Memorial Day Games, Time Tested Family Friendly Competition

Having a Memorial Day gathering, and need some Memorial Day Games? I'm sharing 12 of the most time tested games for family & friends to play outside this memorial day!

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the armed forces. It's a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. However, it's also an opportunity to come together with family and friends to celebrate and enjoy each other's company. There's always Memorial Day Cookouts, but lets add some fun! What better way to do that than by having some exciting outdoor games that bring laughter, friendly competition, and cherished memories?

In this blog post, we have curated a fantastic list of Memorial Day games that are perfect for families and friends to partake in. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic at the park, or spending the day at the beach, these games are sure to add an extra layer of joy and excitement to your Memorial Day celebrations.

From classic favorites like three-legged races and sack races to thrilling water balloon tosses and tug-of-war battles, there's something for everyone in this lineup. We've also included engaging activities such as obstacle courses, bean bag toss, and even a scavenger hunt to keep the little ones entertained. Plus, there are games that will put your balance and coordination to the test, like the hula hoop contest and the ever-popular freeze dance.

Creating Memories & Friendly Competition

Memorial Day is all about coming together, fostering a sense of community, and creating lasting memories. These games provide the perfect opportunity for children, parents, grandparents, and friends to bond, laugh, and share in the joy of friendly competition. So, gather your loved ones, create teams, and get ready for an unforgettable day of outdoor fun.

Remember, it's not about who wins or loses—it's about creating cherished moments and honoring the spirit of camaraderie and togetherness that Memorial Day represents. So, grab your water balloons, hula hoops, and bean bags, and let the games begin!

In the rest of this blog post, we will delve into each game in more detail, providing you with rules, tips, and variations to suit different age groups and preferences. Get ready to make this Memorial Day a day to remember with these memorial day games for family and friends!

memorial day game of 3 legged race with text

Memorial Day Games

Three-Legged Race

Pair up the kids and have them tie one of their legs together. The pairs then race to the finish line, hopping together.

Rules:

Divide the participants into pairs, ensuring that each pair consists of two people who will be tied together by one leg.
Use a bandana, rope, or cloth to tie the inside legs of each pair together securely.
Establish a start line and a finish line, marking them clearly.
On the signal, the pairs must race from the start line to the finish line while maintaining their legs tied together.
If a pair becomes untied or falls, they must stop and retie themselves before continuing.
The first pair to cross the finish line wins the race.

Tips

Choose partners who have similar leg lengths and coordination to ensure a smoother race.
Practice taking small, synchronized steps with your partner before the race to get accustomed to the tied legs.
Communication is key! Coordinate with your partner on the rhythm and pace of your steps to maintain balance and speed.
Keep your arms linked or hold hands for added stability and support while running.
Lift your tied leg slightly higher than usual to avoid tripping over each other's feet.
Lean slightly toward the center of your tied legs to maintain balance.

Variations:

Relay Race: Instead of a traditional race, set up a relay race where each pair completes a portion of the course before tagging the next pair to continue.
Backward Three-Legged Race: Challenge the participants to race backward with their tied legs, adding an extra level of difficulty and laughter.
Obstacle Course: Design an obstacle course with hurdles, cones, or other challenges that the pairs must navigate while maintaining their tied legs.
Costume Three-Legged Race: Encourage participants to dress up in fun costumes or themed attire while competing, adding an element of creativity and entertainment to memorial day games.

Sack Race Memorial Day Games

Provide large burlap sacks or pillowcases for the kids to put their legs in. They hop to the finish line while inside the sack.

Rules:

Provide each participant with a large burlap sack or a sturdy pillowcase.
Designate a start line and a finish line, marking them clearly.
Participants must stand inside their sacks with both feet, holding the top of the sack up to their waist.
On the signal, the participants must hop inside their sacks from the start line to the finish line.
Participants must keep both feet inside the sack at all times. If a foot comes out or touches the ground, they must stop and hop back to the spot where the mistake occurred before continuing.
The first participant to cross the finish line wins the race.

Tips

Before the race, make sure the participants are wearing comfortable clothing and shoes with good traction.
Encourage participants to hold onto the top of the sack firmly while hopping to maintain balance and stability.
Teach participants to take small, controlled hops rather than big leaps, as it will help them maintain balance and prevent falls.
Practice hopping in the sacks before the race to get familiar with the movement and develop a rhythm.
Remind participants to look forward and focus on the finish line rather than looking down at their feet.
Encourage participants to have fun and enjoy the hopping experience while maintaining safety.

Variations:

Relay Sack Race: Divide the participants into teams and set up a relay race. Each team member must complete a portion of the course before passing the sack to the next teammate.
Sack Race Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course with cones, hurdles, or other challenges that participants must hop over or around while inside their sacks.
Partner Sack Race: Pair up the participants and have them race in pairs with each pair sharing a sack. They must coordinate their movements and communicate effectively to complete the race.
Backward Sack Race: Challenge participants to hop backward in their sacks, adding an extra level of difficulty and amusement to the race.
Team Sack Race: Divide participants into teams and have them race while connected in a line, each participant holding onto the waist of the person in front of them, forming a chain of sack racers.

Water Balloon Toss Memorial Day Games

Divide the kids into pairs and give each pair a water balloon. They stand a short distance apart and toss the water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The last pair with an intact water balloon wins.

Rules:

Divide participants into pairs. Each pair forms a throwing and catching team.
Provide each team with a water balloon.
The partners stand facing each other, starting at a short distance apart.
On the signal, the throwing team tosses the water balloon to their partner, aiming for a catch.
If the catch is successful without the balloon bursting, the partners take a step back, increasing the distance between them.
The game continues with each successful catch resulting in another step back.
If a water balloon bursts upon catching, that team is out of the game.
The last team remaining without a burst balloon wins.

Tips

Gently toss the water balloon to your partner to give them a better chance to catch it without it bursting.
Encourage catching the water balloon with both hands to provide a larger surface area and better grip.
Use soft, underhand throws to minimize the chances of the balloon bursting upon catching.
Coordinate with your partner to establish a rhythm and predict each other's movements during the toss.
Stay focused and maintain eye contact with your partner to anticipate the trajectory of the balloon.
Consider catching the water balloon closer to your body to minimize the impact and chances of it bursting.

memorial day balloon toss games with text

Variations:

Back-to-Back Toss: Partners stand back-to-back and toss the water balloon over their heads, aiming for a catch without looking.
Relay Water Balloon Toss: Set up a relay race where teams pass the water balloon down a line of participants without dropping or bursting it.
Obstacle Course Toss: Create an obstacle course with cones, hoops, or other challenges that teams must navigate while tossing the water balloon back and forth.
Balloon Toss Tag: Play a variation of tag, where one participant holds a water balloon and tries to toss it to tag another participant. The tagged participant then becomes "it" and continues the memorial day games.

Tug-of-War Memorial Day Games

Divide the kids into two teams and give each team a long rope. They pull in opposite directions, trying to get the other team to cross a designated line.

Rules:

Divide participants into two teams of equal size.
Use a long, sturdy rope and mark a center point with a flag or tape.
Each team takes hold of one end of the rope.
On the signal, the teams begin pulling the rope in opposite directions, attempting to pull the other team across the center point.
The team that successfully pulls the opposing team past the center point wins the round.
Ensure that participants maintain a firm grip on the rope at all times and do not wrap it around their hands or bodies.
The game can be played in multiple rounds, and the team that wins the majority of the rounds is declared the overall winner.

Tips:

Establish a firm footing by digging your feet into the ground and leaning backward to maximize your pulling strength.
Communicate and synchronize your efforts with your teammates to create a unified pulling force.
Focus on technique and leverage by keeping your arms straight and using your leg muscles to generate power.
Encourage teamwork and coordination by designating a team captain or leader to provide instructions and strategies.
Keep the rope at chest height for optimal pulling position and leverage.
Remind participants not to jerk or tug suddenly, as it may result in loss of balance or injury.

Variations:

Over-the-Water Tug of War: Play the memorial day game over a pool, a small body of water, or a mud pit, adding an extra element of challenge and excitement.
Tug of War Relay: Divide the participants into smaller teams and set up a relay race where each team member takes turns pulling the rope a certain distance before passing it to the next teammate.
Multiple-Rope Tug of War: Use multiple ropes and have teams compete simultaneously in different matches, with winners advancing to the next round until a final champion is determined.
Reverse Tug of War: Instead of pulling the rope, participants must try to push or drag the opposing team backward across the center point.
Uneven Tug of War: Balance the teams by having fewer participants on one side or by giving one team a disadvantage, such as requiring them to start further back.

Remember to ensure the playing area is clear of any obstacles or hazards, and have adults or older participants supervise and assist if needed. Tug of War is a test of strength, teamwork, and strategy, and it can be a thrilling competition for all involved. Enjoy the spirited battles and friendly rivalries of Tug of War!

memorial day games obstacle course with text

Obstacle Course Memorial Day Games

Set up a backyard obstacle course with various challenges like crawling under a table, jumping through hula hoops, hopping over cones, and running around obstacles. Time each child as they navigate through the course.

Rules:

Designate a start line and a finish line for the obstacle course, marking them clearly.
Participants must start from the designated start line and complete all the obstacles before reaching the finish line.
Each participant must complete the obstacles in the specified order, without skipping any.
If a participant fails to complete an obstacle, they must go back and retry it before proceeding to the next one.
Timing can be used to determine the fastest completion time or simply for fun and personal improvement.

Tips:

Safety first! Ensure that the obstacles are age-appropriate and do not pose any risk of injury.
Plan the layout of the course, considering the available space, the difficulty level, and the number of participants.
Clearly explain the rules and provide demonstrations if necessary to ensure everyone understands how to complete each obstacle.
Allow participants to practice and familiarize themselves with the obstacles before starting the timed or competitive portion of the course.
Encourage participants to support and cheer for each other, creating a positive and motivating atmosphere.
Consider providing water stations or breaks between obstacles, especially for longer or physically demanding courses.

Variations:

Physical Challenge Course: Include obstacles that require climbing, crawling, balancing, jumping, or agility, such as crawling under tables, jumping over hurdles, balancing on beams, or climbing over a wall.
Water-themed Course: Incorporate water-based obstacles, such as a sprinkler tunnel, a water slide, or a small pool to wade through.
Team Obstacle Course: Design the course to be completed as a team, where participants must work together to overcome challenges and complete the course.
Relay Obstacle Course: Divide participants into teams and set up a relay race format where each team member completes a portion of the course before passing the baton or a token to the next teammate.
Themed Obstacle Course: Create a course with a specific theme, such as a jungle adventure, pirate treasure hunt, or superhero training camp, and decorate the obstacles accordingly.

bean bag toss memorial day game with text

Bean Bag Toss Memorial Day Games

Create a bean bag toss game using large red white & blue buckets or boards with holes. Kids take turns tossing bean bags and scoring points for successful throws.

Rules:

Set up two elevated platforms or boards, typically 2 feet wide by 4 feet long, with a hole near the top.
Place the platforms a certain distance apart, usually around 27 feet for regulation play, but you can adjust the distance based on available space and skill level.
Divide participants into two teams and determine which team will start the game.
Each team takes turns throwing bean bags at the opposing platform, aiming to get the bags into the hole or on the platform for points.
Points are awarded as follows: 3 points for a bag that goes through the hole, and 1 point for a bag that lands and stays on the platform.
The team that scored points during a round continues to throw until they miss, and then it becomes the other team's turn.
The game continues until one team reaches or exceeds a predetermined score (usually 21 or 25 points).
The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

Tips:

Find a comfortable throwing stance and grip for consistent throws.
Develop a consistent throwing motion, aiming to release the bag with a smooth and controlled toss.
Adjust your aim based on the distance between the platforms and any factors such as wind or slope.
Practice your throws to develop accuracy and adjust your strength based on the distance you are throwing.
Pay attention to the positioning of your opponents' bags and try to strategically knock them off the platform or block the hole.
Stay focused and maintain a positive mindset, as precision and concentration play a significant role in the game.

Variations:

Team Tournament: Organize a tournament-style memorial day game where multiple teams compete against each other, with winners advancing to the next round.
Single-Leg Bean Bag Toss: Challenge players to balance on one leg while throwing, adding an extra element of difficulty.
Blindfold Bean Bag Toss: Blindfold participants and have them rely solely on their sense of touch and coordination to make their throws.
Distance Challenge: Increase or decrease the distance between the platforms to test players' skills and make the game more challenging.
Theme-based Bean Bag Toss: Create themed platforms or bean bags to match the occasion or event, such as using colors or patterns related to a holiday or party theme.

Remember to set up the memorial day game in a safe area with enough space for participants to throw without obstruction. Have fun playing Bean Bag Toss, and may your throws be accurate and point-worthy!

Balloon Pop Memorial Day Games

Set up a relay race where each child runs with a balloon between their knees, then pops it by sitting on it before passing the baton to the next participant.

Rules:

Divide participants into teams of equal size.
Set up a start line and a finish line, marking them clearly.
Place a row of inflated balloons along the start line, with each balloon containing a slip of paper inside.
On the signal, the first player from each team races to the start line, pops a balloon by sitting on it or stepping on it, retrieves the slip of paper, and returns to their team.
Once back with their team, the player tags the next teammate, who repeats the process.
The game continues until all balloons are popped, and each team has retrieved all the slips of paper.
The team to finish first, or the team with the most slips of paper collected when time runs out, wins the relay.

Tips:

Ensure that the balloons are inflated to a medium size, making them easier to pop.
Remind participants to be careful while popping the balloons to avoid injury. Sitting or stepping on the balloon gently is usually sufficient to pop it.
Encourage players to quickly retrieve the slip of paper from the popped balloon and return to their team as fast as possible.
Consider using different-colored slips of paper to assign different point values to each slip, adding a scoring element to the game.
Provide a container or designated area for players to place the slips of paper they collect, making it easier to keep track of the score.

Variations:

Water Balloon Pop Relay: Fill some of the balloons with water instead of slips of paper, adding an extra surprise and refreshing element to the memorial day game.
Blindfold Balloon Pop Relay: Blindfold the participants and guide them verbally to the balloons, challenging their coordination and trust in their teammates.
Obstacle Course Balloon Pop Relay: Set up an obstacle course that players must navigate while going to and from the balloons, adding an additional challenge to the relay.
Balloon Stomp Relay: Instead of sitting or stepping on the balloons, have players wear oversized shoes or tie inflated balloons to their feet and try to pop each other's balloons while racing.

Remember to provide enough balloons and slips of paper for multiple rounds and ensure the playing area is clear of any hazards. It's also essential to have adults or older participants supervise and assist if needed. Balloon Pop Relay is a thrilling and competitive memorial day game that can create lots of laughter and excitement. Enjoy the race to pop those balloons!

Freeze Dance Memorial Day Games

Play some music and have the kids dance. When the music stops, they freeze in their current position. Anyone caught moving after the music stops is out. The last dancer remaining wins.

Rules:

Gather participants in a designated playing area, such as a living room, backyard, or dance floor.
Play music, either by using a music player or having someone play an instrument.
Instruct participants to dance and move freely around the playing area while the music is playing.
Randomly pause the music at various intervals, signaling the participants to freeze in their current dance pose.
Participants must freeze immediately and hold their position until the music starts playing again.
If a participant fails to freeze or moves while the music is paused, they are out of the round.
Continue playing the music, pausing and unfreezing the participants until only one person remains. That person is declared the winner of the round.
Start a new round with a different selection of music and continue until everyone has had a chance to participate or until the game concludes.

Tips:

Use a variety of patriotic music genres and tempos to keep the game exciting and engage participants with different dance styles.
Encourage participants to be creative and expressive with their dance moves and poses.
Vary the length of time the music is paused to keep participants on their toes and increase the challenge.
Provide positive reinforcement and praise for participants' dance skills and ability to freeze in creative poses.
Consider having a designated judge or impartial person to determine if a participant has moved during the freeze period.

Variations:

Theme-based Freeze Dance: Select music that matches a specific theme, such as a particular decade, movie soundtrack, or musical genre.
Partner Freeze Dance: Play the game in pairs, where participants freeze in a connected pose with their partner when the music stops.
Animal Freeze Dance: Instead of freezing in dance poses, participants freeze in poses imitating animals when the music pauses.
Reverse Freeze Dance: Participants freeze when the music is playing and can only move when the music is paused.
Freeze Dance Battle: Divide participants into two teams and have them compete in a freeze dance battle, where they try to outdo each other with their creative poses when the music stops.

Scavenger Hunt Memorial Day Games

Create a themed scavenger hunt for the kids, where they have to find specific items or complete tasks around the yard or park.

Rules:

Determine the boundaries of the scavenger hunt area, whether it's a specific location, a park, or a neighborhood.
Create a list of Memorial Day-themed items or clues that participants need to find or solve during the scavenger hunt. The items or clues can be related to Memorial Day symbols, history, or activities.
Divide participants into teams or allow individuals to participate on their own.
Provide each team or individual with a copy of the scavenger hunt list or clues.
Set a time limit for the scavenger hunt.
Participants must search for the items or solve the clues within the designated area and timeframe.
Once a team or individual finds an item or solves a clue, they should check it off the list or inform the organizer to receive the next clue or item.
The team or individual that completes the scavenger hunt and finds or solves all the items or clues within the shortest time is declared the winner.

Tips:

Incorporate Memorial Day symbols and elements into the scavenger hunt, such as American flags, red, white, and blue items, military-themed objects, or references to fallen heroes.
Include educational elements about Memorial Day, such as questions or facts about its history or significance.
Make the scavenger hunt family-friendly and suitable for all ages, providing tasks and clues that can be accomplished by participants of different skill levels.
Incorporate physical activities or challenges related to Memorial Day, such as completing a patriotic dance, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, or performing a military-style exercise.
Consider adding a reflective element to the scavenger hunt by including moments of silence or opportunities for participants to express their gratitude and remembrance for the sacrifices of fallen soldiers.
Provide participants with a small token or prize at the end of the scavenger hunt to acknowledge their participation and efforts.

Variations:

Memorial Day History Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt focused on historical landmarks or monuments related to Memorial Day, where participants need to visit and learn about specific locations.
Military-themed Scavenger Hunt: Design a scavenger hunt that involves finding or solving clues related to the military, such as identifying different military ranks, locating specific military vehicles, or learning about different branches of the armed forces.
Memorial Day Trivia Scavenger Hunt: Instead of finding physical items, participants search for answers to Memorial Day-related trivia questions or complete challenges based on their knowledge of the holiday.
Service Project Scavenger Hunt: Combine the scavenger hunt with a community service project by including tasks that involve acts of kindness, such as collecting donations for veterans or writing letters to active-duty service members.

Simon Says Memorial Day Games

Play the classic game of Simon Says, where one person gives commands, and the kids have to follow them. If a command is given without saying "Simon says," anyone who follows the command is out.

Rules:

Choose one person to be the "Simon." Simon will be the leader and give instructions to the other players.
Simon starts by saying "Simon says" followed by a command, such as "Simon says, touch your nose."
The other players must follow the command only if Simon says "Simon says" before the instruction.
If Simon gives a command without saying "Simon says" first, the players must not perform the action.
Any player who performs an action without the "Simon says" instruction is out of the round.
The game continues with Simon giving more commands, alternating between instructions with and without saying "Simon says."
The last player remaining, who has correctly followed all the instructions, becomes the new Simon for the next round.

Tips:

As Simon, try to give commands quickly and catch players off guard to increase the challenge.
As a player, listen carefully to the instructions and only follow them when "Simon says" is mentioned.
Be alert and watch the current Simon's movements and instructions closely to avoid making a mistake.
Keep the game lighthearted and fun, encouraging players to laugh and enjoy themselves.

Variations:

Speed Simon Says: Increase the pace of the game by giving commands in rapid succession, challenging players to react quickly.
Reverse Simon Says: Players must perform actions when Simon does not say "Simon says" before the command, and remain still when he does say it.
Silly Simon Says: Simon gives humorous or silly commands that may require players to make funny faces, dance in unusual ways, or perform imaginative actions.
Team Simon Says: Divide players into teams, with each team having their own Simon. The last team with players remaining wins.
Incorporate Props: Introduce props or objects that players must interact with during the game, such as balancing an object on their head or passing an item around without dropping it.

Hula Hoop Contest

Challenge the kids to see who can hula hoop the longest. You can also set up different hula hoop stations with different tricks or challenges for them to try.

Memorial Day Games Rules:

Gather participants in a designated area with enough space for hula hooping.
Provide each participant with a hula hoop of appropriate size.
Start the contest by having all participants start hula hooping at the same time.
The goal is to keep the hula hoop spinning around the waist for as long as possible.
If a participant's hula hoop drops to the ground or falls below the waist, they are out of the contest.
The last participant remaining, who can keep the hula hoop spinning the longest, is declared the winner.

Tips for Memorial Day Games

Ensure that each participant has a hula hoop of the right size. A hoop that is too small or too large may be challenging to keep up.
Encourage participants to maintain a rhythmic movement with their hips to keep the hula hoop spinning.
Remind participants to keep their bodies upright and relaxed while hula hooping.
Provide encouragement and positive reinforcement throughout the contest to keep participants motivated.
Consider playing music to add energy and create a fun atmosphere during the contest.
Have an official or a participant keep track of the time for each contestant to determine the winner accurately.

Variations:

Hula Hoop Dance-Off: Instead of a timed contest, participants showcase their hula hooping skills by incorporating dance moves or tricks while keeping the hoop spinning.
Team Hula Hoop Contest: Divide participants into teams and have them work together to keep a single hula hoop spinning while passing it from one team member to another without dropping it.
Obstacle Course Hula Hooping: Create an obstacle course that participants must navigate while hula hooping. The course can include cones, hurdles, or other challenges that require coordination and agility.
Dual Hula Hoop Contest: Participants are given two hula hoops and must keep both hoops spinning simultaneously for as long as possible.
Reverse Hula Hooping: Participants hula hoop in the opposite direction, challenging their coordination and control.

Remember to ensure the playing area is clear of any obstacles and provide supervision to ensure the safety of participants. Hula hoop contests are a fun and engaging activity that promotes physical coordination and endurance. Enjoy the spinning and see who can be the hula hoop champion!

Kickball Memorial Day Games

Set up a kickball game where kids take turns kicking the ball and running the bases. It's a fun and active memorial day game that can involve everyone.

Memorial Day Games Rules:

Set up a playing field with bases arranged in a diamond shape, similar to baseball or softball.
Divide players into two teams: one team is designated as the kicking team, and the other team is the fielding team.
The kicking team takes turns kicking the ball while the fielding team tries to get the players out by catching the ball or tagging them with the ball.
A player from the kicking team kicks the ball from home plate and runs to first base.
The kicking team continues to kick the ball and advance runners until three outs are made.
The fielding team tries to catch the ball in the air or on the ground and throw it to the base before the kicker or runner reaches it.
If a player is tagged with the ball while off the base or if a fly ball is caught, they are considered out.
Each base is counted as a point, and the kicking team scores a point for each runner who successfully reaches home plate before being tagged out.
The teams switch roles after the kicking team accumulates three outs.
The game continues for a predetermined number of innings or until a specific score is reached, depending on the available time.

Tips

Ensure that the playing field is suitable for kickball, with enough space for running and kicking.
Use a regulation-sized kickball for a consistent playing experience.
Establish rules for fair kicks, such as requiring the ball to roll or bounce before it can be kicked and setting a maximum height for kicks.
Encourage teamwork and communication within each team, especially for fielding plays and base running strategies.
Emphasize sportsmanship and fair play throughout the memorial day game, reminding players to respect each other and the decisions made by the officials.

Memorial Day Games Variations:

Memorial Day Game Tournament: Organize a tournament with multiple teams playing against each other, using a bracket-style competition to determine the overall winner.
Military-Themed Kickball: Encourage participants to dress in patriotic or military-themed attire, and incorporate Patriotic themed decorations and music into this memorial day game.
Kids vs. Adults Kickball: Divide players into teams based on age groups, allowing kids to compete against adults for a fun intergenerational match.
Kickball Home Run Derby: Instead of running the bases, focus on kicking the ball for distance, and award points based on the length of the kicks.
Charity Kickball Game: Organize a kickball game as a fundraising event for a charitable cause, encouraging participants and spectators to make donations to support a worthy organization.

Remember to establish clear rules, communicate them to all participants, and ensure the safety of players during the game. Memorial Day kickball is a fantastic way to gather friends and family, enjoy outdoor activities, and commemorate the holiday in a fun and active manner.

Memorial Day Games, Time Tested Family Friendly Competition

Creating Memories & Friendly Competition