Wallet-Friendly Labor Day Weekend Plans

Labor Day weekend is a perfect time to relax, have fun, and enjoy the last stretch of summer. Here are some activities to consider:

1. Host a Party

   The weather is warm and your schedule is free. Consider inviting friends and family over for an Labor Day house party. Fire up the grill and enjoy sizzling burgers and hot dogs. To make things even easier, share the responsibilities by hosting a potluck and asking guests to bring a dish. Potlucks not only minimizes your stress and saves on expenses but also allows everyone to contribute their favorite dish, creating a unique array of food for everyone to enjoy. Set up outdoor games like cornhole or badminton to keep guests entertained. As the evening cools down, gather around a fire pit and toast marshmallows!

2. Check out Community Events

   Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to check out the local community events! Many cities will put on free Labor Day festivals or parades. Community events offer fun for all ages, with the different rides, games, and unique food options. Music lovers can sit outside and enjoy a parade of marching bands or hear a local band play melodies into the cooling air. Community events are not only a cheaper option to traveling, but they increase involvement in your community and are a great way to make friends!

3. Head Home

   Labor Day weekend is the first break for students, and it’s one that you shouldn’t let go to waste. College students can use this opportunity to visit home and spend time with family and friends. Take this weekend to share your college adventures with your family and savor home-cooked meals! You may need to gather some personal belongings, or you may just want to enjoy this time before your studies become more intense in the coming months. Even for those no longer in college, a weekend trip to your hometown can be beneficial. It's a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and unwind during the final days of summer.
   
   

4. Enjoy a Boat Day

   Get those last-minute tanning sessions in before the weather cools! Head to your nearest lake and celebrate the end of the season this Labor Day weekend. Whether you're cruising on the water or enjoying water sports like tubing or swimming, these experiences are the ideal way to relax and bid farewell to summer. To save on costs, consider inviting family and friends to split the rental, fuel, and other expenses. Avoid stopping at waterfront restaurants or shops and instead pack some sandwiches and finger foods to have a picnic. 

5. Prepare Your Garden for Fall

   Use this last stretch of warm weather to prepare your garden for fall! All you need to get started is a patch of grass, a shovel, and your favorite seeds. Consider planting some lettuce, spinach, and broccoli, and you can have a nice salad base in time for a healthy fall dinner. If you like flowers, pick out a spot near the front of your house to plant chrysanthemums (commonly known as mums) and enjoy the beautiful fall aesthetic you’ve created. Gardening in the late summer not only extends the enjoyment of your outdoor space but also sets you up for a bountiful harvest and vibrant blooms as the seasons change. 

6. Connect with the Outdoors

   If you enjoy summer because it allows you to be outdoors, make the most of this nice weather and connect with nature. A short road trip to a scenic hiking trail is the perfect way to spend your Labor Day weekend while keeping costs low. If you have a tent or camper, consider a camping weekend in a park. This allows you to reconnect with nature before the busy holiday season begins. Set up camp, start a fire, and spend your evenings stargazing. If you're camping near a lake or river, take the opportunity to swim, fish, or kayak. Camping and hiking not only provide physical benefits but also offer a mental refresh, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready for the upcoming season.

Whether you're an office worker or a student, there are plenty of ways to spend Labor Day weekend.