The annual holiday honors all past presidents and the presidency itself and could serve as an opportunity for you to teach your little ones about the importance of the institution. So, if you want to keep them engaged during that long weekend, here are six fun things you can do on President’s Day with your family and/or kids.

What is President’s Day?

Also known as Washington’s Birthday, President’s Day is an annual federal holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday of February. The red-letter day was established by the Congress in 1885 in honor of the first U.S. president and founding father, George Washington.

Initially, the holiday was celebrated on February 22th, which was Washington’s Birthday. But, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several holidays from fixed dates to designated Mondays to increase the number of three-day weekends throughout the year.

By moving the date, many were led to believe that President’s Day was also meant to commemorate Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday was on February 12th. That’s why the celebration ended up serving as a tribute to all past presidents and their contribution to our country.

6 Fun Ways to Celebrate President’s Day

1. Schedule a Road Trip to a Historical Location

If you live within a reasonable driving distance from a historical location (a national landmark, a district with historical significance, or a presidential birthplace), it’d be a good idea to go on a road trip with your family.

And if you live near Washington, D.C., note that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more appropriate place than Alexandria, Virginia. The city holds the country’s largest President’s Day Parade with marching bands and historical reenactments filling the streets where Washington himself once roamed.

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is another praiseworthy destination as it offers an array of special events such as wreath-laying ceremonies, storytelling demonstrations, and other historical activities that kids can’t help but love.

2. Take a Virtual Tour

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., features a permanent exhibition called The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden. This presentation grants visitors an insight into the lives and contributions of the men who led our nation since its founding through 900 historical objects and artifacts.

However, heading to D.C. and paying a visit to the museum isn’t for everyone – which is why you could take your little one on a virtual tour of the exhibit. The online platform allows you to look up each president and read everything regarding the objects featured and their connection to the presidency. The tour also provides online visitors with glimpses of the day-to-day life in the White House.

3. Make Themed Crafts

Another fun way to celebrate President’s Day with your kid is to engage in some good old crafts. The best part about this activity is that it doesn’t require any fancy equipment. All you have to do is get creative with the things you already own, like coloring pens, paper, glue, glitter, etc. Lincoln’s signature top hat and the presidential powdered wig (out of cotton balls) are two very easy options. 

4. Dine Like a President

We all know that long weekends are the perfect chance to get the family together and enjoy some of the tastiest home-cooked meals. But, given the holiday’s theme, you could add a little presidential flair to the mix. That being said, recreate some of the dishes that made our former presidents weak in the knees, whether it’s Roosevelt’s beloved Yum Dogs or Nixon’s favorite meatloaf. But, if you don’t feel like going that fancy, you can stick to basics by baking a flag pizza, whipping up a batch of these regal eagle cookies, or popping a bowl of Blue, White and Red popcorn for the kids. The options are endless!

 

5. Put on a Play

This activity may sound like a lot of work, but it’s totally worth it, especially if your little one is a natural at acting. That said, you can have them reenact the most memorable presidential speeches (in their own way, of course) or play out a “Day in the Life” as instructed by several children’s’ books. To get things started, design his/her costume (don’t worry if it’s not perfect), practice a few lines here and there, and let them have at it.

6. Write a Letter to the White House

It’s never too early to teach your kids that speaking your mind is a good thing – especially if you have something valuable to bring to the table. So, for this President’s Day, have your little one write a letter to the President or even the First Lady. Urge them to share their hopes, feelings, and ideas for the future, and forward their message to the White House. Just make sure you follow the guidelines so that their letter doesn’t get rejected.

 

Credit to Mother Earth Products website.

Comments (0)

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published.