Not only is Memorial Day an important time to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country, but it is a day to spend quality time with family and friends as a kickoff to summer. The holiday weekend is usually celebrated with gatherings of family and friends, parades, picnics or a road trip, obviously, this year, things look a little different.

But just because things are different doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time while celebrating responsibly. Here are some ideas for spending Memorial Day with your quarantine crew.

Have a mini cookout. Fire up the grill, roll-out the drink cart, set up some up lawn games and blow-up the kiddy pool. We’ve got you covered with these delicious Memorial Day recipe ideas.

Honor those in your life who died in combat or those who served and are no longer with us. Visit their graves or find your own way to honor them throughout the weekend.

Set up a zoom party with those you normally would spend the holiday with and keep the tradition going.

Donate to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Whether you donate time or money, your contribution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be greatly appreciated.

Enjoy the outdoors. Break out the bike, kayak, fishing rod, picnic supplies, or hiking boots.

Send a care package. Honor the heroes of the past by sending a care package to an active duty service member.

Watch the National Memorial Day Concert. Tune into PBS on Sunday at 8:00pm for featured performances and tributes filmed from around the country to honor the troops and our veterans. 

Go camping in the backyard. Check out these fun ideas to make your backyard the new campground.

Watch a movie outside. Set up an old bed sheet, a projector, some cushions, and outdoor chairs for a cozy set-up. Pick one of these classic kids’ movies for a movie night under the stars.

Gather around a campfire. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, tell stories and sing campfire songs.

Create your own parade. Your neighborhood could coordinate a social distancing parade where each family gets in their own car and parades around the neighborhood with patriotic gear.

Create a sidewalk mural. Kids of all ages can get in on the fun of creating a giant sidewalk chalk mural of a flag.

We hope you have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend!