11 Family-Friendly Activities for Labor Day

Many Americans choose to celebrate Labor Day with parades, parties, and family-friendly activities, as the holiday also marks the unofficial end of the summer season. With a bounty of outdoor adventure recreation available, like boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking, workers and their families can celebrate Labor Day by relaxing in the great outdoors and reconnect with nature to create memories together.

History of Labor Day

At a municipal level, Labor Day has roots dating back to 1885 when labor activists pushed for a day to recognize the many efforts and various contributions of workers who literally built our country from the ground up. In 1894, the U.S. Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday, Labor Day! Still today, Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September meaning that in 2024, Labor Day Sept 6th will be the celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers — a celebration made more joyful with family-friendly activities enjoyed outdoors!

11 Family-Friendly Activities for Labor Day

Escape the ordinary or indulge in your familiar favorite things to do with these 11 Labor Day activities the whole family will enjoy.

Take a Road Trip

Workers built the roads, hotels, and attractions we long to experience. Taking a Labor Day Weekend road trip to escape the ordinary is one way to celebrate the accomplishments and sacrifices of those who came before us.

Pool Day

Whether it’s in your own backyard or at a community pool, spending time with family and friends in the water is one of the best family-friendly activities to create memories this Labor Day.

Go Hiking

There are likely multiple hiking trails near you, ranging from beginner hikes to moderate hikes, and maybe even advanced hikes for serious day trekkers. Many trails allow not only the chance to experience the mental health benefits of hiking but also to see breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and more.

Rent a Pontoon Boat

Pontoon boats offer families of all ages the chance to reconnect with nature and create memories on the water while being relatively still, having a picnic, and listening to music. Heading out to a local lake and renting an easy-to-drive pontoon is a fantastic way to escape the ordinary on Labor Day Sept 6th.

Fishing Trip

Not that you need an excuse to go fishing, but this Labor Day, take the kids on a weekend fishing trip and create memories near the water that’ll last a lifetime!

Plan a Camping Weekend

Labor Day is a long weekend for many workers today, so make use of that extra day off to find a new campsite further from home, pitch a tent, cook over an open flame, tell ghost stories, and stargaze at night.

Sprinkler Time in the Yard

Quick! Break out the sprinkler one last time before the autumn chill arrives! Take turns running through the water with your kids, friends, and family, and create memories together that you’ll cherish.

Decorate for Fall

Bring out the pumpkins, scarecrows, cornstalks, and maybe even the ghosts and ghouls because autumn is near! Use the Labor Day weekend to clean up your yard and decorate for fall.

Backyard Movie

With a projector and a screen, blankets and drinks, gather up your friends and family to escape the ordinary this Labor Day. A backyard movie, whether you choose a comedy classic or a modern superhero film, is a great way to say goodbye to summer

End of Summer Cookout

Cooking hot dogs, burgers, veggies, shrimp, and of course grilling fish too, all while your kids play in the sprinkler, your friends plan your next great outdoor adventure, and your family decorates for fall is a great way to spend Labor Day Sept 6th.

Have Your Own Parade

Finally, what’s Labor Day without a parade? Dress up, practice your waving, and grab a handful of sweets to toss to the crowd of onlookers and have a parade in your yard or neighborhood! Here are even more fun, cheap family-friendly activities to try outdoors on Labor Day!