Labor Day, the holiday signifying the end of summer, is a a three-day weekend for wearing red, white, and blue. It’s time to pack up the car with the essentials for an outing or a picnic, whether you like the parks or the beaches there’s no shortage of fun to be had with the family. Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas to help you get ready for enjoying the last weekend of summer.
Barbeque or Sandwiches?
Many parks in San Diego county come with grills for those of you who like to cook. The beaches, likewise, have fire pits available. (Please keep fire safety procedures in mind!) Grill to your heart’s content, but don’t forget the fixings: buns, veggies, condiments. Sides too! Salads—pasta, potato, or lettuce, chips, dips, and fruit.
Premade sandwiches or wraps are easy to pack up in the cooler to bring along. Pb&J’s, clubs, ham and cheeses. The combos are endless. Don’t forget the water bottles too! Other things you may need for full meals: paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils, Tupperware.
Games and music go hand in hand for the little ones and big kids at heart too. Make your party playlist ahead of time or find your favorite stations to stream. Some of the music streaming apps already have a Labor Day holiday weekend playlist created by others. Charge those portable speakers and pack your favorite outdoor fun equipment: frisbees, jump ropes, balls to throw. Bubbles, chalk, and mini cars are great too.
If you choose to spend your day at the parks, bikes, scooters, and skateboards are great for keeping the kiddos active and entertained. Boogie boards, surf boards, shovels and pails are great options for the beach. Lather on the sunscreen, bring hats, and sunglasses too.
When the sun starts to set, bring out the marshmallows for roasting. It’s s’mores time! Keep towels and blankets and sweaters nearby if it gets chilly. If you can still find sparklers, those are fun to wave around creating a magical, glowing ambience.
In the midst of all the planning and packing, hosting the gathering or attending one, don’t forget to snap some pictures of your holiday weekend. Capture all the kids playing together, laugh with them over their messy, sun-kissed faces and crazy hair, share in all the sugary snacks. Make sure you’re in some of the photos too!
Wishing you a safe and happy Labor Day holiday. Here’s to the last weekend of summer!
