Labor Day Weekend Just Became a Whole Lot More Fun With These Activities
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There's really no better time than Labor Day weekend to soak up the final moments of summer. Celebrated on the first Monday of September, this day was created to honor the American worker, and it's been a federal holiday since 1894. These days, many people also think of the long weekend as the unofficial end of summer. Some of the most beloved ways to celebrate include barbecues and pool parties, family beach vacations and road trips, and parades and fireworks. To help you decide on your plans for this year, we've come up with a list of fun things to do on Labor Day that includes all of those go-to activities, plus many more that will help you make the most of the warm weather before you pack up your swimsuits and pool floats.
In addition to all of 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, including the Walmart Labor Day sale, which features plenty of great deals from The Pioneer Woman line. 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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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!
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 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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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