Memorial Day Party Games
Plan the ultimate Memorial Day celebration with our favorite host-tested party games. From lively group icebreakers to fast-paced minute-to-win-it challenges, discover the best activities to get everyone playing and laughing together.
Plan the ultimate Memorial Day celebration with our favorite host-tested party games. From lively group icebreakers to fast-paced minute-to-win-it challenges, discover the best activities to get everyone playing and laughing together.
6 Memorial Day games
Dad's Blind BBQ Sauce Taste Test
Dad's Blind BBQ Sauce Taste Test challenges fathers to identify mystery sauces by flavor alone. A hilarious, high-flavor Father's Day party showdown.
KanJam Rules: Official Setup, Scoring, and Fast Play
KanJam is the classic lawn disc game where partners throw and deflect to reach exactly 21 points. Master official rules, scoring, and fast setup.
Spikeball Rules: How to Play and Win
Spikeball is a fast-paced 2-on-2 lawn game where teams bump, set, and spike off a center net. Learn official rules, scoring, and winning strategies.
Wet Sponge Relay Race
Wet Sponge Relay Race is a high-energy water game for kids and families. Teams race to soak, sprint, and squeeze water to fill their bucket first.
Water Balloon Dodgeball: Summer Splash Showdown
Water Balloon Dodgeball turns classic gym dodgeball into a high-energy splash battle. Dodge incoming throws and eliminate opponents outside on hot days.
Red, White & Splash: 4th of July Water Balloon Toss Tournament
Pair up, step back, and brace for the splash! Crown the backyard champions with this high-stakes 4th of July water balloon toss tournament.
Memorial Day Party Games FAQ
How many party games should I plan for Memorial Day?
For most Memorial Day gatherings, planning 3 to 5 games provides plenty of entertainment without overwhelming your guests. Mix a low-key icebreaker with 2 or 3 high-energy group games.
Are these Memorial Day games suitable for all ages?
Yes! Most games can be adapted for kids, teens, and adults. Check each game page for recommended group sizes, setup tips, and difficulty options.
Do I need special supplies for these Memorial Day games?
Most games use common household items or quick printouts, making them budget-friendly and easy to host on short notice.
How do you balance remembrance and celebration at a Memorial Day party?
Pause the festivities at 3:00 PM local time for the National Moment of Remembrance to reflect for one minute in silence. Introduce the pause briefly to guests, acknowledging fallen service members with gratitude. Transition smoothly afterward back into your backyard cookout, lawn games, and summer celebration.
How much food should you prepare for a Memorial Day cookout?
Plan on two burgers or hot dogs per adult and one per child, along with four ounces of each side dish like potato salad or coleslaw. Grill hot dogs to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and ground beef burgers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Stock a cooler with two cans of soda, seltzer, or beer per guest for every two hours of the party.
What are the best lawn games and activities for a Memorial Day party?
Set up cornhole boards 27 feet apart for adult tournament play, and stage bocce ball or horseshoes nearby. Organize a water balloon toss and three-legged relay races across the grass for kids. You can also print out patriotic trivia sheets and post a Summer Bucket List board where guests pin their warm-weather goals.
How can you decorate for a Memorial Day party on a budget?
Buy inexpensive red, white, and blue cotton bandannas from a craft store to use as cloth napkins or string together as pennant bunting. Line garden pathways with small stick-mounted American flags, and place white daisies or carnations into glass mason jars for centerpieces. Solid red and navy paper plates keep costs down while maintaining the theme.
How do you throw a last-minute Memorial Day party with little prep time?
Turn the cookout into a cooperative potluck by supplying pre-shaped burger patties, hot dogs, and buns, then asking guests to bring sides, drinks, or ice. Purchase pre-sliced watermelon and bakery-made patriotic cupcakes to skip kitchen prep entirely. Queue an upbeat backyard playlist on a portable outdoor speaker to establish the party mood immediately.