21 Staycation Ideas for Your Labor Day Weekend

Rebecca C.

Sep 1

The 3-day holiday weekend is here. Millions of people travel during Labor Day weekend. Are you heading out or did you decide to stay home? Don't worry; you are not alone. Many people decide to spend the long weekend at home. Even if you are staying close to home, there are still plenty of things. The best part, many of these staycation ideas are free or have minimal costs to enjoy.

If you are looking for inspiration for staying home on Labor Day weekend, check out the following ideas.

Explore Hiking Trails: Get outdoors and enjoy nature. Find a new trail to hike. Hiking is a great activity for the entire family. Grab your camera to take lots of pictures. Make a day of hiking, pack a lunch, and bring lots of water.
Go to the Beach: Pack a picnic and spend an entire day at the beach.
Go to a Local Winery: Many wineries allow free taste testing. Gather your friends, enjoy the sights, and sample different wines.
Host a BBQ: Invite your friends, family, or neighbors over for a holiday BBQ.
Classic Game Night: Dust off your favorite Monopoly or other board game for a fun night of friendly competition. Don't forget the snacks.
Picnic in the Park: Pack your favorite goodies and head to a local park for an afternoon.
Host a Bonfire Night: Beautiful weather calls for a bonfire night. A chance to sit around a warm fire with family and friends is always a good idea. Don't forget the S'mores.
Go Stargazing: Pack a blanket, snacks, and your favorite beverage to spend an evening outdoors. Looking at the stars is a great way to spend an evening.
Host a Themed Movie Night: Host a family night or invite friends over. Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or Marvel movies are just a few of the many superb movies to watch over the 3-day weekend. Add to the fun by ordering pizza, making popcorn, or ice cream sundaes.
Do Crafts for the Holidays: It's never too early to start holiday crafts. Many stores already have Autumn, Halloween, and Christmas crafting items out. Make a trip to your favorite spot to find everything you need for a crafting day.
Spend Time Reading: How long has that book been setting on the shelf? Labor Day weekend is a great time to snuggle under a cozy blanket and read. If you do not have a new book, reread a favorite.
Go to a Local Sporting Event: Many sporting events are starting over the holiday weekend. Go to a local college football game or watch the game on television with friends and family. Do not forget to tailgate. Delicious food is a major part of any sporting event.
Attend Community Events: Parades, concerts, and other events are generally part of the Labor Day weekend. Many local events or festivals are free which is great for your bank account.
Volunteer: MDA and other organizations use the 3-day to collect funds. Volunteer to help locally. Networking with new people has benefits beyond the weekend.
Make a Homemade Meal: Try a new recipe. Make an entire meal from your recent purchases at your local farmer's market. Bake a dessert. Make a meal as a family.
Go on a Day Trip: Travel closer to home. Visit sites in the next town over from yours. Or go on a long car ride to see the scenery.
Ride Bike: Get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Before cold weather sets in, go for a long bike ride.
Go Somewhere New: Is there a new cafe, restaurant, or other local business in town? Go check out the establishment. Who knows you may find a new favorite spot. Remember to be patient during the holiday weekend. Many establishments are short staff.
Be a Hometown Tourist: When is the last time you visited your hometown tourist sites? Go to your local park or historical site. Take pictures. Act like a tourist from another area. Have fun.
Declutter and Organize: The holiday season is slowly approaching, spend time organizing your living space. Set up a homework area for your kids. Or reorganize your home office. You can always tackle a major task and clean out the garage.
Feel Free to Do Nothing: There's no harm in doing absolutely nothing over the Labor Day weekend. Stay in your pajamas for a day, get extra sleep, and just relax.