Memorial Day has a way of sneaking up as “the unofficial start of summer” …..the pools are open, grills come out, and the long weekend just kind of happens. It’s easy to skip right past what the day is actually for.

And it’s not the 4th of July. Memorial Day is specifically about remembering the people who died serving in the military, and the families who carry that loss. That’s a lot for a 4 year-old to sit with….and honestly, a lot for most of us. But the crafts we make with our kids can do a little quiet work: opening a small conversation, saying thank you, making something to leave at a memorial or send to a military family.

That’s what this list is for: 11 crafts that are low prep, forgiving of messy hands, and…where it makes sense….tied to the meaning of the day, not just the color scheme. Some are pure fun (little kids still need that), and a few are built to spark a conversation if your kid is ready for one.

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1. Handprint American Flag

A sweet keepsake that parents will hold onto forever. It’s also a great way to capture how small your child’s hands are at this moment in time.

Supplies:

• White paper or canvas
• Red, white, and blue washable paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions:

1. Paint your child’s hand with red and white stripes.
2. Press onto paper to create the flag base.
3. Add blue paint in the corner and use fingertips for stars.
4. Let dry completely.

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2. Red Poppy Pins

Supplies: 

• Red and black construction paper or felt
• Scissors
• Glue
• Safety pin or tape
• Green pipe cleaner (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut red petal shapes (rounded, about the size of a quarter).
2. Glue the petals together in a cross pattern.
3. Cut a small black circle for the center and glue it on top.
4. Tape or glue a safety pin to the back so it can be worn on a shirt.

Older kids can read (or listen to) In Flanders Fields while they work. Younger ones just love that they get to wear something they made.

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3. Paper Plate Patriotic Wreath

Perfect for decorating your front door or party space. This craft also doubles as a fun group activity if you have multiple kids working together.

Supplies:

• Paper plate
• Red, white, and blue tissue paper
• Glue
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut the center out of the paper plate to form a ring.
2. Tear or crumple tissue paper pieces.
3. Glue pieces all around the ring.
4. Let dry and hang up.

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4. Memorial Stones

Simple, creative, and great for all ages. Kids love turning everyday rocks into colorful mini works of art. In some towns, families leave painted stones at veterans’ gravesites or memorials — a small visible sign that someone was here and someone remembered. This is a lovely one to do a day or two before Memorial Day, then walk the stones over together.

Supplies:

• Smooth rocks
• Acrylic paint or paint markers
• Paintbrushes

Instructions:

1. Clean and dry rocks.
2. Paint designs like stars, stripes, hearts, or just the word “Thank you.”
3. Let dry, then add details if desired.
4. Seal with clear spray (optional).
5. Visit a local veterans’ memorial, cemetery, or even a neighbor who served, and leave the stones as a small gesture.

For older kids, this is a good moment to talk about who the stones are for.

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5. DIY Patriotic Windsocks

Adds fun movement and color outdoors. These look especially cute hanging from trees, patios, or fences during a party.

Supplies:

• Toilet paper rolls
• Red, white, and blue streamers or ribbon
• Glue or tape
• String

Instructions:

1. Decorate the roll with paint or stickers.
2. Attach streamers to the bottom.
3. Punch holes at the top and tie string.
4. Hang outside.

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6. Star Sticker Art

A perfect low-prep activity for toddlers. This is ideal for independent play when you need something quick and mess-free.

Supplies:

• Star stickers
• Paper (white or colored)

Instructions:

1. Give kids a sheet of paper and stickers.
2. Let them decorate freely or create patterns.
3. Optional: Draw a flag outline for guidance.

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7. Patriotic Sensory Bin

Great for hands-on play and younger kids. It’s also a calming activity that can keep kids engaged for long periods of time.

Supplies:

• Rice or pasta (dyed red, white, blue)
• Plastic bin
• Scoops, cups, small toys

Instructions:

1. Fill bin with colored rice or pasta.
2. Add scoops and small items.
3. Let kids pour, scoop, and explore.

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8. Popsicle Stick American Flags

A classic, structured craft kids love. This is a great option if you want something a little more guided and less messy.

Supplies:

• Popsicle sticks
• Red, white, blue paint
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Line up sticks side by side.
2. Glue two sticks across the back to hold together.
3. Paint stripes and a blue corner.
4. Add white dots for stars.

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9. Coffee Filter Fireworks

A fun, slightly magical art activity. Kids love watching the colors spread and blend in unexpected ways.

Supplies:

• Coffee filters
• Washable markers
• Spray bottle with water

Instructions:

1. Flatten coffee filters.
2. Draw designs with markers.
3. Lightly spray with water.
4. Watch colors spread like fireworks.

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10. Patriotic Paper Fans

Great for warm-weather celebrations. Kids can actually use these during outdoor events to stay cool.

Supplies:

• Construction paper
• Markers or stickers
• Glue or tape
• Popsicle stick (optional handle)

Instructions:

1. Decorate paper with patriotic colors.
2. Fold accordion-style.
3. Secure the bottom with glue or tape.
4. Attach a stick for a handle if desired.

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11. Letters to Gold Star Families or Active-Duty Service Members

A meaningful way to connect kids to the purpose of the holiday. It also opens up a simple conversation about gratitude and remembrance. Instead of a generic thank-you card that goes in a drawer, aim the card at a real person. There are a few ways to do this:

If you know a Gold Star family (one who has lost someone in service), a handwritten note from a kid around Memorial Day means more than you’d think.

Soldiers’ Angels and A Million Thanks both accept letters for active-duty service members and veterans.

Your local VFW or American Legion post can often pass notes to veterans in their community.

Supplies:

• Cardstock or folded paper
• Markers, crayons, stickers

Instructions:

1. Fold paper into a card.
2. Write “Thank You” on the front.
3. Let kids decorate with drawings or stickers.
4. Inside, help younger kids write a short message — even “I am 5 and I made you this card” is plenty. Older kids can write something more personal.
5. Mail it, deliver it, or leave it at a memorial.

This is the one craft my kids remember doing the longest afterward. It makes the day feel like it’s about something.

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Final Thoughts

These easy Memorial Day crafts for kids are simple, fun, and meaningful. With just a few basic supplies, you can create a festive and engaging experience for kids of all ages.

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