Labor Day Activities for the Whole Family

Labor Day is quickly approaching and will be here before we know it. Having a plan in place for events you're intending to host is essential. Here are some event suggestions we’re looking forward to this Labor Day. 

Labor Day Luncheon 

Hosting a Labor Day luncheon is a great way to bring the whole family together and enjoy some good food and conversation. In addition to family members, you can also invite friends and neighbors in your Senior Living community.

Get festive by setting up tables with colorful tablecloths and fresh flowers. Make sure you have a variety of seating options so everyone is comfortable, and consider accessibility for guests with mobility issues. If you’re hosting your luncheon outdoors, ensure you have some shady spots in case the weather is warmer than expected.

When planning your menu, consider a good old-fashioned barbecue and classic favorites typically enjoyed by all ages. You might opt for a mix of burgers, hot dogs, baby back ribs and grilled chicken. Include crowd-pleasing sides like potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw and tossed salad. For dessert, you could serve a patriotic cake or cupcakes and a selection of fresh fruit. Don’t overlook options for older guests who may have dietary restrictions, and label dishes for anyone with food allergies.

Keep your family and other guests entertained with simple activities that encourage socializing, such as a sing-along, bingo or trivia games. You can also set up a horseshoe pit or croquet court for those wanting something a bit more active. Whatever activities you include, the ultimate goal is to simply enjoy spending time together during the holiday.

Crafting Session 

If you like doing various crafts, think about hosting a crafting session for Labor Day. Doing crafts together is an excellent way to bond with your family members while being creative. If you have a variety of age groups, try to choose simple crafts that everyone can participate in. You might make patriotic decorations or create handmade cards to commemorate the day. You can also do easy painting projects like flower pots or stepping stones. If your guests are older and enjoy serious crafting, choose something more appropriate, like quilting, knitting or jewelry making. Alternatively, if you have a mix of young and old attending, offer multiple craft options but encourage intergenerational connections.

Be sure to gather all necessary supplies ahead of time so you’re prepared. Set up enough tables and chairs for everyone to comfortably work, and choose a well-lit area. Keep accessibility in mind if some guests have mobility issues, and supply adaptive tools for those with dexterity limitations. Serve light refreshments, including drinks and healthy snacks, to keep all your guests energized.

If you want to do crafts on a regular basis, the award-winning Falcons Landing offers several clubs related to artistic endeavors, including painting, quilting, knitting, woodworking and many more. Group crafting encourages social interaction and can help build lasting friendships among residents. If you’d like to do something that’s not currently available, consider starting a resident-run committee to organize the activity.

Organizing a Community Service Project 

While military affiliation isn’t required for Falcons Landing’s Assisted Living Community, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing, its Independent Living Community is only open to any person who has served in the military or United States government, with at least four (4) years of service, as well as any person who has had a significant special relationship with the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers or other government agencies associated with the national defense. Because many residents at Falcons Landing previously served their country, they may enjoy serving their community. Organizing a community service project for Labor Day provides a meaningful way to bring seniors and their families together while making a positive impact.

Start by identifying a cause you’re interested in supporting, or talk to local nonprofit organizations to see if they need help. Depending on the project, it may take a lot of preplanning or require additional time commitments after the holiday weekend. If it’s an ongoing project, promote it within your Life Plan Community to find long-term volunteers to assist you, and encourage your family members to continue helping.

Whatever project you choose, ensure it’s manageable and enjoyable to various age groups. On the day of your project, assign roles appropriately. For example, assign lighter tasks to older adults and leave more physically demanding jobs to younger family members. After finishing your community service project activities, share refreshments or a meal and celebrate your collective efforts.

Outdoor Games Tournament 

Potomac Falls, Virginia, can have hot, humid summers, but the hottest month is July, when the average high is around 86 degrees. So, the weather should be relatively pleasant by Labor Day weekend and ideal for hosting a tournament featuring outdoor games. Nothing beats a little friendly competition on Labor Day.

Plan your tournament by selecting an array of games that everyone can enjoy. Consider classic lawn games like horseshoes, croquet, cornhole and bocce ball. These outdoor games are easy to learn, and you can play them at a relaxed pace. Set up your games in true tournament style by creating a bracket or scoring system to track who wins the tournament overall. Add some excitement to the event by having small prizes for the winners.

To ensure the safety of your guests, encourage them to wear comfortable clothing, appropriate shoes and sunscreen. Be sure to offer shady areas and ample seating so players can rest between games. Have plenty of water available to keep everyone hydrated and refreshments to keep energy levels up, or combine your tournament with your Labor Day luncheon.

We’re so excited about all the upcoming summer holidays. For more information on our plans this year and to learn more about our community, connect with our team or call us at 703-404-5100 today!