7 Things To Do With Family on Memorial Day in the Champaign-Urbana Area

Memorial Day is a very solemn holiday. Traditionally, it is a day to remember those who died in active military service — those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. While we don’t want to lose sight of the reason behind the holiday, one way to honor the memory of those who served is to strengthen the bonds of our families and communities.

While there are certainly many Memorial Day closings, there remain plenty of ways to find family fun in Champaign-Urbana on the unofficial start to summer. Here’s our list of some of the top options for fun:

Visit an area swimming pool

It is OPENING WEEKEND! Chances are your kids are more than ready to jump in — regardless of the temperature. Don’t forget the sunscreen. From Champaign to Urbana to Monticello to Rantoul, there are plenty of outdoor pools to visit. Get the scoop on all area pools.

Prairie Farm

Renew acquaintances with the animals at Prairie Farm. The Champaign Park District staple opens on May 24 for the season, and there’s a good chance your kids would be excited to see the animals again — or for the very first time. Or enjoy the playground. Or bring a picnic. It is a great chance to enjoy the great outdoors with nature’s creatures. Free.

Splash Pads

This is also the time of year when Champaign splash pads reopen for business. Head over to Hessel Park Splash Pad, Douglass Park Splash Pad or the newest splash pad at Human Kinetics Park! Free.

Go Fishing

Want to be near water but don’t want to get in? Start a new tradition and go fishing. We tell you how, where and when you can fish in the Champaign-Urbana area.

Observe Memorial Day

Go to a Memorial Day observance or parade. Show your children the true meaning of this day. Observances happen all over Champaign County and elsewhere. It has been a little more challenging to find out where and when these events are happening in 2025, but we will update them on our calendar if they are submitted to us.

When you don’t mind driving a little farther …

–Take in a movie at Harvest Moon Drive-In in Gibson City. One of the neatest, old-time experiences in Central Illinois happens around sundown on Route 47. You can find movie showtimes and details here. We offered our thoughts on the Harvest Moon experience here.

–If the pool isn’t as appealing, perhaps the beach will do. Clinton Lake Beach is a place where the sand is as important as the water — to your little ones, anyway. Memorial Day is opening day for the season. We’ve got more beaches a short drive away, too.