Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. While it’s also the unofficial start of summer in the U.S., it's important to balance celebration with respect for its deeper meaning.
 |
Visit the The International Museum of World War II
Memorial Day weekend in our state means sunshine (hopefully), BBQs, and an extra day off with your favorite people. Whether you're hunting for kid-friendly events, outdoor adventures, or just an excuse to get out of the house, we've got you covered.
And while you're enjoying the fun, it's also a perfect time to pause and reflect on why this day exists: To honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country.
Below, you'll find the best family events, activities, and meaningful ways to spend Memorial Day weekend in Southern RI.
Family-Friendly Memorial Day Weekend Events
Looking for Memorial Day weekend plans in Rhode Island? Here are events happening this weekend for families.
May 22
🚨Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial Fort Adams (May 22-25)
May 23
🚨Town of Lincoln Memorial Day Breakfast
🚨Lincoln Memorial Day Fireworks and MORE!
🚨Tiverton Memorial Day Parade & Block Parade Extravaganza
May 24
🚨Exeter's 51st Annual Memorial Day Parade
🚨Charlestown Memorial Day Parade 2026
🚨Hope Valley - Wyoming Fire District's Memorial Day Parade
May 25
🚨SOUTH KINGSTOWN MEMORIAL DAY PARADE & CEREMONY
🚨Barrington Memorial Day Parade
🚨North Kingstown Memorial Day Parade
🚨2026 Westerly-Pawcatuck Memorial Day Parade
🚨West Greenwich Memorial Day Parade
🚨Jamestown Memorial Day Parade
🚨East Greenwich Memorial Day Parade
🚨Richmond Carolina Fire District's Memorial Day Parade
🚨Memorial Day Ceremony - Remember & Honor
🚨North Providence Memorial Day Parade & Celebration
🚨Events are added as they come in! Please let me know if your event is missing🚨
In addition to local parades and services, we can all participate in the National Moment of Remembrance.
The National Moment of Remembrance is a 60-second period of silence observed at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
 |
A Moment to Remember: What Memorial Day Is All About
While this is a weekend that can be packed with fun, it’s also a time for families to reflect on why this holiday holds meaning.
Here are three simple ideas you can do as a family to mark the day that honors those who died serving in the U.S. military.
- Observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day — a tradition called the National Moment of Remembrance.
- Visit a veterans memorial or cemetery to pay respects.
- Display a flag at home or help your child make a red poppy craft — a symbol of remembrance after WWI.
- 👉🏽 Get more ideas here!
Just one small act of gratitude can leave a lasting impression on your kids.
Easy Weekend Fun Ideas for Families
Looking for at-home fun? Here are five ideas on how to mark the weekend at home:
- Backyard BBQ + sprinklers = Instant summer joy
- Family hike or nature walk with scavenger hunt
- Red, white, and blue bike parade around the block
- Chalk your sidewalk with patriotic messages
- Craft an American flag pin with safety pins and beads. Get directions here!
 |
Quick Memorial Day Facts to Share with Kids
- Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day after the Civil War.
- It became a federal holiday in 1971, always on the last Monday in May.
- Volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery place over 400,000 flags each year.
7 Ways to Honor Memorial Day with Your Children
Macaroni KID Southern RI, East Bay-Newport RI, and Macaroni KID Cranston-Kent RI
are free weekly newsletters and websites focused on finding fun family events.
If you'd like to partner with us, please contact us here.
 |
These sites are proudly published by a local mom who curates weekly local family events and activities, searching for family fun classes, family-focused businesses, and any bucket list adventures around! Our newsletters bring all this and any recipes, crafts, and guides we have worked on just for you!
Proudly serving Rhode Island families❣️
