Things to Do on Memorial Day with the Kids

Memorial Day is a time to honor our nation's fallen heroes and many activities are planned for this patriotic holiday. It's also a long weekend for us to find things to do on Memorial Day with the kids; quality family time with our children without the usual interruptions of phones and household chores. Let's welcome the first inkling of summer with outdoor activities where parents and children can enjoy each other, the sunshine, fresh air, food, games and just "fun, fun, fun!"

A Trip to the Playground (Baby and Toddler)

As your child has mastered such milestones as crawling and even walking around on her own two feet; now it is time to explore a whole new setting of learning and excitement as you explore the playground together. As toddlers climb, crawl, jump and swing, they gain experiences that enhance their gross motor skills, spatial perception, balance and eye-hand coordination. As well as the physical and social benefits of playground play; your child will develop a sense of achievement from learning these new skills that will increase her self-confidence and self-image.

Now as you are ready to load up the stroller and head out on a fun-filled adventure, here are a few tips to help you and your child get the most out of your visit to the playground.

-Your child's enjoyment of this new experience will depend on your constant supervision and interaction. You shouldn't be more than an arm's length away from your toddler, and since they can move fast, be ready to follow them always.

-Little ones love to explore all aspects of a new environment; this may include even tasting the playground surface material. Keep a close eye on your child to make sure they don't swallow small rocks, bark or sand.

-Prepare your child for the weather. Make sure your little one has sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate clothing for this outing. Remember the slides get hot in the warm sun so longer shorts and dresses may be preferable. Also avoid clothing with ties and flowing scarves that could get snagged on apparatus and cause injury. Remember to pack plenty of drinks for your child, play can be exhausting and will be improved by hydration.

-Pick the safest playground with the most opportunities for toddlers, like stairs to the slides instead of ladders, swings with enclosed bucket seats, and landings on slides in a soft surface material.

-Before they are grown, your child will have many memories of times at the playground. With proper planning, preparation and safety precautions you can introduce your child to a lifetime of fun. Why not chant this little verse together at the playground:

CLIMB THE LADDER AND DOWN WE SLIDE.

THEN ON THE TEETER-TOTTER WE WILL RIDE.

SWINGING, SWINGING WAY UP HIGH,

STRETCH OUR LEGS TO MEET THE SKY.

CIRCLE, CIRCLE ON THE MERRY-GO-ROUND,

HAVING FUN TOGETHER ON OUR PLAYGROUND!

Picnic Basics (Preschool +)

Children love picnics! And picnics are even more fun-and full of learning when your child helps with the planning and preparations. Talk with your child about the picnic so the excitement begins and enlist her help in the planning. As you pack, remember the extras like tissues, wipes, bandages, and something to sit on.

You can carry food in a basket, bucket or backpack. If you are not traveling far, your child could pack her own finger foods in the compartments of an egg carton. It often works well to have one blanket for food and another one or two to sit on. Small children love to crowd to the middle of a blanket of food, and it is discouraging to have someone sitting on the bananas. Just remember today is a day of fresh air, fun and happiness. This song should set the mood. (Tune: "You Are My Sunshine")

I AM SO HAPPY, SO VERY HAPPY

I WANT TO SING ALL DAY LONG.

I AM SO HAPPY, WE'RE ON A PICNIC,

WON'T YOU COME AND SING ALONG?

Let your children fill in other reasons of their happiness, maybe they are happy to eat "hot dogs" or "playing baseball". Make this song open-ended and sing as many verses as you can dream up.

After the picnic, bring out the crayons, markers, and some extra picnic supplies to make simple puppets. Your child can add pipe cleaner arms and a face with markers to a plastic or wooden spoon. With small paper plates, she can draw a face with crayons and then attach the plate to a plastic fork by weaving it through the tines. The fork becomes the handle for the puppet-or the whole plate can become a mask if you cut out holes for the eyes. Encourage your child to put on a puppet show for the entire family.

Put on a Talent Show (School Age)

Kids love to show off, sometimes going on long after the parent has cried, "Cut!" A talent show gives them permission to really ham it up-and get cheered for their efforts too.

The first challenge is to find a child particular talent. Is it taming the family dog? Doing impressions of her parents? Playing the kazoo? Bear in mind that the key to a successful show is pure enthusiasm and an appreciative audience, not polished performances.

The day before the picnic or outing is perfect for getting costumes and props in order. Check out the closets-and with a little imagination you and your children can come up with great costumes. A length of fabric draped across tree branches could make a great curtain outdoors. Place everything in a duffle bag and you're ready to go.

Provide the kids with cardboard and markers and let them make signs for his or her performance. Maybe some cue cards for the audience with song words to sing along. All in all, the performance time arrives, the kids are costumed and made-up, they step out on the stage and belt out their numbers. When the show is on, you'll think how grown up the children are and the memories that are being made. Hope you didn't forget the camera!