Memorial Day weekend in Morris County (hopefully) means sunshine, BBQs, and an extra day off with your favorite people. Whether you're hunting for kid-friendly events, outdoor adventures, or just an excuse to get out of the house — we've got you covered.
And while you're enjoying the fun, it's also a perfect time to pause and reflect on why this day exists: To honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country.
Below, you'll find the best family events, activities, and meaningful ways to spend Memorial Day weekend.
Family-Friendly Memorial Day Weekend Events
Looking for Memorial Day weekend plans in Morris County? Here are events happening this weekend for families. Keep checking back as we add additional events.
12pm at Court House St. or via Live Stream. Join the Morris County Board of Commissioners at this memorial and distinguished service award ceremony.
9am Roberts Garden Memorial Service (Glenbrook Rd & Mountain Way, Morris Plains)
PARADE CANCELLED DUE TO RT 80 TRAFFIC - Mt Arlington Parade (Howard Blvd from Borough Hall to Memorial Park), 11:30am Memorial Field for Ceremony
9:30am Morris Plains Parade from Roberts Garden to VFW Watnong Post #3401 (45 Rt 53)
10am Hopatcong Parade and Ceremony, starting at Boro Hall to Veteran's Field
10:30am Rainbow Lakes Parade (Parsippany) From the Firehouse past the beach to Upper Rainbow and Highwood ending at the ballfield with a Carmony. Followed by noon Fire Company Open House including rides on the trucks
8:15am Madison - memorial ceremony at the WWII and Koreal War Memorials (James Park - 13 Madison Ave); 8:30am at the WW1 memorial (in Lower James Park)
9am Madison Parade from James Park (13 Madison Ave) from Main Street, make a right turn onto Prospect Street, and culminate on Kings Road outside the Hartley Dodge Memorial (50 Kings Road) - see map
8:30am Denville memorial ceremony at Main Street Firehouse; 10am Parade kick off (Indian Road to Bloomfield Avenue to Broadway)
9am Butler memorial Ceremony followed by 11am parade from Butler Park to Sloan Park
10am Dover Parade from Rutan Dr turning on Blackwell St ending at Hurd Park (W Blackwell St & Park Heights Ave.)
10am Wharton Parade beginning at the American Legion and proceed to Memorial Park where services will be held
11am Boonton Memorial Ceremony at Town Hall
11am Montviile VFW Memorial Ceremony at Community Park, 132 Changebridge Rd.
11:30am Rockaway Parade from Edith Drive and proceed down Fleetwood Drive to Mt. Hope Road, ending at Mt. Hope Road and McKinley Place.
12pm Parsippany Parade from Sylvan Way/Rt 202 down Rt 202 ending at the Rita Dr/Rt 202 Reviewing Stand
Click here to see our full calendar.
Have a Memorial Day event to add? Submit it to our calendar here!
A Moment to Remember: What Memorial Day Is All About
While this is a weekend that can be packed with fun, it’s also a time for families to reflect on why this holiday holds meaning.
Here are three simple ideas you can do as a family to mark the day that honors those who died serving in the U.S. military.
- Observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day — a tradition called the National Moment of Remembrance.
- Visit a veterans memorial or cemetery to pay respects.
- Display a flag at home or help your child make a red poppy craft — a symbol of remembrance after WWI.
- Stop by the Field of Flags for a moment of remembrance. Over 200 American Flags, VFW Morris Plains (May 22 to June 5, 2025)
- 👉🏽 Get more ideas here!
Just one small act of gratitude can leave a lasting impression on your kids.
Easy Weekend Fun Ideas for Families
Looking for at-home fun? Here are ideas on how to mark the weekend at home:
- Family hike or nature walk with scavenger hunt
- Red, white, and blue bike parade around the block
- Chalk your sidewalk with patriotic messages
- Craft an American flag pin with safety pins and beads. Get directions here!
 JannHuizenga | Canva |
Quick Memorial Day Facts to Share with Kids
- Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day after the Civil War.
- It became a federal holiday in 1971, always on the last Monday in May.
- Volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery place over 400,000 flags each year.
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