MDW looks a little different in the COVID era. With some beaches still closed or operating on a limited capacity and most of our travel plans canceled, families in the U.S. are probably looking at a smaller scale backyard celebration this Memorial Day. 

Even though you can’t get your friends and extended family together for the long weekend, you can still create some fun experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. We’ve rounded up the best outdoor toys, family games, and creative activities that the whole family will love.

Our picks not only include everything you need for the perfect splash session, but also some great board games to play inside on cool nights. Get competitive, stay active, and show off your creative skills with all the fun things in store!

Make this MDW all about play — we promise, you won’t regret it! And don’t forget: these toys and games are best coupled with a cheeseburger.

About the author

Marissa Silva

Marissa Silva

Marissa Silva, AKA That Toy Girl, is the editor-in-chief at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider. With more than a decade of experience in the toy industry, Marissa is a trusted toy expert, providing parents, gift-givers, retailers, manufacturers, and licensors with information on the latest news related to toys, games, kids’ products, pop culture collectibles, and licensed merchandise for adults. A board game pro and puzzle queen, Marissa spends most of her free time shopping for superhero T-shirts, dominating at Mario Kart, and anxiously awaiting her Hogwarts acceptance letter. She is also a new mom to her baby girl Lucy Jo and has quickly become an expert in high-contrast cards, wooden toys, and plush. Marissa has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, the Tamron Hall Show, Access Hollywood, Fox & Friends, ABC World News Now, MSNBC, CBS, NY1, WPIX, and more. You can follow her on Instagram @thattoygirl.

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