Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday of May each year. The holiday is a day of remembrance for the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is a time for the nation to honor and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by these brave individuals in defense of their country. Today, Memorial Day is observed with parades, ceremonies, the laying of wreaths and flowers at military cemeteries, and as an opportunity to spend time together as a community.
While Memorial Day is primarily a time for solemn remembrance and reflection, many families and communities also use the holiday as an opportunity to come together and celebrate the arrival of summer. One way to do this is by playing games that are fun for all ages and can be enjoyed by groups large and small. Here are a few ideas for Memorial Day games:
Patriot Ping Pong
Patriotic Ping Pong is a fun, festive twist on the traditional game of ping pong (or table tennis), perfect for memorial day. The idea is to take the standard game and add a red, white, and blue theme to match the patriotic spirit. This can be done in several creative ways using ping pong balls decorated with stars and stripes, painting or covering the table in patriotic colors, or even setting up special rules that tie into the holiday.
For example, instead of just playing to a normal score, players might earn bonus points for hitting certain marked zones on the table decorated with patriotic symbols, or play doubles matches where teams are named after American icons. It’s lighthearted, customizable, and a great way to mix classic backyard fun with a holiday theme. Patriotic Ping Pong works well at family barbecues or community events where you want both entertainment and a touch of celebration.
9 Square
9 Square is a fast-paced and highly addictive game that can be played by individuals or teams. The game involves nine squares arranged in a 3 x 3 grid, with players standing in the squares. The object of the game is to hit a ball into another player's square without letting it bounce more than once. Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands or feet, and must hit the ball with any other part of their body. If a player hits the ball out of bounds or lets it bounce more than once in their square, they are out of the game. As players are eliminated, the remaining players move up to the higher-numbered squares, with the winner ultimately taking the coveted center square. The game can be played on a variety of surfaces, including grass, sand, and pavement, and can be adjusted to suit players of different ages and skill levels. 9 Square is a great game for promoting coordination, agility, and teamwork, as players must work together to keep the ball in play and outsmart their opponents. It's also a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and can be played with minimal equipment and setup.
Flag Folding Races
A flag folding race is a team or individual competition where players race to fold a flag correctly and as quickly as possible. The challenge is not just about speed—it’s also about accuracy, since the flag must be folded in the traditional triangular style (the same way the American flag is folded at ceremonies). Typically, players start with the flag fully open, and the clock begins when they pick it up. The race ends once the flag is neatly folded, with only the blue field and stars visible.
Gaga Ball
Gaga Ball is another crowd favorite, especially for kids and teens, but adults can also participate as well. Played inside a pit with walls (or even a makeshift boundary), players hit a soft ball with their hands, aiming to strike other players below the knees to get them out. The last person standing wins. Gaga Ball is highly inclusive because anyone can play regardless of skill level, and rounds move quickly so everyone gets plenty of turns. It’s a fantastic Memorial Day game to keep energy levels high while encouraging lots of laughter and friendly competition. Check out Castle Sports' selection of Gaga Ball sets.
Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is a great way to bring large groups together for some spirited outdoor fun. Players are divided into two teams, each with their own territory and a flag to protect. The objective is to sneak into the other team’s side, grab their flag, and return it to your base without getting tagged. If tagged, players may be sent to “jail” and need a teammate’s help to get free. This game blends strategy, teamwork, and physical activity, making it a memorable choice for energetic Memorial Day celebrations in big yards or open fields. If you feel it appropriate you can use an actual American flag for a fun memorial day theme.
Liberty Bell Ring Toss
A Liberty Bell Ring Toss is a patriotic variation of the classic ring toss game great for celebrating memorial day. Instead of tossing rings onto ordinary posts, players aim for targets decorated to look like the Liberty Bell, or sometimes even a large replica bell if available. The goal is the same as in traditional ring toss: throw rings from a set distance and try to land them over the target for points.
This game can be played with plastic or rope rings, and the “bell” can be anything from a painted stand, a cardboard cutout, or a small metal or plastic bell fixed to a base. Some versions even use real bells so that when a player scores, the ring makes the bell chime, adding to the fun. It’s a lighthearted, festive activity that works well for kids and adults alike, bringing both skill and luck into play. The Liberty Bell Ring Toss is easy to set up, customizable for backyards or community events, and adds a patriotic touch to classic outdoor fun.
Tug of War
Tug of War is a timeless outdoor challenge that works wonderfully for groups of all ages. Two teams line up on opposite sides of a sturdy rope, with a marker in the middle to show the winning side. On the count of three, both teams pull with all their strength to drag the opposing team across a set boundary. It’s simple, exciting, and a great way to bring out some friendly rivalry. Tug of War works well as a quick game between rounds of other activities or as the centerpiece of a Memorial Day competition.
Memorial Day Memory Game
A Memorial Day memory game is a themed version of the classic card-matching game, designed to honor the holiday while providing fun for players of all ages. In this game, players lay out a set of cards face down, then take turns flipping two cards at a time to find matching pairs. If the cards match, the player keeps them and takes another turn; if not, the cards are turned back over, and the next player continues. The goal is to remember where each card is located and collect the most pairs by the end of the game.
For Memorial Day, the cards are usually decorated with patriotic images such as American flags, eagles, stars, military symbols, or red, white, and blue designs. You can buy themed sets online, print your own at home, or even make a DIY version with index cards and markers. This simple yet meaningful game not only entertains but also creates opportunities to talk about the symbols and traditions of Memorial Day. It’s especially great for kids’ activities at family gatherings, school events, or community celebrations.
Three-Legged Race
This classic race involves tying the left leg of one player to the right leg of another player, and then racing to the finish line. It's a great way to promote teamwork and cooperation, and can be played by people of all ages.
Frisbee
Frisbee is a great outdoor game that can be played by individuals or teams. The object of the game is to pass the Frisbee back and forth without dropping it, and to score points by catching the Frisbee in a designated area.
Memorial Day Puzzles
A fast-paced group activity where players or teams race to complete a puzzle with a patriotic theme, such as the American flag, the Liberty Bell, or red, white, and blue designs. The goal is simple: be the first to finish your puzzle correctly. Depending on the setup, you can have multiple teams working on identical puzzles at the same time, or individuals competing head-to-head with smaller puzzles. You can make it competitive by setting a timer and seeing who finishes before the buzzer, or play elimination rounds where the slowest team is knocked out until a winner is crowned. Kids can use puzzles with a smaller number of pieces whereas the adults can compete with larger puzzles.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a popular game that involves tossing bean bags onto a raised platform with a hole in it. Points are scored based on where the bags land, and the first team to reach a designated point total wins.
While it's important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and to honor the sacrifices of those who have died in service to their country, it's also important to take some time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Playing games together is a great way to do just that, and can create lasting memories and traditions for years to come.
