Go red, white and blue! Memorial Day activities that your family will love.
Can you believe Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner? It seems like just a few weeks ago we were brushing snow off our windshields. Oh, that’s right, we actually were doing that.
The Memorial Day holiday is a great time to teach our children in a fun and unique way about our rich military history and those who have served our country. Looking for ways to do that? Here are some great options for you:
Pulpit Rock Tower Open House
Open only to the public two days a year, Pulpit Rock Tower in Rye welcomes visitors on Monday, May 27, 2019 from 10am-2pm in honor of Memorial Day. Learn about the tower’s involvement in WWII, climb the eight stories of stairs and take in the amazing views from the observation windows. There is no admission charge, although donations of $5 per person or $10 per family are appreciated. Visitors must be minimum 42” tall to climb and sandals are not allowed for obvious reasons. Like, no one wants to look at your feet this early in the season. It’s also not safe on the cylindrical stairways. Visit the Pulpit Rock Tower Facebook page for more info.
USS Constitution Museum
If you’re up for a little road trip, steer your course for the USS Constitution Museum in Boston, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. Experience the everyday struggles of those who served in 1812 and then go on a tour of USS Constitution with a current Navy sailor. Admission to the museum is free throughout the weekend for all active duty, retired, and reserved military personnel. Otherwise, there is a suggested donation of $5-$10 for adults, $3-$5 for children or $20-$25 for families. For more information, visit ussconstitutionmuseum.org.
Portsmouth Harbor Light House
Ready for another tall climb? The Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, located on Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor in New Castle, NH is now open every Sunday for tours. Visitors get to climb to the lantern room to enjoy the magnificent view and to see the fourth-order Fresnel lens up close. While you’re there, you can also tour the grounds of Fort Constitution and stand on the ground that served as the “first overt attack of the Revolution” prior to the Battle of Bunker Hill (be sure to do your homework before you go, there are no informational brochures onsite to help you look smart.) The Light House is open for tours every Sunday from 1pm – 5pm for $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under (children must be 42″ to climb the lighthouse). Fort Constitution is open daily from 8am – 4pm. For more information, visit portsmouthharborlighthouse.org.
American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum in Exeter is another little gem of history. Open Friday and Saturday this weekend from 10am to 4pm, the AIM exhibits focus on New Hampshire’s role in the Revolutionary War and its militia, prints, weaponry and military papers. There is a Children’s Room at Folsom Tavern where kids can play dress-up, cook in the hearth and act as a Junior Curator at the Ladd-Gilman house. Admission is $6 adults, $5 senior, $3 students and kids 6 and under are free. Free admission for active and retired military, veterans and their immediate family members. Visit independencemuseum.org for more info.
Fireworks!
How about a good old fashioned fireworks celebration? To salute Memorial Day and kick off the summer season, a spectacular fireworks display shoots off over Hampton Beach on Sunday, May 26 at 9:30pm. Bring a blanket and watch from the sand or steal my favorite trick and watch from your heated car conveniently parked right in front of the beach! See hamptonbeach.org for more info.
Parades!
If it’s a parade you’re looking for, and who doesn’t love a parade, check out our calendar for a listing of local Memorial Day celebrations, there are a ton of local options.
A personal and heartfelt thank you to those present and past serving in our military. Your sacrifices make our homes safer and I am immensely grateful for that.
