Labor Day for Kids

If you need ideas for Labor Day for kids, rest assured there are plenty of family geared activities suitable for all budgets.

Celebrate hard work!

Labor Day originated in 1882, when the members of the Central Labor Union in New York City decided the hard working citizens of America deserved a day off for recognizing their contribution to both the economic and social civilization. Today, Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September. While most kids are busy back in school, this week also marks the official end of summer and outdoor barbeque celebrations.

While Labor Day is normally a great day to take it easy and relax, it's also a great day to help teach kids the importance of hard work and commitment. The following Labor Day for kids activities are great ways to incorporate the holiday and end of summer bash while instilling some of the values of this American tradition.

To start the Labor Day off right, you may want to enlist your kids in some make-believe hard work. Assign chores such as dishwashing, bed making, and laundry duties to the appropriate age. Explain to your kids what Labor Day means, and let them find the motivation and drive to complete small tasks throughout the day. In the working world, every small chore normally pays a salary. Let them choose their career (housekeeper, janitor, chef) and pay them an affordable allowance for their hard work.

Local firemen and policemen can never get too much praise for their hard work and bravery. To celebrate the officers and firemen in your city, call the local stations and find out if you can pay a visit with your children. Help kids draw a few pictures expressing their gratitude, or bake cookies for the staff. Once you arrive at the station, see if you can take a tour of the fire truck and let your kids pay their gratitude to the hardworking, helping hands in your city.

For imaginary play and to celebrate the labor force, why not plan a dress up party? Costumes begin hitting retail shelves in September, so chances are good you can find a number of uniforms perfect for Labor Day dress-up. Let your children pick their career, and they can dress as a nurse, a fire chief, or a police officer while they celebrate Labor Day in style!

While not an option for everybody, many employers are willing to support a "bring your child to work day." As long as the date can be arranged in advance and approved with your child's school, consider bringing your child to work with you so he or she can get an inside look at what goes on in the work force. Normally these occasions are best kept at just a few hours or a half-day, so arrange the activity at the most convenient time for everyone.

While instilling the value of hard work is a special way to celebrate Labor Day for kids, there is really no better way to share this holiday then just taking the time off to enjoy your family's company. Weather permitting, consider an outdoor barbeque followed by a quick game of football or catch. Go for a nature walk, or take one last splash in the neighborhood pool. Labor Day is an excellent time of year to celebrate the change into the fall season while gathering as a family to celebrate your appreciation for freedom, hard work, and family values.

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• Kid Activities for Labor Day