Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer—it’s a special time to honor those who have served in the military and reflect on the values of bravery, gratitude, and community. For families with preschoolers, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect through hands-on activities that blend creativity with meaning. Here are five engaging arts and crafts ideas that parents can enjoy with their young children this Memorial Day.
Handprint American Flags
What You’ll Need:
- Red, white, and blue paint
- White construction paper
- A sponge or brush
- Your preschooler’s hand!
Instructions: Paint your child’s palm blue and their fingers red and white in stripes. Press their hand onto the paper to create a handprint flag. Add white stars or stickers to the blue area.
Why It’s Great: This craft supports fine motor skills and introduces basic flag symbolism in a hands-on way. It also makes a keepsake that captures your child’s growth.
Poppy Flower Craft
What You’ll Need:
- Red cupcake liners
- Black buttons or circles
- Green pipe cleaners or straws
- Glue
Instructions: Flatten the red cupcake liners, glue a black button in the center, and attach a green stem. Talk about how poppies are used to honor fallen soldiers.
Why It’s Great: The poppy is a traditional Memorial Day symbol. Preschoolers will enjoy the sensory experience while learning about remembrance.
Patriotic Windsocks
What You’ll Need:
- Toilet paper rolls or construction paper tubes
- Red, white, and blue paint or paper
- Ribbon or crepe paper streamers
- Hole punch and string
Instructions: Decorate the tube with patriotic colors. Punch holes in one end and tie on ribbon or streamers. Add a string at the top to hang it outdoors.
Why It’s Great: This activity blends crafting with movement and outdoor fun, giving preschoolers a project they can display and play with.
Thank You Cards for Veterans
What You’ll Need:
- Blank cards or folded paper
- Crayons, markers, stickers
- Optional: A local veteran organization to mail them to
Instructions: Let your child draw or decorate a thank you card. You can write a simple message for them like, “Thank you for your service!”
Why It’s Great: This project teaches gratitude and gives children a meaningful way to connect with the holiday’s purpose.
Star-Spangled Slime
What You’ll Need:
- Clear glue, baking soda, contact lens solution
- Red, white, and blue glitter or star confetti
- Mixing bowl and spoon
Instructions: Mix clear glue with baking soda and glitter, then add contact solution until it firms up. Store in a jar for play.
Why It’s Great: This sensory craft is both fun and educational, helping children learn about textures and colors in a themed way.
Arts and crafts are a powerful tool in early childhood education, blending creativity, emotional learning, and quality bonding time. These Memorial Day projects give preschoolers a chance to explore patriotism and remembrance in a way that is age-appropriate, meaningful, and fun.