sleepovers, campouts, late-night movie marathons — whatever your Memorial Day plans look like, having a solid sleep setup for the kids is a game changer. Our Kids Sleepover Air Mattresses were designed by parents (that’s us!) who needed a better way to make travel feel like home.
Think cozy flocked sleeping surface, travel-friendly storage bag, and cool designs that make bedtime way less of a battle. Staying at grandma’s? Boom — extra bed handled. Crashing in a rental with zero kid gear? You’re covered. Want to set up an outdoor movie night under the stars? Just inflate, toss on a blanket, and call it magic.
Weather-Ready Outfits (and Then Some)
Memorial Day weekend loves to keep you guessing — sunny and 80° one minute, breezy hoodie weather the next. Pack layers like you’re prepping for three different climates (because you kind of are). Swimsuits? Yes. Sweatshirts? Also yes. Flip-flops, sneakers, backup shoes for when someone “accidentally” steps in mud? 100%.
Pro tip: Pack full outfits in gallon-size zip bags — socks, undies, the whole fit. Label by day (or event) so when someone’s mid-meltdown, you can just toss them a bag and keep it moving. Bonus: the used bags are great for wet clothes or mysterious car snacks later.
Snacks. All the Snacks.
Memorial Day travel math: however many snacks you think you need — double it, then toss in two emergency snack packs for when things go sideways. Mix the staples (crackers, fruit, pouches) with a few “OMG MOM GOT THE FUN STUFF” treats to keep spirits high. Gummy worms before noon? It’s a long weekend, not a regular Monday.
Parent hack:Portion snacks into individual zip bags ahead of time so you’re not stuck passing the giant pretzel tub over the seat 47 times. And yes, bring wipes like your weekend depends on them. Because it does.
Swim Stuff + Splash Essentials
Even if there’s not a pool in sight, kids have a sixth sense for finding water. Bring swimsuits, towels, goggles, water shoes, sunscreen (so much sunscreen), and a plastic bag for the wet stuff you forget about until checkout.
Got no pool? No problem. Toss in the Ice Cream Cone Splash Pad — it’s cute, compact, and plugs into your hose for instant backyard joy. It’s also a total lifesaver when you need 30 minutes of “cool down” time and no one wants to nap.
Entertainment You Don’t Have To Manage
Think of this as your travel survival kit — but for your sanity. Books, coloring pads, headphones, downloaded movies, reusable sticker books… pack the stuff that doesn’t require your full attention every five minutes. You want entertainment that keeps them busy without needing constant applause or supervision.
Pro tip: Hide a few things and reveal them slowly, like tiny surprises. Something “new” (even if it’s just a forgotten toy from the bottom of the toy bin) has way more staying power than the stuff they see every day. And for longer trips, rotate options like you’re running a tiny personal in-flight entertainment system — because if they go through everything by noon on Day One, you’re gonna feel it.
How Do You Survive Memorial Day Weekend Travel With Kids?
Honestly? Snacks, deep breaths, and accepting that things will go sideways at some point. But a little strategy goes a long way.
If you’re flying, get to the airport early — not in an overachiever way, just in a “my toddler thinks TSA is a jungle gym” kind of way. Let them burn energy in the terminal, not the boarding line.
Pack extra clothes in your carry-on (for both of you), bring headphones they’ll actually wear, and preload every screen with downloads because the in-flight Wi-Fi will betray you. And don’t be afraid to board last. Trapping a toddler in a seat for longer than necessary? Hard pass.
For road trips, breaks aren’t optional — they’re the key to keeping everyone semi-sane. Plan short stops every one to two hours, even if it’s just to stretch the legs or do a “silly shake-out” in a gas station parking lot. Pack small surprises (stickers, snacks, mini toys) and dole them out like rewards for good behavior — or just for surviving another 30 minutes without a meltdown.
And when the meltdowns come (because they will)? Stay calm, laugh when you can, and remember: no one’s judging you harder than you’re judging yourself. You’ve got this.
What Are the Best Memorial Day Activities for Kids?
So, you’ve reached your destination — bags exploded across the room, snacks mysteriously vanished, everyone slightly sunburned from one hour outside. Now what?
When the travel’s done and the kids still have energy for days, you need go-to activities that don’t require a degree in crafting or a full Pinterest board of prep. While there are tons of kid-friendly ideas out there, here are a few of our favorites that are easy, fun, and won’t leave your weekend looking like a glitter bomb went off.
DIY Backyard Olympics (Vacation Edition)
You don’t need a stadium — or even much space — to make this one happen. Use what you’ve got. Suitcase sprint? Yup. Towel tug-of-war? Absolutely. Pool float relay with our Vintage Kid Tubes? Iconic.
These smaller, lighter floats are easy to pack and perfect for tiny humans racing from Point A to “Mom, I fell over.” Give each kid a silly team name, make medals out of aluminum foil or cookies, and suddenly, you’ve bought yourself a solid hour of distraction and a few photo ops.
Campfire (or Toaster Oven) S'mores Night
Whether you’ve got a firepit, a rental with a grill, or a toaster oven and a dream, s’mores are the ultimate holiday weekend treat. Set out the goods and let the kids build their own.
Want to go big? Add things like peanut butter cups, sliced strawberries, or marshmallows the size of their face. No fire? Wrap them in foil and toss 'em on the grill or pop them in the oven. Melty sugar is melty sugar.
Glow Stick Hide and Seek
You will need to burn off the post-s’mores energy. When the sun goes down, give each kid a couple of glow sticks (necklace, bracelet, whatever’s easy), and play hide and seek in the dark.
It’s way more exciting than the daylight version, and you can actually spot them from a distance without yelling every 10 seconds. Bonus: they’ll feel like it’s the coolest thing they’ve ever done, even though it required zero prep.
Kid-Led Morning Parade
By Day 3, let them take the lead. Pull out mini flags, sunglasses, towels-as-capes — whatever’s lying around — and let the kids plan their own “Memorial Day Parade.”
Give them 20 minutes to prep, then have them march around the yard, driveway, or Airbnb patio while you clap from a lawn chair like it’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s pure comedy, and the only prep you have to do is press record on your phone.
A Final Word
And there you have it — your survival guide to Memorial Day weekend with kids, packed with the kind of tips that actually help when someone’s covered in juice and asking for a snack again. From packing smarter to building in playtime that doesn’t require a full craft bin, we’re here to make sure your long weekend feels like a real break (or something close to it).
And once the kids are entertained, fed, and flopped out for five whole minutes? That’s your cue. Kick back on one of our Tanning Pool Loungers, float in peace on a Water Hammock, or just scroll our site for all the things you didn’t know you needed. Shop now and stock up for your summer. You’ve earned it.
Sources:
History of Memorial Day | National Memorial Day Concert | PBS
Super Snack Tips for Road Trips With Kids | PBS KIDS for Parents
