In the United States, Presidents’ Day falls on the third Monday of February, creating a long weekend for many families. Many schools close, and some families travel or welcome visiting relatives. It is a natural time for a relaxed family gathering, especially in the middle of a long winter.
A Little History
The federal holiday is officially known as Washington’s Birthday, honoring George Washington, the first president of the United States, who was born in February. In 1971, the holiday moved to the third Monday in February under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which created more three-day weekends for workers. Many people now call it Presidents’ Day, and some states use the day to honor other presidents as well, including Abraham Lincoln, who was also born in February. For official details, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management lists federal holidays at opm.gov.
A long weekend takes some of the pressure off. Families have time to travel without rushing, and the extra day gives everyone a chance to rest afterward. For hosts with young children, it means a gathering can happen on a relaxed Saturday or Sunday, with Monday to recover.
Keep It Low-Key
A long weekend gathering does not need to be elaborate. A brunch, a casual lunch or an afternoon open house works well. Ideas include:
- A simple potluck where each family brings a dish
- A warm soup or chili bar
- A pancake brunch with toppings for kids
- A cozy afternoon with cocoa, cookies and board games
Give Kids a Place to Play
When cousins and young friends gather, they need somewhere to put their energy. A soft play area gives children a safe space to climb and explore while adults visit. Arrange a supervision rotation so the adults share the job. For mixed-age groups, add a craft table or board games for older children.
A Touch of History for Kids
If you want to bring the holiday’s history into the gathering, a few simple, age-appropriate activities work well:
- Read a picture book about George Washington or Abraham Lincoln
- Look at coins and bills together and find the presidents pictured on them
- Make simple paper hats in red, white and blue
- Talk about what it means to be a leader and how to be kind and fair
For preschoolers, the coin activity is often a hit. Many U.S. coins feature presidents, and children enjoy spotting faces and matching them to pictures. Keep coins away from babies and young toddlers, since they are a choking hazard.
Plan for Winter Weather
February weather can be unpredictable. Have a backup plan if snow or ice makes travel unsafe, and let guests know it is okay to stay home if conditions are poor. Keep an organized entry for coats and boots, and have spare socks ready for little ones. A cozy, relaxed gathering on a winter long weekend can become a family tradition everyone looks forward to.
Planning the Long Weekend Step by Step
A three-day weekend gives you more flexibility than a typical Saturday, but a few early decisions still make the gathering easier.
- Pick the day. Saturday or Sunday often works best, leaving Monday for rest or travel home. If relatives are visiting, plan around their arrival and departure.
- Choose the format. Decide whether you are hosting brunch, lunch or an afternoon open house.
- Invite early. Long weekends fill up with travel and plans. Reaching out a few weeks ahead gives families time to plan.
- Plan the menu. A potluck or a soup bar keeps the work manageable.
- Set up the play space. If you are renting a soft play setup, confirm delivery and pickup times around the long weekend, since schedules can be busier than usual.
- Prepare for weather. Keep an eye on the forecast and share a simple weather plan with guests.
- Arrange supervision. Set up a rotation among the adults so everyone gets time to relax.
More Ways to Share a Little History
For families who enjoy weaving a bit of learning into the day, a few more ideas build on the holiday’s themes:
The Money Hunt, Continued
Older preschoolers and school-age children can sort coins and notice who appears on each. Washington is on the quarter, Lincoln on the penny, Thomas Jefferson on the nickel and Franklin D. Roosevelt on the dime. Paper money offers another surprise: not everyone pictured was a president. Alexander Hamilton appears on the ten-dollar bill and Benjamin Franklin on the hundred, which makes a fun “who is not a president?” question for older kids.
Birthday Connections
Both Washington and Lincoln were born in February, which makes a natural connection for children who love birthdays. A small cupcake with a candle “for the presidents” can be a playful touch.
Leadership Talk
For young children, being a leader can mean helping others, telling the truth and taking turns. Ask children what they think a good leader does, and let them try leading a game of follow the leader.
Common Long-Weekend Hosting Mistakes
- Overplanning the weekend. Packing every day with activities can leave everyone exhausted. One gathering is plenty.
- Forgetting visiting guests’ needs. Relatives staying with you may need a quiet space, especially with young children who still nap.
- Leaving coins out. Coins are a choking hazard for babies and toddlers. Collect them after the activity and keep them out of reach.
- Skipping supervision because it is family. Relaxed family gatherings are when adults most often assume someone else is watching the children.
- Not planning for snow. February travel can be tricky. A clear plan for postponing or shortening the gathering keeps stress low.
Questions Hosts Ask About Presidents’ Day Gatherings
Do we need a theme?
Not really. A red, white and blue touch is fun if you like, but a cozy winter gathering is just as welcome. The long weekend itself is the reason to celebrate.
Are schools always closed?
Many schools close for the holiday, and some districts extend it into a longer winter break, but schedules vary. Check your local school calendar before planning.
How can older kids help?
Older cousins can lead the coin hunt, read a picture book aloud to younger children or help set up the play area. Giving them a role makes them feel included.
What if the weather keeps relatives home?
Move the gathering to a video call for a few minutes so cousins can wave and say hello, then plan a new date when roads are clear.
