Best Memorial Weekend Experiences for You and Your Family

With Memorial Day coming up, individuals and families surely want to take advantage of the long weekend. Celebrated annually to honor the fallen heroes of US military, Memorial Day is a treasured federal holiday. Apart from its deep, solemn purpose, it’s also an opportunity to create fun and unforgettable moments with loved ones. And of course, when it comes to making new memories, we got you covered. In this brief guide, we feature six fun and unique activities for Memorial Weekend. You can do it in groups, duo, or alone; we don’t judge.

Immerse yourself in the pure and undying spirit of bravery and freedom. Visit memorial museums and sites like USS Midway Museum and Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial. Explore the tales of brave military heroes by participating in the USS Yorktown Ghost Tour and the Pearl Harbor City Tour. You can also explore national parks like the Rocky Mountain and Yosemite. You see, you can always blend the nobleness of the occasion while having fun with your favorite people. And what’s the best part? These are affordable adventures you can fully enjoy.

Let’s take a look at the best experiences for you and your family this Memorial Weekend. Read on.

Visit Memorial Museums & Sites

Get closer to the remnants of battles that made American freedom possible. These memorial museums and sites offer more than just a pinch of nostalgia.

USS Midway

Easily our favorite memorial museum in the US, nothing compares to the immersive activities USS Midway offers. It’s a floating naval aircraft carrier museum which is known as America’s Living Symbol of Freedom. Situated in San Diego, California, USS Midway Museum provides experiences that engage, inspire, and educate. This world-famous museum houses restored carrier aircraft and exhibits that showcase real historic artifacts from real soldiers. Captive Warriors: The Midway 11, features stories from 11 USS Midway aviators and their experiences during the Vietnam War. It’s the latest exhibit you shouldn’t miss!

Learn as you explore the museum through VIP Docent Tours. Midway volunteers are always ready and packed with valuable information to help you step into the historic naval battles. Let your fascination and imagination take you down memory lane. If you’ve got kids who dream of becoming soldiers someday, treat them with this amazing educational experience.

Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial

As tragic as the tale went, no Memorial Day topic is ever complete without the infamous Pearl Harbor. Rediscover the events that led to that fateful day in 1941. The memorial sits atop the remains of the USS Arizona Battleship. You can find the names of 1,177 sailors and marines who died on the battleship. Most are buried below in the sunken hull.

The Visitor Center also features “Road to War” and “Attack” exhibit galleries. These exhibits showcase photographs and items recovered during the Pearl Harbor attack and WWII. Despite being emotion-heavy and moving, the site offers an authentic and raw experience for everyone. For individuals and families looking for a profound way to celebrate Memorial Day, dedicate one day to this site.

Join Unique Tours

To make your Memorial Weekend more fun and exciting, be sure to join one or two unique tours.

USS Yorktown Ghost Tour

Do ghost stories ever get old? For the US military, the decades of war are basically tales of life and death. American Heroes are immortalized as their ghosts are believed to still be very much present. today. Do you like exploring spooky tales? If yes, then this tour is perfect for you.

Step aboard The USS Yorktown to hear from American Heroes who lived and died. Launched in 1943, the “Fighting Lady” was crewed by 3,000 and played a part in WWII. Uncover tales of courage and sacrifice. This tour includes exclusive nighttime access to off-limits areas, including the flight deck. Highlights include: Maritime Superstitions, Unique Ship Christening, Captain Jocko Clark, Smokey Stover, and Mysterious Sailor Disappearance.

Pearl Harbor City Tour

While Pearl Harbor is always associated with the cold-blooded attack in 1941, there’s more to it. For a more immersive experience this Memorial Weekend, join the Pearl Harbor City Tour.

Embark on a journey through the history of the U.S. and Hawaii. The tour begins at the USS Arizona Memorial – a heartfelt reminder of December 7, 1941. Wander through downtown Honolulu and look at sights like the King Kamehameha statue, Iolani Palace, and the State Capitol Building. Overall, this tour gives you a solid overview of Hawaii's role in the U.S. history and its significance in the Pacific during World War II. Such a meaningful and enjoyable way to spend Memorial Day.

Explore National Parks

National park visits to honor the nation’s war heroes is a fantastic way to celebrate Memorial Day.

Rocky Mountain National Park

If you're in Colorado, this adventure into one of America's beloved National Parks is something you shouldn't miss. We’ll optimize your time in the park to see and do as much as we can. You’ll go for a short walk to a gorgeous waterfall. Journey through the alpine tundra and marvel at the mountain views as you ascend 11 miles on Trail Ridge Road to 12,183 feet.

There will be plenty of stops for short walks to snap pictures and enjoy the amazing views. Have a picnic lunch while surrounded by the pristine mountains. You might also see various wildlife, like herds of elk and yellow-bellied marmots. Enjoy a visit to the quaint village of Estes Park to check out the souvenir and artisan shops.

Yosemite National Park

Alas, it’s time to explore another majestic park. With its pristine charm and timeless natural beauty, Yosemite is indeed a sight to behold. This World Heritage Site is famous for its stunning views, featuring the ever popular Half Dome and El Capitan. Yosemite is a must-see destination for millions of visitors each year. Thanks to its natural wonders and the stunning Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S.

What’s even better is you can do a lot of fun activities at Yosemite. From action-packed hiking and rock climbing to relaxing camping and stargazing, Memorial Day adventures have never been this fun.

Enjoy a meaningful Memorial Weekend without breaking the bank.

Memorial Weekend gives everyone time to take a break, relax, and honor the fallen soldiers and their heroic acts. From May 23rd to 25th, take the opportunity to pay respects, enjoy family-friendly activities, and be one with nature. Packing thrills and unlimited fun, you can make the most of these Memorial Weekend activities at lower prices.

FunEx takes affordable fun very seriously, so don’t miss out. Fun is best shared with our loved ones, so make sure to grab your tickets to these experiences in advance! Stay tuned for more exciting and helpful guides! And of course, don’t forget to share your Memorial Weekend adventures with us on Instagram: @funexbenefits. Let’s make your dream escapades happen, FunExplorers!