These Activities Will Make It the Best Labor Day Weekend Yet
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Labor Day basically marks the end of summer, so it's a holiday that's bittersweet. However, that just means we've got fall (and yes, pumpkin spice lattes) to look forward to! Plus, the reason behind observing Labor Day is so patriotic: It honors the labor rights that Americans have worked hard to achieve. In all, that gives us every reason to celebrate!
Which brings us to our next point: How do you celebrate Labor Day? Do you attend a Labor Day barbecue? Host a refreshing pool party? If you're trying to figure out what to do this year, you've come to the right place. We curated a list of fun Labor Day activities that you should try out for the holiday!
In addition to all the great outdoorsy ideas on this list, there are also some ways to celebrate indoors if the weather isn't cooperating. For example, you could take advantage of the holiday sales. You could also tackle a DIY project, sing and dance along to a playlist of patriotic country songs, and many more activities. Whatever you decide to do, don't forget to take a little time out to thank the workers in your community. That's what Labor Day is really all about, after all!
Prep for your holiday party with these ideas:
Learn About the True Meaning of Labor Day
Declared a national holiday in 1894, Labor Day was created to honor the American worker. This year, take some time to learn a little more about the true meaning of the holiday and why we celebrate.
Catch a Fireworks Show
There are few more exciting ways to celebrate an American holiday than with fireworks! Find a good viewing location and settle in for the show with your nearest and dearest.
Attend a Parade (Or Start Your Own!)
Put on your stars and stripes and head over to watch your local Labor Day parade. Or, you can start your own parade with the kids and other family and friends in your neighborhood.
Whip Up Red, White, and Blue Treats
Whether it’s a red, white, and blue trifle or something as American as apple pie, you can bake up a storm with festive Labor Day desserts. You can even drop off some sweets to local workers, too!
Host a Barbecue
Fall is coming, which means barbecue season is winding down. Make your last summer cookout one you won't soon forget with a little help from these delicious Labor Day recipes.
Thank a Worker
Now that you know all about the story behind Labor Day, it's time to show your gratitude for workers in your community. You can enlist the kids to help make thank you cards or homemade treats.
Throw a Pool Party
Many people close their pools for the season after Labor Day. Throw one last epic pool party for your friends and family with plenty of summery snacks, drinks, and decorations.
Play Outdoor Games
Sometimes, the best vacation is right in your own backyard. Invite everyone over for an outdoor games tournament with corn hole, giant Jenga, and more.
Go to a Ball Game
Is there anything more all-American than root, root, rooting for the home team? Grab the kids and head to a game at your local ball park. Buy hot dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks for the whole family to enjoy.
Make Your Own Ice Cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Enjoy a fun activity and a sweet treat with your family by whipping up your own ice cream from scratch. Check out this maker from The Pioneer Woman to make all of your homemade ice cream dreams come true.
Head to the Beach
Whether you want to take a weekend family beach vacation or just a day trip, you're sure to have so much fun in the sun. (Just don't forget the sunscreen!)
Make Patriotic Crafts
If you're looking for a way to entertain the kiddos through the long weekend, break out the glue and glitter for some crafts! There are so many red, white, and blue ideas for them to try.
Visit a National Park
If you live near a national park (or are up for a trip), get out and enjoy some time in nature! You can search the National Park Service database to find information hours and events at parks across the nation.
Enjoy a Drive-In Movie
This nostalgia-filled outing will delight kids and adults alike! Find a drive-in theater near you to check out all the Labor Day weekend showings. Don't forget the popcorn and candy!
Fire Up Some S'mores
Make the holiday even sweeter by breaking out some s'mores! Invite your whole crew, light the fire pit, then get to toasting! There's so many fun takes on traditional s'mores, too.
Head to the Lake
Long weekends always call for time spent at the lake! Load up the car and hit the road to soak up the last of the summer sunshine before the seasons change.
Go to the Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! The whole family will enjoy a day visiting the animal exhibits at the zoo. You could also opt for an aquarium!
Head to an Amusement Park
Whether you want to ride rides, play games, or just enjoy a whole lot of fried food, an amusement park will keep everyone entertained on Labor Day.
Go Glamping
Sure, you can set up a tent and spend the weekend camping, but you can also gather your girls for a glamping trip! Book a luxury tent or a cabin for your relaxing weekend getaway.
Make a Tie-Dye Project
Starting a tie-dye project is a great way to get the whole family involved! You could go the general route of working on a shirt, or you can even tie-die a DIY tote bag! (Plus, you can certainly incorporate some Red, White and Blue to keep it patriotic!)
Volunteer in Your Community
Use the holiday weekend to give back to your community! Share the love by visiting and helping out at a food bank, animal shelter, or any other local organization that could use your community service!
Read a Book
The whole point of Labor Day is to do what you please! Take a break from your busy life at work and spend the day relaxing by reading a good page-turner!
Have a Backyard Movie Night
It's still just about warm enough to have a backyard movie night! Transform your lawn into a comfy, outdoorsy scene with some cushions, blankets, warm lights, and a screen for your movie! You could either choose to watch a summer film to bid your farewell to the season, or head straight in to some scenic fall movies.
Go for a Bike Ride
Not that you can't bike in the fall or winter—but feeling that summer breeze on a relaxing Labor Day morning or evening sounds like a great way to spend the holiday. Plus, it can be done in a city scene or a nature trail!
Put on a Sprinkler
Summer may be ending, but it's not over yet! Set up a sprinkler in your yard for the kids (and like-minded adults) who want to have fun and also cool down in the remaining days we have in the summer heat.
Go Tailgating
Labor Day also welcomes in the football season, specifically college football! If you're a fan of any of the Big Ten, you could attend a tailgate at a home game or host one in your own backyard! Bonus points if you make any of our tailgating food ideas!
Hit the Labor Day Sales
Every long weekend is an opportunity to find great steals and deals on everything from clothes to home goods to tech gadgets. Check back here for our favorites from the Walmart Labor Day sale, including plenty of picks from The Pioneer Woman line!
Go Camping
Connect with nature (and each other) by planning a camping trip with your friends or family. You can roast s'mores, tell stories around the campfire, gaze at the stars, and just enjoy each other's company.
Take a Road Trip
There are plenty of other places to go for a day trip besides the beach. Pick one of the destinations on your family travel bucket list, pack up the car with your stuff and the best road trip snacks, and start driving!
Plan a Picnic
Nothing says summer holiday like spreading out a picnic blanket and topping it with your favorite dishes and desserts. You can head to a nearby park or host a picnic party in your own backyard.
Go Hiking
Labor Day weekend weather usually isn't too hot or too cold—it's just right. That's why it's the perfect time to hit the trails for a family hike. Be sure to pack a picnic for when you want to take a break!
Decorate for Fall
Labor Day means it's time to say goodbye to summer—and hello to fall! If you don't have any big plans, use the holiday to get a head start on your fall décor ideas.
Tackle a DIY Project
You know that DIY project you've been putting off all summer? Now is the time to tackle it (especially if it's one that requires being outdoors). Labor Day is a day that honors workers, after all.
Make a Patriotic Playlist
Feeling patriotic this holiday? Put together an all-American playlist for your friends and family to sing and dance along to. If you're also a country music fan, check out this list of the best patriotic country songs for inspiration.
Do Some Gardening
This one is for all the green thumbs out there. Take some time on Labor Day to tend your garden and perhaps even plant some new trees, flowers, or veggies. You can even get the little ones in on the action.
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