The Frugal Family: Honoring Our Nation's Heroes on Memorial Day 2010

Memorial Day is here and summer is soon to follow! On Memorial Day this year, many will be barbecuing or attending local events to honor fallen soldiers. Some families use the long weekend as an excuse to take a road trip or fly out of town. If BBQs aren't your thing and you don't want to fork out the money for travel, try one of these low cost activities:

• Pay homage to soldiers by visiting a military cemetery
• Watch a historical war film
• Have a picnic or game day in the park
• Go hiking at a state or national park
• Visit a museum (check museum schedules as many are closed on Mondays and holidays)

Speaking of parks and museums, the National Endowment for the Arts is offering military families free entrance to over 700 museums nationwide beginning May 31st and lasting until Labor Day, September 6th. Visit the Blue Star Museums Initiative website to find participating museums in your state. Most National Parks are open on holidays and the National Park Service has a number of fee-free days coming up, one of which will take place on Veterans Day in September. Not only do our nation's parks and museums help teach kids about history, but a visit to these gems also honors those who fought to protect them.

Did you know that National Doughnut Day was originally created to honor women who gave doughnuts to soldiers in World War I? This year on June 4th you can stop by a participating Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' Donuts store for a free doughnut--no purchase necessary. In the true spirit of the holiday, take a soldier or military veteran along with you!

Holidays and sunny days both offer great opportunities to spend time with family and friends while commemorating special events and people. How will your family honor our nation's heroes this year?

Crystal Ritchie lives and blogs in San Francisco with her preschooler son Jack and her partner in crime/fiance David. She loves to share stories, tips, and tricks related to the parenting gig. When she is not parenting, writing as the San Francisco City Guide Editor for Savvy Source and on her personal blog, Ewokmama.com, or scoping out awesome deals, she can be found working at a software company in her favorite city.