35 Best Things to Do on Labor Day for an Enjoyable Long Weekend
Picnics, parades, and enjoying the last bit of summer.
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Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, so it's a holiday that's always a little bittersweet. However, that just means there's the fall season (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! And you've got a perfectly good long weekend ahead to do that.
But that brings up the next point: How should 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. Here's a curated list of fun Labor Day activities that you should try out.
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 weekend 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 more about the true meaning of the holiday and why we celebrate.
Whip Up Red, White, and Blue Treats
Whether it’s a red, white, and blue dessert 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!
Catch a Fireworks Show
There are few more exciting ways to celebrate an American holiday than with fireworks! Find a good viewing spot 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 impromptu parade with the kids and other family and friends in your neighborhood.
Host a Barbecue
Fall is coming, which means barbecue season is winding down. Make your last summer cookout one you won't forget with a little help from these delicious Labor Day recipes.
Thank a Worker
Now that you know 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. It's a great reason to 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, Connect Four, and more.
Go to a Ball Game
Is there anything more all-American than root, root, rooting for your home team? Grab the kids and head to a game at a 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 treats. You can make homemade ice cream or use store-bought to create a cake or pie.
Head to the Beach
Whether you want to take a weekend family beach vacation or just a day trip somewhere local, you're sure to have so much fun in the sun. (Just don't forget the sunscreen for everyone!)
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 or you can get them excited for the new season with fall crafts.
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!)
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
Cookout Sides Beyond Potato Salad and Coleslaw
Homemade Lemonade
Chocolate Pie
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
