13 Free Things to Do on Memorial Day Weekend

Fun and budget-friendly.

While some travellers may take Memorial Day as an opportunity to plan a lavish getaway, others might save their vacation days for later in the summer when crowds have dwindled a bit and flight prices have slightly dipped.

If you fall into the latter category, but are still in search of something budget-friendly and noteworthy to do for the upcoming holiday weekend, rest assured there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Of course, if you live somewhere with pleasant weather, spending time outdoors will be your best bet. But even if the temperatures are unimpressive, there are activities that can make the unofficial kickoff of summer feel enjoyable, adventurous, and even productive.

Ahead, discover our list of ideas for free things to do this Memorial Day Weekend, ranging from sun-drenched outings in nature to sparkling afternoons at sea.

1. Take a leisurely ferry

If you’re lucky enough to live by the water, hopping aboard your local ferry is a fabulous (and budget-friendly) way to spend the day. Take New York City’s Staten Island Ferry – this under-the-radar gem is free, while offering great views of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Plus, if you’re inclined to sip on a refreshing beverage, they have concessions onboard. Search around for a similar sort of vessel in your area that offers the chance to be on the water – free of charge.

2. Plan a beach day

Never underestimate the impact of a well-curated beach day. Pull out all the stops with a stylish umbrella, statement beach towels, music playlist, and plenty of snacks and drinks. Need a little aesthetic inspiration? Flip through this Assouline book on Miami Beach for 304 pages of vibrant, colorful vibes for a memorable day by the sea.

3. Enjoy a park picnic

In a similar vein, sometimes an elaborate, all-day picnic is the very best way to spend a holiday. And if you’re resourceful enough, you can even assemble various tasty bites with whatever’s already in your kitchen. A few picnic rules of thumb to keep in mind – avoid foods that need to be cut or hot items that won’t travel well. Also, consider games and activities that might enrich the experience (we love Esther Perel’s conversation cards) as well as items to keep everyone comfortable, such as bug spray and handheld fans.

4. Deep clean your space

We know – cleaning on a holiday doesn’t qualify as fun for everyone. But for those who often feel like there’s never enough time to thoroughly cleanse your space, a long weekend is the perfect time to dedicate a day or two to organizing your abode. Curate a playlist to make the ordeal feel a bit more fun, and treat yourself to a nourishing dinner at the end of the day as a well-deserved reward.

5. Attend a free museum day

Many museums have certain days of the week or month that are free and open to the public, which is the perfect activity for a leisurely holiday weekend. Better yet, search for museums that are free or donation-based all year round for local residents, like The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City or the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.

6. Go for a scenic hike

Nothing beats the great outdoors when it comes to rewarding things to do that are easy on the wallet. Find a local trail or if you’re not close to any hiking spots, pack a lunch and drive to your closest nature preserve. In need of inspiration? Check out these 10 picturesque national park hikes for the outdoor enthusiast.

7. Find a free concert

Search your local community boards online for free concerts or festivals happening on the weekend. Often, al fresco jazz can be found outside of institutions such as museums (like at LACMA in Los Angeles), or even summer concert series (like in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park).

8. Go birdwatching

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or dipping your toes in the much-beloved activity, it’s one of the most rewarding (and relaxing) free activities to choose from for a holiday weekend. Rise early and enjoy a tranquil stroll beneath the trees alone, or find a group of fellow-ornithologists to search for cardinals and mockingbirds.

9. Spend an afternoon in the library

While a day in the library may not be as exhilarating as a vacation to Italy, it’s an unexpectedly enjoyable outing worth considering for a long holiday weekend. For starters, many libraries boast historic architecture and verdant gardens ideal for strolling around. You can also check their calendars to see if there are any interesting cultural events or author talks to attend. Or, simply, spend a couple of hours thumbing through rare books, historic artifacts, and novels you haven’t come across before.

10. Experience your local pier

If you live near a body of water, chances are there’s a pier you can savor a sun-drenched afternoon upon. In California, we love the Malibu Pier and the Santa Monica Pier for their classic beach aesthetic, Navy Pier in Chicago for its magnificent Centennial Wheel ride, and the Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey for its historical significance (it was the world’s first boardwalk).

11. Go on a walking safari

Whether it’s an adventure across the Brooklyn Bridge or an all-day stroll through your neighborhood arts district, mapping out a walking safari for your free day of fun is a clever way to spend a holiday weekend. You can look up DIY walking tours to spot architectural highlights or historic landmarks that are close-by, or simply wander around for several hours, stumbling upon hidden streets and striking homes.

12. Stroll around the farmers market

Even if you aren’t in need of fresh produce, a day spent at the farmer’s market can be thoroughly enriching. Discover new kinds of flowers and veggies, enjoy the smells and sounds of a bustling market, and partake in abundant people (and dog) watching opportunities.

13. Practice your photography skills

Dust off your camera and set off into the neighborhood to photograph some of your favorite spots. Not only will it help you to appreciate areas you might otherwise ignore during the shuffle of everyday life, there’s something particularly rewarding about flexing a creative muscle just for the fun of it.