Labor Day is September 4, 2023. We spend the weekend honoring and celebrating the hard workers in our country. Labor Day, for many, also marks the end of the Summer season, and is a great time to gather together for cookouts, parties, festivals, and more.
This year, find some inspiration for what to do over the holiday weekend with your kids, right here.
1. Host a Backyard BBQ
Whether you're planning to attend or host one yourself, a backyard BBQ is a great way to get family and friends together. Hang some flags, light up the fire pit, string up some fairy lights, to spice up your yard for the celebration. If you're looking for some recipes to try out this weekend, check the links below!
Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
Grilled Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwiches
2. Labor Day Pool Party
Host your own, add it onto the BBQ, or keep it simple with your own household, and spend the day lounging by the pool. Now is a great time to stock up on some new pool toys and floats at stores, like Target, where the Summer products can be found on sale. Don't have your own pool? Here's a list of local pools and splash pads to cool down before getting back-to-school. Check the links for hours of operation and residency requirements/fees.
Shipwreck Cove Spray Park in Bay Shore
Anthony Casamento Park in Bay Shore
3. Beach Day
Or skip the pool and head to the beach! Nothing says the last weekend of Summer, like a day in the sand. Spend your Labor Day relaxing with your toes in the water at one of our local beaches!
4. Park Picnic
Host that BBQ at one of the amazing local parks! This is a great way to include that large extended family or even your own community. Here's a list of some parks that provide grills and/or picnic areas... just don't forget the food! Check your local park for hours and possible fees/permits needed.
Brookwood Hall Park in East Islip
Hecksher State Park in East Islip
Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood
5. Family Game Night
As the night winds down, break out those board or card games for a fun-filled family game night or play minute-to-win-it style to keep the energy going! Here's a few of my family's favorites and some that would fit perfectly with the Labor Day celebration.
Guess in Ten : Inspiring Professions
6. Teach Kids the Meaning of Labor Day
Labor Day is a holiday celebrating American workers now and those who worked very long and hard days many years ago for the well-being of our country. This year, make it a point to explain to the kids the true reason for all those BBQs and pool parties.
7. Movie Night
Games or a movie? Take your pick! Spending the night cozied up with loved ones after a day of celebrating all our American workers can be the best way to finish out the Summer. Here's some great things to watch to go along with the holiday:
Tigertail PG
Norma Rae PG
Dirty Jobs TV-14
The Pursuit of Happyness PG-13
8. Thank a Community Worker
What better way to celebrate Labor Day than by saying your thanks to hard workers in our own community? Have the kids choose some local workers they want to give thanks to and create a card or craft to hand out around town.
Free Printable - Community Helpers Thank You Cards
9. Make Patriotic Snacks
Get the kids involved and create some treats together! You can take these along to a party, add them to your own menu, or even hand them out to whoever it is you're celebrating today as your way of saying, 'we appreciate you'.
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Kabobs
Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
10. Find a Local Event to Attend
Check out Macaroni KID Bay Shore - Brentwood - Islip's full calendar of events to keep up with all things going on in our local area, as well as checking out neighboring sites, if you're interested in taking a day trip or venturing out further.
Labor Day is a meaningful holiday that allows us to reflect on the work that goes into keeping our communities safe and running smoothly, while celebrating with our family and friends and expressing our gratitude towards our community helpers. Engaging the kids in Labor Day festivities and educating them on the value of hard work, can instill awareness and empathy in them, while encouraging their own gratitude and involvement. However you choose to spend the holiday weekend, remember we are thankful for all that you do.
Samantha Herr is the publisher of Macaroni KID Bay Shore - Brentwood - Islip, NY.
