Easy Memorial Day Craft Ideas for Kids with Autism
Memorial Day is a time to honor those who served our country. It’s also a chance for families to spend time together in meaningful ways. One great activity for the holiday is crafting. An autism-friendly Memorial Day craft can help kids express creativity, learn about the holiday, and enjoy hands-on fun.
At Circle City ABA, we support children with autism by creating learning experiences that are fun and accessible. That includes crafts designed with sensory needs and skill levels in mind.
Here are some easy Memorial Day craft ideas that you can try with your child.
What Makes a Craft Autism-Friendly?
Before diving into projects, let’s look at what makes a Memorial Day craft “autism-friendly.”
Autism-friendly crafts:
- Use clear, step-by-step instructions
- Involve simple materials
- Offer sensory-friendly options (like soft textures or quiet tools)
- Can be done at a child’s own pace
- Let kids make choices and be creative
The goal is to keep the activity fun, not stressful. You know your child best — feel free to adapt any project to their needs.
Memorial Day Paper Plate Flag
This simple flag craft uses materials you likely already have at home. It’s great for fine motor skills and following directions.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 paper plate
- Red and white construction paper (or markers)
- Blue construction paper
- Glue stick or child-safe glue
- Scissors
- Star stickers or a white crayon
Steps:
- Cut the red and white construction paper into strips.
- Have your child glue the strips across the paper plate to make flag stripes.
- Cut a small rectangle from blue paper and glue it in the top left corner.
- Add star stickers to the blue square. If you don’t have stickers, draw stars with a crayon.
- Let the craft dry, then display it proudly!
You can talk about what the flag represents while you work on the craft together.
Poppy Handprint Craft
Poppies are a symbol of remembrance on Memorial Day. This craft makes a keepsake while teaching the meaning behind the flower.
What You’ll Need:
- Red and green washable paint
- A paper plate or blank paper
- Black marker or black paper circle
- Paintbrush
- Wipes or a sink nearby for cleanup
Steps:
- Paint your child’s hand red.
- Press their hand gently onto the paper to create a flower shape.
- Let the handprint dry.
- Use green paint or a marker to add a stem and leaves.
- Glue or draw a black circle in the center to finish the poppy.
This craft is both sensory-friendly and meaningful. You can explain that poppies help us remember brave soldiers.
Memorial Day Star Banner
This is a great autism-friendly craft for kids who enjoy coloring and cutting.
What You’ll Need:
- White cardstock or thick paper
- Red, white, and blue markers or crayons
- Star stencil or cookie cutter (optional)
- Scissors
- String or yarn
- Tape or hole punch
Steps:
- Draw star shapes on the paper (or trace them with a stencil).
- Have your child color the stars using patriotic colors.
- Cut out the stars.
- Punch a hole at the top of each star or tape them to a string.
- Hang the banner on a wall, mantle, or window.
You can count the stars together or sort them by color — adding a little learning to the fun.
Tips for Crafting with Kids with Autism
Every child is different. Here are a few helpful tips when doing Memorial Day crafts:
- Use visual guides or photos of the finished project
- Keep steps short and simple
- Offer choices: “Do you want to use paint or crayons?”
- Take breaks if needed
- Celebrate effort, not perfection
Crafting isn’t just about the final product — it’s about connection, expression, and fun.
Why Circle City ABA Supports Autism-Friendly Learning
At Circle City ABA, we know that learning happens in many ways. Crafts, play, and creative time all help children build important skills — like following directions, using tools, or expressing emotions.
Our centers offer play-based ABA therapy that meets each child where they are. We serve children ages 18 months to 17 years and focus on making therapy meaningful and engaging.
We also offer support for parents — because families are a big part of every child’s progress.
Get Started with Circle City ABA
Interested in learning more about how ABA therapy can support your child?
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit www.circlecityaba.com
- Call our team to talk about your needs
- Schedule a tour of a center near you – Find a location near you! We serve Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska.
Our admissions team is ready to help you take the first step. Contact our team for more information on our services and how we can support you and your child.
Celebrate Memorial Day with Meaning
This Memorial Day, take time to create, connect, and honor those who served. A simple Memorial Day craft can help your child learn, express, and enjoy the holiday in a safe, autism-friendly way.
And if you’re looking for support, Circle City ABA is here for you — on holidays and every day in between.
