Quick answer: Here are 8 free, low-prep activities to do with kids on Labor Day weekend:
Labor Day weekend always brings that bittersweet end-of-summer feeling.
Celebrating Labor Day with kids is all about soaking up those last quiet moments of freedom before fall routines set in. Whether you want to mix these low-prep ideas with classic ways to celebrate Labor Day with your friends and family or keep things low-key at home, these activities are low-cost and take just a few minutes of prep.
(Prep time: 5 min)
As far as backyard Labor Day games go, this is a five-minute setup that buys thirty minutes of happy fun in the yard.
Fill a bucket, split into teams, and set some fun rules for a hilarious outcome (passing balloons overhead, holding them between knees, no hands).
The last team with an unbroken balloon wins.
(Prep time: 5 min)
You might find that kids enjoy the decorating part of this classic parade idea even more than the parade!
Break out the sidewalk chalk, crepe paper, painter's tape, or whatever ribbon you have laying around. Let the kids deck out their handlebars, then do a grand loop around the driveway or block.
(Prep time: 10 min)
This works as one of the easiest Labor Day weekend games for kids when you just need them to burn off some extra energy outside.
Trace out hopscotch squares, a dizzying zigzag line, spin spots, and a finish line on the driveway or sidewalk.
(Prep time: 5 min)
Treat this weekend like the official, grand-closing ceremony of water season.
To turn an ordinary sprinkler afternoon into something special, add a cannonball contest, pool noodle jousting, or a timed race to dive for sinkers.
(Prep time: 15 min)
Nothing beats the thrill of an outdoor adventure like camping!
Pitch a tent in the yard, or drag a pile of blankets and cushions out to the patio. Throw in s'mores, flashlights, and sleeping bags, all without having to pack a trunk full of gear or drive anywhere.
(Prep time: 15 min)
Looking for a way to get kids moving outside? This is a low-key way to say goodbye to the last bit of summer.
Jot down a quick list of seasonal yard items to hunt down: a dry pinecone, something bright red, a cool bug, a smooth rock, a good hiding spot. For an easy, ready-to-go version, grab our free printable scavenger hunt.
(Prep time: 15 min)
No fancy setups needed! Hang an old white bedsheet against a fence, borrow a projector, or keep it simple and set a laptop on a patio table.
Add a pile of outdoor pillows and popcorn, and suddenly, Sunday night turns into a special event.
(Prep time: 15 min)
This low-effort classic summer activity makes a great capstone to a family cookout.
Set out a few bowls of toppings and let everyone take a stab at building their own dessert.
Sometimes the simple, messy afternoons in the backyard are the ones kids will remember.
When you're brainstorming things to do with kids on Labor Day, remember that all it takes is a few basic supplies to create the spark that lets their imaginations take over.
And as you start mapping out your family calendar for the month ahead, be sure to check out September holidays to celebrate with the whole family to keep the inspiration going all month long!