Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, which pretty much means summer is not too far behind! It’s time to start dusting off our picnic baskets and barbecues, taking out our big beach blankets, and stocking up on extra sunscreen.

To help you in your planning (or winging it) prep, we’ve put together some of our favorite things to do on Memorial Day:

Having a cookout for family and friends – We love good food and we love sharing it with friends and family even more. So for us, the perfect long weekend is spent grilling, eating, and hanging out. Be sure to tune into a channel that’s broadcasting a Memorial Day parade!

Heading to the beach or lake for some water sports – Warmer weather basically just means it’s time to head to the water. Boating, waterskiing, or just people watching, there’s never a dull moment. Don’t forget to bring some American flags with you or check out a nearby parade.

Hiking at a National Park – Some of us are the outdoorsy types, and love going on hikes as often as we can. A national park is the perfect place to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance, just get to the peak by 3pm!   

Thanking a Veteran – We love showing our appreciation for others and we can’t think of anyone more deserving of that than veterans. Saying “thank you for your service” to any veterans you might run into goes a long way.

Participating in the National Moment of Remembrance (3pm) – One of our favorite traditions for Memorial Day is simply a moment of silence. Easy to participate in, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Simply take one minute at 3pm to honor fallen soldiers and their families.