Memorial Day weekend is coming up fast, and you’re trying to figure out how to spend it. You don’t have the budget for an expensive getaway, so you’re looking to stay local. No matter where you live, there’s plenty to do without breaking the bank or venturing far from home. Here are six great ways to enjoy Memorial Day on a budget.

Enjoy a Backyard BBQ or Campfire

You can have a great holiday celebration in your own backyard if you want to. Backyard barbeques are classic and easy to arrange. Cook up some hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggies on the grill, slice up some watermelon, and bring homemade or store-bought goodies to enjoy. And don’t forget a large pitcher of iced tea or lemonade garnished with mint and fresh lemon slices.

For something a little different, why not host a backyard campfire? Find some tin foil dinner ideas to prepare over the campfire, and don’t forget the marshmallows! Invite some friends and neighbors, turn on your favorite music, and enjoy some quality time around the fire. As it gets dark, you might even try some stargazing if the night is clear.

Visit a Military Attraction or Memorial

Memorial Day is ultimately a holiday about remembering the service men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Teach your kids about the true meaning of the holiday by planning a visit to a military attraction, memorial, or cemetery.

While Gettysburg and Pearl Harbor are two of the most famous attractions, there are many more. In fact, there are 134 national cemeteries and countless monuments across the country.

To find what cemeteries or memorials are near you, check out this map from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. If there are any military cemeteries or memorial sites near you, they are well worth a visit on this holiday weekend.

Spend a Day at the Beach

If you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of a beach, consider spending a day at the beach. Just load your beach gear into the car, pack a cooler with snacks and drinks, and don’t forget an umbrella and sunscreen. If you already have this gear on hand, you won’t have to spend much money other than beach admission.

If you live close to a beach, you might even want to arrange an informal beach party. Invite family and friends, and ask everyone to bring their own gear and supplies. This way no one person gets stuck with all the planning and everyone can relax on the beach.

Explore Local Attractions

A holiday weekend is a great time to get to know your city better. Do a quick search online or try out a travel app like Breadcrumbs HQ and see what local attractions you can find. Chances are, you will discover something new, even if you’ve lived in the same area for years. There might be a hidden park, a nature trail or a cute little restaurant to try out.

Or if you have the time, you can take a day trip to a nearby city or town. Find out what you can do or see in the area, get in the car or on a train and go exploring! A day trip will save you money on accommodations but you still get to enjoy a new place.

Check Out Local Events

Memorial Day is a prime time for enjoying local events. Most cities and towns organize some special activities and events in honor of the holiday. Parades are a popular pastime, as are fireworks, street fairs, or community barbeques. These are great opportunities to get to know other people in your community, to have some fun, and to enjoy the holiday.

These events are usually affordable or free, so they are great for celebrating Memorial Day on a budget. Do a quick online search to find what events will be taking place in your area.

Have a Picnic in the Park

Another way to enjoy the outdoors on Memorial Day weekend is to have a picnic. Check out what parks, hiking trails, or campgrounds are in your area and decide what site is best.

Then plan a festive picnic lunch for the family to enjoy. Some simple ways to make a picnic special include bringing a colorful blanket and napkins, and making special drinks garnished with mint or fruit slices. A picnic is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the weekend with your loved ones.

This Memorial Day weekend, spend some quality time enjoying the holiday with your family. There are plenty of amazing activities that can be done on a budget, they just take a little creativity and planning. What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate Memorial Day on a budget? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page.