5 Fun Ways To Spend Your Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day is a time of traditions and transitions. In the U.S., it is observed on the first Monday of September to honor the efforts of workers and their contributions to the prosperity and well-being of America. It began as a local effort by labor activists in the 1880s and quickly gathered popularity. Several communities and states designated the day as a local or state holiday before Congress declared it a national holiday in 1894.

Today, Labor Day signals the last day of summer, marking the change from summer to fall, from vacation time to back-to-school time, and an occasion for family gatherings and celebrations. If you are looking for fun things to do to celebrate the day in Long Beach, California, here are some traditional and non-traditional ways to honor and enjoy the day.

Host an Outdoor Barbecue

Hosting an outdoor barbecue or backyard cookout is a long-standing Labor Day tradition. Invite family, friends, and neighbors to gather for good food, refreshments, and socializing. Play outdoor games that are fun for all ages. You may go for organized games like croquet, badminton, horseshoes or volleyball. Spur-of-the-moment games like red-light, green-light, tag or Simon-says are fun for everyone. Of course, the best part of a backyard cookout is the food. Enjoy eating your grilled creations with classic outdoor picnic foods and desserts.

Make Homemade Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream is always a welcome treat at an outdoor gathering. If you do not have an ice cream maker, let the kids try making ice cream in a bag. It is simple and fast, resulting in an icy, tasty frozen treat.

Become a Tourist and Explore the Waterfront

The waterfront in Long Beach has much to offer, including interesting neighborhoods, restaurants, several museums, and eclectic shops. The Aquarium of the Pacific showcases colorful exhibits featuring underwater life and a lagoon filled with sharks. Stroll with your family and friends on the boardwalk at Rainbow Harbor to see all sorts of boats and enjoy the sea breezes.

Go for a Cruise

If you want to experience the waterfront from the water, go for a harbor tour or whale-watch cruise with a local cruise operator. You will see the Queen Mary, a historic ship, view the shoreline and its attractions from the harbor, and see marine life in its natural habitat.

Enjoy a Movie—Or Two or Three

Although outdoor activities are traditional, sometimes the weather does not cooperate with the spirit of the day. Even if you have enjoyed a day outdoors, it is fun to end it with a movie. For family entertainment, choose an epic series that will appeal to everyone, such as Harry Potter or Star Wars. If you are hosting an adult gathering, show films that you have always wanted to see or classics that are a joy to watch again. Serve popcorn, assorted snacks, and cold drinks as you lower the lights and enjoy an evening of adventure, fantasy, or whatever suits your taste to end the day.

There are many activities that will make the last weekend of summer enjoyable and fun. Pick the things you and those dear to you will look back on with happy memories throughout the year.