Like so many things, Memorial Day Weekend looks very different this year due to coronavirus pandemic keeping us home. There are so many traditions—from services to parades to just taking in the start of summer at the Waterfront—that are just not possible this year. Yet there are still ways to celebrate and pay tribute from home, even with so many limitations.

Virtual Memorial Day Weekend with Museum of the American Revolution

May 23—25

 

The Museum’s free virtual offerings will include a video presentation on memorialization, an exploration of the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, and make-at-home craft activities. Join online via their Facebook and Instagram (@amrevmuseum).

 

Kids are encouraged to download, print, and color a coloring page featuring Washington’s Standard (the flag that marked General George Washington’s presence on the battlefield during the Revolutionary War) from the Museum with a special message of gratitude for service members. It will be posted on Facebook on Sunday, May 24; instructions for mailing the picture – or other cards and letters – to service members are available here.

 

 

On  Memorial Day itself, check the Museum’s website or Facebook for instructions to create your own commemorative ribbon craft, based on silk ribbons given to Revolutionary War veterans—tag them on social media to share your creations!

 

In addition, you can learn more about the stories of those who sacrificed during the American Revolution with the Museum’s Virtual Museum Tour and Virtual Field Trip anytime online.

Virtual Memorial Day Weekend on the Waterfront

May 21—26

 

The Delaware River Waterfront is offering music, free family activities with PopUpPlay, delicious recipes to bring the flavor of summer home to you, and more for a reimagined virtual experience on what would otherwise kick off our beloved summer on the Waterfront.

 

Until we can safely visit, skate, and play in person DRWC has put together a Summer Sounds Playlist (close your eyes and imagine a spin around RiverRink while this is playing at home). Plus, they’re giving up the goods so you can recreate deep-fried goodness at home with recipes for Fried Oreos (usually sold at Skelly’s just next to the RiverRink entrance) and Hardena’s Corn Fritters (you’d find those at Cherry Street Pier). Want to pair your treats with a beer garden-worthy drink? Spruce Street Harbor Park gives us its top picks from Yards Brewing, plus a summer cocktail recipe that’s unfortunately as close as you’ll get to a SSHP hammock right now.

 

 

On Sunday, May 24, join PopUpPlay for a special Memorial Day Weekend beach-themed playdate on Zoom. Create and play summery beach themed games right in your living room! The event is free, but spots are limited so be sure to pre-register in advance to hold your spot.

 

Share your favorite Philly Waterfront memories tagged with #MyPhillyWaterfront. And don’t forget to enter your Paddle Penn’s Landing tableau in the #PPLFromHome contest to win tickets when they open back up!

Virtual Devon Horse Show

Through May 31

 

Out on the Main Line, Memorial Day Weekend always coincides with the Devon Horse Show, a 125-year-old tradition that combines equestrians, family fun, fashion, food, and more. The week-long event also always includes a Memorial Day celebration.

 

This year, catch the Virtual Devon Horse Show with new content each day posted on social media, limited edition souvenirs for sale, food and cocktail boxes to pickup, and even the signature Ladies Day hat competition (over Zoom, of course). And while we are sad to miss out on those sticky sweet Lemon Sticks this year, it’s not every Devon Horse Show that you can win a prize for Best Quarantine Mask! Read more over at Main Line Parent.

 

 

Lead photograph by Ken Thomas, courtesy of Museum of the American Revolution.