Veterans Day Activity Ideas That Kids Will Actually Enjoy

Veterans Day has always been close to me—my father, brother, and uncle all served, and I want my kid to understand what his family did for this country. But honestly, now that I’m in parent mode, I’m never quite sure how to spend the day in a way that goes beyond the usual gestures. I want him actually to appreciate what it all means, and I want us to do it without blowing the budget.

So here’s a guide with family-friendly ways to make Veterans Day more meaningful, plus some veteran-owned products worth supporting—not just because they’re patriotic, but because they’re genuinely useful for families. Here are some real ways to honor those who served in a way that kids will actually like.

In this article:

Age-Appropriate Ways to Teach Kids to Appreciate Veterans Day

Bonus: For All Ages - Visit Veteran-Owned Businesses

Veteran-Owned Businesses with Budget-Friendly Products That Deliver 

Age-Appropriate Ways to Teach Kids to Appreciate Veterans Day

These activities let kids of all ages engage with Veterans Day in a way that feels natural for their stage in life, honoring those who served without adding strain on the family budget. By keeping it hands-on and meaningful, you’re creating traditions that can last a lifetime.

Babies (0-1 year)

·      Visit a Local Veterans Memorial: Bundle up and take your baby for a peaceful walk at a veterans memorial. Share a moment of silence or say a few words of thanks. While they’re too young to understand, this ritual lays a foundation for future observance.

·      Create a “Family of Heroes”: Using photos of family members who served, create a visual heritage collage (or family history album, legacy vision board, or whatever you want to call it). While they might show more interest in chewing the photos’ edges, they’ll be introduced to these special people, which can be a therapeutic opportunity if your child was born after the death of a parent or other family member.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

·      Craft Simple Thank-You Cards: Set up a little art station and let your toddler decorate cards for veterans. Use stickers, handprints, or simple drawings. Deliver these cards together to a local VA or pass them on to family members who served.

·      Family Photos in Patriotic Colors: Take a few family photos in red, white, and blue. It’s a small activity, but toddlers will enjoy feeling “in the spirit” with the whole family, and it gives you something to look back on together each year whether you post them to social media or not.

Preschool (3-5 years)

·      Flag Coloring Pages: Print or create flag coloring pages and let your child go wild with crayons. Talk about what the flag represents as they color, giving them a simple understanding of symbols.

·      Visit a Local Parade: Check for Veterans Day events in your area, like a parade or wreath-laying ceremony. These experiences help preschoolers feel like they’re part of something bigger while teaching them to show respect.

Elementary School (6-10 years)

·      Create a Family Veterans Day Scrapbook: Start a scrapbook together dedicated to your family’s veterans. If possible, include photos, stories, and even “interviews” with veterans. Kids this age can help with design and understand more about their family’s service history.

·      Deliver Cards and Baked Goods: Spend the day baking simple treats (like cookies) together, then deliver them to a local VA or veteran in your community. Let your child see the impact of a personal gesture.

Middle School (11-13 years)

·      Volunteer as a Family: Find a local organization that supports veterans and sign up for family-friendly volunteer activities. This teaches kids about the power of service and gives them hands-on experience honoring veterans.

·      Research Family Military History: Dive deeper into your family’s history by looking up records of veterans in your family. Middle schoolers will enjoy discovering and sharing these stories and may feel more connected to the family’s legacy.

High School (14-18 years)

·      Shadow or Interview a Veteran: Have your high schooler interview a veteran in your community. They can ask thoughtful questions about experiences and life lessons, gaining a more mature perspective on what service really means.

·      Write Letters of Appreciation: Encourage your teen to write a meaningful letter to a veteran, focusing on their appreciation and understanding of sacrifice. Letters can be delivered through local organizations or VA hospitals.

Bonus: For All Ages - Visit Veteran-Owned Businesses

Throughout Veterans Day, consider supporting veteran-owned businesses as a family activity. This not only benefits the veteran community but also gives your kids a tangible way to see how veterans contribute to their country even after service. Whether it’s grabbing a treat from a veteran-owned bakery or picking up a family keepsake, every little purchase adds up.

Veteran-Owned Businesses with Budget-Friendly Products That Deliver

When it comes to supporting veteran-owned businesses, let’s skip the pretty promises and go straight to the value. These companies offer products that don’t just “feel good” to buy—they’ll actually help you save money and get more out of your spending.

1.     Military Made – Kids Flag Building Kit

Price: $18.99

This kit is an easy win. Something they’ll remember making and actually learn from while you support a good cause. This flag-building kit lets kids create their own wooden American flag, giving them a project with meaning.

It’s hands-on, sparks a little patriotism, and isn’t something that’ll end up in the “junk toy” pile by next week. Plus, your dollars go to a veteran-owned company, so you can feel good about buying this.

2.     Operation Cookies – Surprise Pack of Assorted Cookies

Price: $6.99

This cookie pack from a veteran-owned bakery is a treat that skips the factory-made junk and gives you quality, homemade flavor. With cookies this good, you really can’t go wrong with any flavor.

The assorted mystery pack saves you a few bucks while giving you and the kids a fun (and delicious) surprise. It’s a veteran-owned bakery treat that beats anything factory-made, hands down. So, you get a little surprise, support a veteran’s business, and treat the family—all in one bite.

3.     Busy Baby Mat – Silicone Placemat with Tethers

Price: Starting at $11.99

This placemat comes in different sizes and is designed to keep everything—cups, spoons, even those favorite toys—attached right where you put them. Ideal for that “launch everything over the edge” toddler phase, it saves you from constant cleanups and rescues those “spill-proof” tumblers that somehow manage to shoot milk across the room. It’s a veteran-owned business that understands parents’ real struggles.