The Mega List of (Mostly!) Free Things to Do This Labor Day Weekend
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(Image credit: Kristin Teig)
Whether you’re the type to schedule something for every moment of your holidays or prefer a more modest approach, sometimes it’s nice to leave your decisions for the last minute. If that’s the case for your Labor Day weekend this year, have we got a treat for you. Here are 22 budget-friendly ideas at every level of effort and impact for a holiday that’s equal parts impromptu and obtainable.
For the Homebodies
- Schedule a staycation and take the whole thing as it comes.
- Plan a themed movie marathon—like all your favorite Meg Ryan movies or the best sci-fi flicks of all time.
- Turn your home into a DIY spa for the weekend. All the self care!
- Pick up that adult coloring book you’ve been eyeing and go to town.
- Cook your own four-course (or three-course, or seven-course) meal and savor every weeknight rush-free bite.
- Make a Labor Day-specific playlist.
Further Reading:
- 5 Simple Steps to the Perfect Staycation
- Pamper Yourself: 10 Luxurious Self-Care DIYs Using Things You Already Own
- Adult Coloring Books: 12 Beautiful Ones to Try
(Image credit: Taryn Williford)
For Stay-at-Home Socialites
- Take your movie marathon outside, project it on a sheet or garage door, and invite the neighborhood.
- Plan a build-your-own sundae bar dessert night and invite guests to contribute their favorite, unique addition.
- Take a cue from Rio and host your own backyard Olympics with friends.
- Go camping… in your backyard. Build a fire pit (if you have the space), stare at the stars and enjoy the fact that running water’s only a few steps away.
- Organize a throwback board game night and haul out all the classics. Risk, Monopoly, Scattergories. Gang’s all here.
Further Reading:
(Image credit: Breanne Johnsen)
For Local Fun
- Bike to your favorite brewery.
- Pick a local museum you’ve never explored and plan a visit.
- Create your own local walking tour, complete with all the touristy hot spots you’ve never visited (because you’re not a tourist, of course).
- Take in an outdoor concert.
- Catch a baseball game at a pro or minor league field.
- Plan a photo scavenger hunt. Be sure to include local icons and hidden hot spots you can stop at along the way.
Further Reading:
(Image credit: Tatiana Chekryzhova)
For Long Distance Adventures
- Take a mini road trip, choose-your-own-adventure style. Pick a road, set a time limit and just start driving.
- Take a real road trip. Choose a destination that’s no more than four hours away to make sure you still have time for total relaxation.
- Embrace the unofficial start of fall and go apple picking.
- Pack a picnic and take a day trip to a nearby destination you know has a good view.
- Pick a state or national park (preferably one well within driving range) and head that way for a little camping and the tail end of the park service’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Further Reading:
- Worth the (Road) Trip: Our Favorite Design Destinations in 16 American Cities
- 16 Tips for Road Trippers Who Don’t Drive a Lot
- The Most Popular National Parks and When to Visit Them
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