Want to take advantage of the long weekend and celebrate the national holiday with the kids? Phoenix has several events for everyone. Here’s a list of events and ideas to help you honor the fallen veterans and teach your children about the holiday.
On Memorial Day of this year, the Pioneers’ Cemetery Association will host its 32nd annual Memorial Day observance at the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park, 1317 West Jefferson in Phoenix, which is adjacent to the Arizona State Capitol. Included among the speakers is author Jana Bommersbach, who will be signing copies of her books. The events start at 9 AM. The cemeteries and historic Smurthwaite House will be open to visitors after the morning event, and donations are gratefully accepted.
Afterwards, you and the kids can pack up to visit Castles and Coasters. Built in 1980 alongside highway 17 in Phoenix, the 10-acre park features four mini-golf courses, a go-kart track, bumper cars and boats and an indoor video game arcade. Top the celebration off with a trip on Desert Storm, the park’s thrillride roller coaster.
If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat, head to Big Surf Waterpark in Tempe. Big Surf’s wave pool, Waikiki Beach, is the world’s first wave pool and is the third largest, holding 2.5 million gallons of water. There are also plenty of slides and wading pools for all levels of swimmers.
Are you planning a get-together at home and lighting up the barbecue for the first time this season? You can make the event extra special by making an “American themed” dessert, like a fruit and yogurt parfait or cake decorated with the stars and stripes. You can also deck out your home and backyard for the event by using patriotic tablecloths and napkins and get creative with the motif as you honor fallen heroes.
