Memorial Day is a holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday of May each year, it's only a week away!  It’s a time to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Each year, many Americans take advantage of the long weekend to spend time with family and friends, enjoy outdoor activities, and kick off the summer season.

Backyard camping is a popular way to roll all the fun into one easy and convenient location.  By pitching your tents just feet from your home, you can combine the warming weather, family and great activities with no travel and less fuss.  If you’re one of many who want your time this weekend to include some recognition of the meaning behind Memorial Day, there are many backyard activities and family-friendly tributes you can add to your planning.  

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Country Living has a great list of options to celebrate from the comfort of your own home/backyard, here are a few of our favorites: 

1. Parade into the patriotic vibes: take a short drive to a local parade, these often include local heroes in uniform.  You can also enjoy one from the backyard by streaming the National Memorial Day Parade.
2. Sidewalk Chalk Art fun: grab the buckets of chalk and mosey over to your driveway or sidewalk to spend some artistic time with family and friends - color in a flag, any of the military emblems or just  USA  to share the tributes with the neighborhood.
3. Decorate the campsite: just because you are in the backyard doesn’t mean you can’t be festive - grab the pennants, bunting and flags to post around your site and don’t forget the sparklers🎇 to light up the evening!
4. Memorial movie night - if you can get your hands on a projector and hang a sheet, you’ve got the makings of a campground movie theater.  Check out these recommendations of military movies, including family-friendly of course!

Since you're in your own backyard, you have the freedom to customize your camping experience with any of these options along with easy access to bathrooms, running water and electricity.  And we haven't even talked about the food that is such a big part of camping AND Memorial Weekend. Fire up the grill and check out any of the safe options for a small campfire (that won't break municipal rules) to have s’mores too! �

From all of us at Aloft, wishing you a happy Memorial Day! We hope you enjoy the holiday weekend and encourage you to find ways to honor those who served. If you love our idea of using your home for your tent site, have a great time camping! ⛺

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