How to Host the Ultimate Labor Day BBQ With Kids in Mind

September 1st is right around the corner, which means that it's time to start planning your Labor Day celebrations. You've worked hard all year at work and at home, so you deserve a chance to relax and enjoy the season. If you're like many folks, you may be thinking that a BBQ is the ticket. It's a chance to enjoy good food, festivities, and friends. However, if you have children, you also need to consider their needs and safety.

That's why we have these tips about how to have a fun backyard BBQ with little ones. We'll share with you exciting activities, delicious recipes, and expert tips that can make this Labor Day a celebration you won't soon forget.

Invite Your Friends

The first necessary tip for setting up a backyard BBQ with kids on Labor Day is to determine how many people will be attending in the first place. Head door-to-door and ask the neighbors if they have any plans, and if not, then have them over. You can also distribute flyers with important information, including the event's start and end times, details about the food or items guests can bring, whether they're allowed to bring friends, and any other necessary details they need to know.

Make it clear that this is an event where children are invited, so everyone knows how to act accordingly when they come. You may mention on the flyer that there will be games and food for the kids. If you want to spread the word further and save money, consider sending out E-vites.

Keep It Safe

When you’re hosting an event for kids and adults, safety is the name of the game, especially in September, when most parts of the country are still very warm. There are several safety concerns to keep in mind:

Extreme Heat

Although it seems like we're nearing the end of the year, Labor Day still falls within the summer months, and many places may be close to 100 degrees on the big day. Most people host their friends outdoors, so you'll need to ensure everyone is protected from the extreme heat. Here are a few suggestions:

• Set Up Shade – Provide plenty of opportunities to get out of the sun. You can have people eat under a shaded porch. Additionally, set up plenty of umbrellas to provide shade and consider placing pop-up tents to offer some relief. If someone appears to be sick or dehydrated, bring them inside the house for a bit to cool down.

• Sunscreen Station – Be aware of the sun’s harmful rays while everyone is out eating and playing volleyball. Either provide sunscreen or encourage guests to bring their own so that they can have the SPF that they prefer. Consider reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming.

• Hydration Hub – Set up at least one location at the party where people can get a beverage and remain hydrated during the event. Cold water is the priority here. Be cautious of letting the kids drink too many sugary drinks, or they may get dehydrated. Also, try to avoid alcohol. It may not be a good idea to have it around where there will be kids, and excess drinking will leave guests feeling dehydrated.

Grill Safety

If you're grilling burgers, hot dogs, and possibly a few vegetarian dishes, ensure the area is safe. Create a perimeter around the grill so that kids who are running around don't accidentally put themselves in danger. When the sun goes down and you start up the fire pit, keep the same safety precautions in mind. Never leave the grill unattended.

Be Aware of Allergies

Whenever you’re cooking food these days, it's important to keep in mind that some people may have allergies. If you have families and children coming to the house that you’ve never met before, ask their parents what they’re allergic to and consider that when cooking. When in doubt, ask. Everyone will be safer that way.

Creating A Kid-Friendly Atmosphere

The next step to creating the ultimate backyard BBQ with kids is setting up the perfect atmosphere that’s suitable for guests of all ages. Here are some aspects to consider:

Seating

Ensure that there is sufficient seating for all adults and older children in attendance. Try to put as many seats in the shade as possible. Create a specific kids' seating area so they can have their own fun. If you don't have enough chairs, lay out picnic blankets. 

Evening Lighting

While you don’t want to keep the kids up too late, if you plan to keep the party going once the sun goes down, then you’ll want some easy lighting. String lights are always a hit. If you don’t have many power outlets, consider placing solar lights around the property. Another fun idea is to give the kids glow sticks so they can stay safe during their twilight adventures. 

Music

Be extra careful when selecting music for your backyard BBQ with kids. You don't want anything inappropriate or with vulgar lyrics. Your best bet is to pick a pop station, oldies, or something else that is inoffensive while also being enjoyable for most guests. You can even mix in some kids' songs. The other parents won't mind as long as their kids are entertained.

Fun Activities

While most adults and kids can entertain themselves for a while by talking and enjoying the scenery, at some point, you may want to introduce some activities. Here are various age-appropriate activities to consider: 

Sports

There are many fun sports-related games that guests of all ages can enjoy. Volleyball is a classic. You can rent a net and put some paint down for a court. Perhaps a basketball tournament is in order. There are also classics like horseshoes, frisbee, or a simple game of catch.

Picnic Classics

When in doubt, consider many of the picnic classics that people have been playing for years, like sack races, tug-of-war, or a water balloon toss. If you have your own beanbag toss game, you can create a tournament. If you're feeling extra festive, consider putting out a piñata filled with tasty candy. That's an activity that everyone can enjoy.

You can also consider the many fun races you can host. A good one is the egg-and-spoon race, where teams have to run from one place to another while keeping an egg on the end of their spoon. More flexible guests can engage in a wheelbarrow race. There is also the water relay race, where kids fill a cup with water and try to run from point A to B, potentially over obstacles. When they get to the end, the kid with more water in this glass wins!

Arts and Crafts Table

A fully stocked arts and crafts table can keep the kids entertained for hours. Bring out streamers, glue, sprinkles, construction paper, and red, white, and blue everything, and let the kids go crazy with their imaginations. You can also give them ideas, like creating paper pinwheels or bead bracelets. Or just provide sidewalk chalk and let them create a masterpiece.

Water Play

A great way to entertain kids and adults alike is to introduce some water play during the high temperatures of Labor Day. If you have a pool, encourage everyone to bring their swimsuits and water wings and play a game of Marco Polo, or simply relax on their favorite inflatable chair as they float on the water. If you don't have a pool, turn on the sprinklers and let the kids burn off some energy running around the yard. For a thrill that everyone will enjoy, buy and lay out a slip-and-slide or make one yourself, and let your guests run wild.

Scavenger Hunt

You can keep the guests busy for a while by setting up a Labor Day scavenger hunt with fun prizes at the end. The hunt can revolve around Labor Day items, such as those featuring red, white, and blue colors, a pinwheel, a patriotic hat, or anything that bears the words “Freedom” or “America.” This can be a fun competition that will have everyone talking.

Labor Day Recipes

No backyard BBQ with kids would be complete without some tasty meals that everyone can enjoy. Of course, you’ll need the Labor Day staples, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, potato salad, watermelon, macaroni salad, and pizza on the grill, but you should also mix in some recipes that the kids will enjoy. Here are a few ideas:

Chicken Skewers

Combine big chunks of chicken with garden-fresh vegetables, put them on a skewer, and hit them with seasoning. It’s a tasty treat that guests can eat on the go. You can find the recipe here.

Quesadillas

Everyone loves quesadillas, and you can make them healthier by stuffing them with corn and zucchini and then throwing them on the grill. Provide some sauces for dipping, and you'll have yourself a hit. Try the recipe here.

Corn on the Cob

Yes, corn on the cob is a Labor Day staple, but consider elevating the meal this time around. A great way to do so is to grill the corn and cover it in a perfectly sweet honey-ginger BBQ sauce.

Turkey Avocado Burgers

Bring your burger game to another level with a turkey avocado burger that has just the right amount of cayenne and chili powder for a flavor explosion. Just make sure it isn’t too spicy for the kids. The real secret to their tastiness is the inclusion of a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt, which adds a juicy flavor that everyone is sure to love. Check out the recipe here.

Kid-Friendly Nachos

Nothing completes an epic backyard BBQ with kids like a plate of nachos. This beef nachos meal is amazing, and because it's packed with protein and is loaded with vegetables, it's also pretty healthy. Nachos are easy to prepare, and they'll satisfy most appetites. Add a seasoning complete with garlic, pepper, and a bit of dried oregano, and you'll have a real winner.

Salad

Nothing helps to beat the heat on a hot day like a refreshing salad. You can make a salad more exciting by adding a variety of fruits and vegetables. Pair lettuce with creamy avocados, crunchy radishes, tomatoes, and feta, and then cover it with a flavorful citrus and herb dressing, and your guests will be begging for more.

Parfaits 

For dessert, serve ice cream or parfaits. You can make them ahead of time or provide a parfait bar so guests can make it just how they like it. In most cases, a festive and simple parfait includes yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, and granola, so it’s easy to make and it’s very delicious. 

Stay Safe This Labor Day

Whatever ideas you decide to include in your epic kid-friendly Labor Day bash, make sure to create a safe atmosphere for all. Have a great time and create epic memories, but do so responsibly, and your guests will keep coming back year after year.

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