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27 Labor Day Activities to Soak Up the Last Moments of Summer 2023

Stay close to home with these things to do near you.

By Laura Kostelny
family eating picnic outdoorspinterest
linda Pugliese

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Labor Day is upon us, and don't let the last long weekend of summer pass you by without marking the occasion. Whether you're looking for something to do near you or are ready for a road trip, we have plenty of ideas for you to consider. Feel like cooking? Call up the neighbors and pull out your best grilling recipes and easy summer desserts, then plan on some fun outdoor games suitable for all ages. But if you've had a long, hot summer, it might sound good to curl up with a good book or movie marathon in the comfort of the air conditioning. No judgment here!

If you'd prefer to skip the staycation, head out of town on a road trip to explore a charming small town or National Park you've never seen before. Really, the possibilities are endless—which is why we've done all the, well, labor and come up with a ton of family-friendly ideas for a day well spent.

1

Make a Sporty Centerpiece

flowers arranged in a vintage football hemut infront of a window with blue sky

If it's going to be all football, all the time at your house for the next few months, embrace the season with a beautiful centerpiece made from a vintage football helmet. To keep it steady, wrap a 3-inch embroidery hoop with jute ribbon, and center the helmet upside-down in it. Fill a glass with water, and place in the helmet. Add flowers to vase (here, butterfly ranunculus, chamomile, and black-eyed Susans).

2

Host a Tailgate

tailgate food
Brian Woodcock

Football season has finally arrived! There are college games all weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), so there is something for everyone to watch. Pull out your finest game day attire, and host your friends for a watch party.

Related: Best Tailgate Recipe Ideas

3

Rent a Pool

inflatable, leisure, aqua, fun, recreation, vacation, games, swimming pool, summer, inflatable boat,
Frontgate

No pool? No problem. Swimply is an Airbnb-type service that allows you to find and rent pools near you by the hour.

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4

Plan a Glamping Trip

group of friends enjoying an outdoor meal a tent in the background
Mint Images

Are you outdoorsy but maybe not that outdoorsy? Glamping is the perfect solution! Many glamping tents have air-conditioning and even indoor plumbing, so you're getting closer to nature without giving up all the comforts.

Related: Best Glamping Destinations in the U.S.

5

Take a Road Trip

smiling parents sitting with daughters in trunk of electric car
Maskot//Getty Images

The three-day weekend is the perfect time to drive somewhere new. Get kids involved by having them help plan out the route on a map, and deciding which sights to see while you're there. If you need ideas, check out this list of road trip stops in every state.

6

Set Up the Sprinkler

labor day sprinkler
Ariel Skelley

Little kids love running through a sprinkler for a good reason. This Labor Day, channel your inner child and join them for a run through or two and just try to keep that delighted smile off your face.

SHOP SPRINKLERS

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7

Hit the Shops

two female friends excited about shopping during thanksgiving season
VisualCommunications//Getty Images

Labor Day sales are a great time to stock up on back-to-school essentials, kids' clothing, and cold-weather wardrobe staples for fall. See our list of shops that are open on the holiday.

8

Go on a Bike Ride

a woman and her two kids ride bikes in the forest in the sunshine
Noel Hendrickson//Getty Images

If you've been meaning to hit the trails on two wheels but haven't yet this summer, now's the time to go on a bike ride. If you don't have wheels for the whole family, research local bike companies who often offer rentals as well as maps and suggested routes to explore.

9

Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall

front porch decorated with fall pumpkins
John Gruen

A long weekend at home offers the chance to decorate your front porch for fall. Whether you prefer pumpkins, wreaths, or garlands, we've got fall porch decorating ideas sure to make your house the most festive, fall-friendly one on the block.

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10

Turn Your Backyard into a Movie Theater

movie night at back yard
M_a_y_a//Getty Images

Wait until the cool of the late afternoon when the lighting is just right and set up an outdoor movie theater. Add cozy seating on your lawn with floor cushions and blankets. If you want to go all out pack a basket with popcorn and milk duds and string up light for extra ambience.

11

Play Cornhole

Play Cornhole
11

Play Cornhole

$299 at Amazon$285 at Walmart

Spend Labor Day the way our forefathers would have wanted—tossing beanbags into tiny holes via a homemade cornhole board, or purchase this American flag-themed set. Or, DIY several lawn games for a backyard-style Olympics.

12

Organize a Cookout

Organize a Cookout
12

Organize a Cookout

Now 10% Off
Credit: Amazon

Did you know that gadgets and appliances are also usually on sale around Labor Day? Now you have the perfect excuse to buy a classic Weber charcoal grill. You need it for the holiday barbecue.

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13

Upgrade Your Happy Hour

Labor Day Champagne Cocktail
Brian Woodcock

Toast summer goodbye with a bubbly blend of sparkling rosé, mashed raspberries, and a variety of other refreshing summer cocktails.

Get the recipe.

14

Go for a Dip in a Swimming Hole

Labor Day Swim Hole
Sabrina Dalbesio

Sometimes it's nice to commune with nature—especially when you're trying to forget the demands of the office for a bit. There's no better way to do that than with a dip in a natural swimming hole—and lucky for you, they're located all over the United States.

15

Make Your Own Ice Cream

Make Your Own Ice Cream
15

Make Your Own Ice Cream

Teach little ones the concept of hard work and delicious rewards with a homemade ice cream session this Labor Day.

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16

Experience a Drive-In Movie

Labor Day Drive-In Movie
Arthur Tilley

When you find a drive-in movie theater near you, and the family is enjoying popcorn and soda from the safety and comfort of the car, you'll forget all about your Netflix account.

17

Tackle a House Project

in the dog house
sturti//Getty Images

An extra day off work means you can finally get to those house projects you've been putting off all summer. Easy day-jobs include painting a room, organizing your closet, or these easy kitchen updates.

18

Test a New Pizza Recipe

Labor Day Pizza Party
Brian Woodcock

Options abound when it comes to pizza. You could make pizza dough from scratch or buy a premade one; go for a super-thick crust or a nice and crispy one, and add one or two ingredients of your choosing.

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19

Jump Off the High Dive

Labor Day Diving Board
Dave Nagel

Depending on where you live, the community pool is probably going to close some time shortly after Labor Day, so suit up and hit the high dive because it'll be a while before you can show off that world-famous cannonball again.

20

Organize Your Own Labor Day Parade

Labor Day Parade
Ariel Skelley

Labor Day parades are such a teachable moment for kids. You can demonstrate the best waving technique, a catch-and-release strategy on candy (never dive for a Tootsie Roll), and ideal positioning for easily getting out of the area once the parade is over.

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