Memorial Day weekend in Surprise-Peoria-El Mirage means sunshine (hopefully not of the blistering variety!), BBQs, and an extra day off with your favorite people. Whether you're hunting for kid-friendly events, outdoor adventures, or just an excuse to get out of the house — we've got you covered.
And while you're enjoying the fun, it's also a perfect time to pause and reflect on why this day exists: To honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country.
Below, you'll find the best family events, activities, and meaningful ways to spend Memorial Day weekend in Surprise-Peoria-El Mirage.
Family-Friendly Memorial Day Weekend Events in Surprise-Peoria-El Mirage
Looking for Memorial Day weekend plans in Surprise-Peoria-El Mirage? Here are events happening this weekend for families.
Sat. May 24
Volunteers needed to place flags at the National Cemetery of Arizona - Info Here
Monday, May 26th, Memorial Day
There are a number of events going on around town and beyond. They are listed hereby location and time along with links for the details.
Litchfield Park Ceremony - 7 to 7:30 am
National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona - In Phoenix 8 to 10 am
Glendale's Annual Memorial Day Hike - Thunderbird Conservation Park 8-10 am
Avondale Ceremony - 8:30-9:30 am
Heard Museum - Phoenix, from 10 am to 4 pm they will be having special programs and activities at the museum highlighting American Indian Veterans
Prescott National Cemetery - 11 am to 1 pm
Sun City Grand Ceremony - 11:45 am to 2:45 pm, including a lunch available for purchase
There are also Missing Man Formation flyovers by the Falcon Warbirds according to ABC 15 News. They report that on Memorial Day, we can view the flyover at these two locations and times:
- Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center
- 15826 North Del Webb Blvd in Sun City
- Flyover expected to be seen at 9:30 a.m
- West Resthaven Funeral Home & Resthaven Park Cemetery
- 6450 West Northern Ave in Glendale
- Flyover expected to be seen at 9:34 a.m.
(Please be advised, I went to the Falcon Warbirds site and did not see confirmation of these flyovers, so I am not 100% sure about them!)
Click here to see our full calendar.
Have a Memorial Day event in Surprise-Peoria-El Mirage to add? Submit it to our calendar here!
A Moment to Remember: What Memorial Day Is All About
While this is a weekend that can be packed with fun, it’s also a time for families to reflect on why this holiday holds meaning.
Here are three simple ideas you can do as a family to mark the day that honors those who died serving in the U.S. military.
- Observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day — a tradition called the National Moment of Remembrance.
- Visit a veterans memorial or cemetery to pay respects.
- Display a flag at home or help your child make a red poppy craft — a symbol of remembrance after WWI.
- 👉🏽 Get more ideas here!
Just one small act of gratitude can leave a lasting impression on your kids.
Easy Weekend Fun Ideas for Families
Looking for at-home fun? Here are five ideas on how to mark the weekend at home:
- Backyard BBQ + sprinklers = Instant summer joy
- Family hike or nature walk with scavenger hunt
- Red, white, and blue bike parade around the block
- Chalk your sidewalk with patriotic messages
- Craft an American flag pin with safety pins and beads. Get directions here!
 JannHuizenga | Canva |
Quick Memorial Day Facts to Share with Kids
- Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day after the Civil War.
- It became a federal holiday in 1971, always on the last Monday in May.
- Volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery place over 400,000 flags each year.
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