Labor Day Vacation Ideas Your Grandkids Will Love

As we approach September, some might begin to lament the loss of summer. But not us; it just means it’s time to think of our Labor Day plans!

Labor Day is celebrated every year in the United States on the first Monday of September –– this year, that means September 5th. Even before it was declared a national holiday in 1894, Labor Day has been used to commemorate the many achievements made by American workers and pay tribute to labor activists of the past.

This year, we can enjoy some extra free time on Labor Day weekend with our loved ones. If you haven’t yet planned anything, here are some ways to spend the weekend with your family!

Head to New York City

If you’re at all interested in the history behind Labor Day, you may want to take this opportunity to pay a visit to the Big Apple. After all, New York City is where the first labor day celebration took place (which will be exactly 140 years ago on this year’s Labor Day). There are plenty of ways that you can take advantage of your trip to NYC during this time.

Here are some great examples of things to do while you’re there:

  • See a Parade: Two different parades take place around this time in New York City. The first is the West Indian Parade, which celebrates Caribbean arts and culture, and takes place on September 5th. The Labor Day Parade comes around the following weekend.
  • Catch a Baseball Game: For sports fans, a trip to New York is the perfect opportunity to check out a baseball game. This year, you can snag a seat to the Yankees and Mets home games.
  • See a Broadway Show: From Wicked to The Lion King, there is no shortage of fun and family-friendly shows to enjoy on Broadway. If you’re already going to New York, you’ll want to get your tickets early and be ready for a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
  • Visit a Museum: New York is home to so much art, history, and culture, and this is reflected in the myriad of museums you can visit. For families, you won’t want to miss the Museum of Natural History, particularly the Planetarium.

Explore Disneyland or Disneyworld

It’s called the happiest place on earth for a reason! Family members of any age can get swept up in the magic of Disney –– it’s a good thing you can find a location on either coast, whether you prefer Disneyland in Anaheim, California, or Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida.

Be aware that the crowds are generally pretty busy on Labor Day, so you may want to plan to go on a different day instead.

  • Halloween Begins: Most of us don’t start putting out our Halloween decorations until mid-October, but things are a bit different over in the land of Mickey Mouse. Halloween season begins in early September at Disney, so you can enjoy a couple of tricks and treats early!

  • Off-Season: September is considered a good time to visit either Disney location because it’s technically in its “off-season” then. That means you can expect shorter lines as well as better hotel rates.

  • Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival: From now through November, you can expect to enjoy Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival when you visit Disneyworld. Wine and dine your way through Europe without having to stress about where the family will have dinner that afternoon.

      Relax at a Beach in Florida

      There are tons of reasons why Florida is a beloved family vacation spot –– golfing and theme parks are just a couple of reasons, but one of the biggest draws has got to be the beaches. September is a wonderful time to enjoy warm yet forgiving weather in the Sunshine State.

      There is no shortage of beautiful, family-friendly beaches in Florida. Here are just some beaches to consider visiting if you’re heading down south with your family this fall.

      • Clearwater Beach: This location is one of the most popular seaside destinations in Florida. With spacious swaths of soft, pristine sand, gorgeous views, and generally calm water, this is a wonderful place for adults and kids alike to sport their favorite swimsuits and get in on the fun.

        • Sanibel Island: Along with natural beauty and plenty of opportunities for boating and biking, the beaches on Sanibel Island boast a major draw: seashells! Arming yourself and the kids with buckets and shovels, you can roam the shore looking for beautiful seashells without spending an extra dime.

        • Cocoa Beach: Cocoa Beach is notable for its proximity to other family attractions, like Disneyworld and the Kennedy Space Center. This is also a great place for boogie boarding, surfing, and for spotting adorable manatees on kayaking tours!

            Staycation Picnic

            Don’t have the time or resources to plan out an elaborate holiday trip this year? No problem! We love a staycation with family and friends. In fact, it has long been customary to celebrate Labor Day in the US not just with parades, but with picnics and parties. 

            Get together all the hard-working folks you know and kick back with a family-friendly barbeque, or take the family to a park or beach for a picnic.

            Here are some ideas to plan your own Labor Day festivities!

            • Think of different local places to go. Whether it’s your backyard, a nearby campground, or a relaxing beach, try to get outdoors and be in tune with nature with your loved ones.
            • Host a potluck. If you’re planning on having a lot of people over, distribute the labor by having everybody bring a dish. When it comes to tasty food, the more the merrier!
            • Make it red, white, and blue. You can recycle your Fourth of July decor for your very own Labor Day party, without spending any extra bucks.
            • Have crafts for the kids. Food and drinks are often enough to keep the adults entertained, but you want to plan ahead and have some activities for the little ones so they don’t get restless! Hosting a picnic at a park with a playground is also a great idea.

            Visit a Historic Town

            Sometimes, the best vacation is one that allows you to get away from the stress of modern life and bask in nature and history. There are plenty of towns around the United States that boast gorgeous natural scenery, as well as plenty of history to indulge in. But no worries; there will be plenty of fun for the kids as well.

            We recommend looking for a place that has a variety of things to do so that neither you nor the kids will get bored. Here are some places to start your search.

            • Provincetown, MA: Some of the oldest towns in the US are in Massachusetts, and Provincetown is one of the most lively. Just north of Cape Cod, Provincetown is where the Mayflower landed in 1620; it's home to many historical sites, as well as a bustling scene of shops and restaurants. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and visit the beach while you’re there!

            • Galveston, TX: This is another notable seaside town. Full of historic homes, you can expect eye-catching architecture as well as plenty of fun. You won’t want to miss the classic carousel or Ferris wheel while you’re there.

            • Cedar Key, FL: While St. Augustine is perhaps the most famous old town in Florida, check out Cedar Key for a more lowkey visit. The small, sleepy town is full of natural sightseeing (such as the Wildlife Refuge) as well as museums and shops. 

                  Conclusion

                  There are many wonderful ways that you can spend your Labor Day weekend with friends and family. Whether you go to far-off destinations or keep things close to home, try to plan ahead a couple of activities to keep everyone relaxed and entertained. Hopefully, we have provided you with some inspiration from this list. 

                  Happy Labor Day!

                  Sources:

                  History of Labor Day | US Department of Labor

                  Top Things to do Do Labor Day NYC Weekend | Parades, US Open, Pool | NYC Insider Guide

                  September 2022 Disneyland Crowd Calendar | Disney Tourist Blog

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