How is summer over already??!! Labor Day weekend crept up like that one bill you swore you already paid. You had all these visions of road trips, cookouts, and beach days, but here we are—it’s Wednesday and the kids are looking at you like, “So what we doin’, ma?” Don’t panic. I got you covered with some last minute plans that’ll still make the weekend feel special without draining your pockets.
1. Backyard (or Living Room) Campout
You don’t need a campsite reservation to give the kids the camping vibe. Pop up a tent in the backyard or toss some blankets and pillows on the living room floor. Add string lights, tell spooky (or funny) stories, and roast marshmallows on the stove or with a candle. Obviously not a scented one though🤨lol. Just go all out right at home.
Bonus points if you let the kids stay up past their bedtime. Winner, winner, campfire dinner.
2. Day Trip to Somewhere New
Y’all know I’m the road trip Queen! Pick a town, park, or attraction within an hour or two’s drive that y’all have never been to. The kids will think it’s a full on adventure, even if it’s just a new trail, a quirky roadside diner, or a local museum. Pack snacks, crank up your “good vibes” playlist, and hit the road. Sometimes changing scenery is all you need.
3. DIY Waterpark
If it’s hot, get out the sprinklers, water balloons, buckets, and maybe even that inflatable pool you bought during the pandemic. Yea, you know the one I’m talking about! Add popsicles, and you just became the CEO of Fun. Especially if your babies are younger, they tend to be easier to please.
The best part? You don’t have to fight crowds at the public pool.
4. Labor Day Cookout Remix
Can’t pull off the big family cookout in time cause your cousins and ‘nem still playing around? No worries. Do a mini version right at home. Let the kids be “grill masters” with hot dogs or burgers, then throw in some fun sides—fruit skewers, chips, and maybe a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar. And you could even get a good game of Uno going, just make sure you don’t get beat by your own offspring 😩😩.
5. Movie Marathon & Chill
Sometimes the plan is no plan. Pick a movie theme (Disney classics, superhero flicks, or a family classic), make popcorn, and let everybody wear pajamas all day. Toss in some Dollar Tree candy and boom—you just created your own theater.
6. Quick Escape to Water
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, lake, or river, pack up the cooler and make it a day trip. The kids can splash, build sandcastles, or skip rocks, while you kick back and soak up some sun. We are a water family so any chance to be by the water, we are there!
Don’t Let It Be Labored
You don’t have to have a bougie, perfectly curated Instagram weekend to make your kiddos feel loved and celebrated. Sometimes the best memories are made from the simplest, last-minute ideas. What they’ll really remember is laughing, running around, and spending time with you.
So don’t stress mama! Grab what you got, pull a plan together, and enjoy your babies this Labor Day weekend. ❤️