10 Simple Ways to Make Labor Day Weekend Feel Special
Labor Day has always signaled the end of summer for me. I love the long three-day weekend, but it comes with a reminder: school is back in session, the days are getting shorter, and before long, we’ll be trading sandals for boots.
I do enjoy fall—the colors, the sweaters, that crisp air—but winter? Not my favorite. And with our son about to start his senior year, I’m clinging to these last warm days a little tighter this year. That’s why I’ve been thinking about ways to make Labor Day weekend (and these final days of summer) feel just a little more special.
Summer Near Lake Erie,Ohio. Unaltered photos of sunset.
Here are 10 simple, doable ideas to savor the season before we say goodbye to summer:
1. Catch One More Sunrise or Sunset
This is my personal favorite. We live just 15 minutes from Lake Erie, and that lake doesn’t get nearly enough credit for its incredible sunsets.
Make it intentional: bring a blanket, a coffee, or a favorite snack and just be still.
Bonus: bring a camera and turn it into a yearly tradition.
2. Have a Picnic in a Local Park
Every summer, we plan one picnic at a local beach park on the lake. We look forward to that simple meal all season—it feels like a pause button on life.
Change your scenery. Even simple sandwiches feel like an event when you’re outdoors.
3. Find Water—Any Kind
This one’s easy for me. Pools, beaches, lakes, rivers, kayaking—you name it, I’m there. I love being near water more than anyone else in the family.
Seek out a lake, river, or even a splash pad. Paddle, float, or just dip your toes and soak in the last warm days.
4. Host a Backyard Grill-Out (or Patio Dinner)
A few years went by where we didn’t do this at all, and we missed it. This year we made a point to invite friends over for dinner on the patio, and it’s been such a good reset.
Keep it simple with summer classics like grilled corn, burgers, and fruit salad. Make it potluck-style so there’s no pressure.
5. Visit a Local Ice Cream Shop
This is a family favorite. We have a Mitchell’s Ice Cream nearby and visit more often than I care to admit. Whenever we travel to a new town, my husband finds the local ice cream shop—our kids know it’s his weakness and never let him forget it.
Order the most summery flavor on the menu (think peach, lemon, or berry). Make it your farewell-to-summer treat.
6. Take a Mini Day Trip
We’re lucky to live within two hours of four major cities, so a quick day trip is easy. Ohio also has some of the best metro parks, especially along Lake Erie, and we never regret making the drive.
Pick a small town, a hiking trail, a farmers’ market, or a botanical garden you’ve never visited. A change of scenery is refreshing.
7. Outdoor Movie Night
We don’t have a big screen or projector, but my granddaughter loves watching a movie outside on my iPad. She’s been doing this for the past two summers, and it’s become her little tradition.
If you have a projector, hang up a sheet. Otherwise, set up a laptop or tablet on a patio table, pop some popcorn, and enjoy one last summer movie night.
8. Campfire or Firepit Night
This summer we finally replaced our old chiminea with a new firepit, and I forgot how much I missed those evenings by the fire. It’s such a peaceful way to unwind.
Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and stay up late talking under the stars. If you don’t have a firepit, try a tabletop s’mores kit or even an indoor version.
9. Create a “Summer Highlights” Jar
This is something I plan to start this year—with both my son and granddaughter.
Write down three of your favorite summer moments and toss them in a jar. Next Labor Day, open it up and read them together. It’s a simple way to remember what really made your summer special.
10. Do One Last Outdoor Walk or Workout
We try to do this as long as the weather allows, and I never regret it.
Head to a park trail, a neighborhood loop, or a local track and take advantage of those warm mornings before fall settles in.
Which ones will you try?
How many of these activities will you fit into your Labor Day weekend? Or maybe you have a tradition that’s completely different—I’d love to hear about it! Share your ideas in the comments.
Lake Erie Hikes and Visits. Ohio.
Ready to dive into fall? Start here with our favorite seasonal ideas:
Decorate Your Fall Mantel With Harvest Hues
Top Budget-Friendly Fall Destinations in the US
I am not affiliated with or sponsored by any brands mentioned in this post—they’re simply things we enjoy as a family.
