May is packed with reasons to celebrate — and we love every minute of it. From blooming flowers and warmer weather to the final countdown of the school year, this month is full of energy and excitement for families.
We’ve rounded up 10 fun and meaningful May holidays and observances to enjoy with your kids — including Teacher Appreciation Week, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Get ready to make memories all month long!
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May Day
May Day, an ancient spring festival, is celebrated in many countries around the world, often with flower festivals, parades, and dancing around Maypoles. Want to mark the occasion? Leave some flowers for a neighbor to make their May Day! May 1
👉🏽 Read a DIY May Day how-to: May Day Baskets are a Fun Way to Celebrate Your Neighbors
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Free Comic Book Day
Get a free comic book at participating local bookstores and comic book stores as part of this national giveaway day! That's a serious superhero move. May 3
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Cinco de Mayo
While this day originated in Mexico to mark the country's victory over the French Army, in the U.S. it's become a day to celebrate Mexican-American culture, music, and cuisine. May 5
👉🏽 Try our delicious recipes for guacamole, pico de gallo, and homemade chips!
National Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers work hard every day to educate our kids. This is the week to show them how much we appreciate their efforts. May 5-9
👉🏽 Get a free teacher gift printable — and find out what teachers actually want!
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Screen-Free Week
Screen-Free Week isn't just about giving up your screens, it's about gaining so much more! Instead of spending an hour on YouTube, you can spend that hour enjoying the great outdoors. Those ten minutes of scrolling through social media can turn into a fun doodling session. And on a rainy day, you can swap out a movie for some quality time reading, chatting, or playing pretend with your family. May 5-11
👉🏽 Get ideas: 50 Genius Backyard Activities for Kids That Beat Boredom
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Mother's Day
It doesn't matter if the appreciation of your hard work comes via sticky hug, a handmade card, breakfast in bed, or an expensive gift. Know that you are loved today, and every day. May 11
👉🏽 Take Our Quiz: What's Your Perfect Mother's Day Look Like?
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Memorial Day
Today, we remember those who died serving in the U.S. military. Take a moment to honor their sacrifice and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their service. May 26
👉🏽 DIY: How To Make A Beaded American Flag Pin
Month-Long Observances in May
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National Foster Care Month
May is the month when we recognize the amazing work of foster families who make a difference in the lives of over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system. Learn more about fostering and how you can help.
👉🏽 Read: Could You Be a Foster Parent?
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
This month we celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, spanning over 30 countries and over 100 different languages.
👉🏽 What We're Reading Now: 10 Children Books We Love by AAPI Authors
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental illness affects more than 50 million people in the U.S. Visit NAMI for resources and ideas on how to mark this month, provide support, and advocate for change.
👉🏽 Read: A Dad’s Journey To Better Mental Health
Looking for more family-friendly events and things to do with kids in May? Subscribe to Macaroni KID Calvert - St. Mary's for weekly updates on local fun, seasonal activities, and can't-miss happenings near you!