Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer—and one last chance to gather friends and family before the school year begins. If you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or rooftop get-together, having a few hands-on crafts ready for the kids is a great way to keep them engaged and add a festive touch to your party décor.

Paper Plate Fans (Ages 2-8)

Perfect for a hot August afternoon—and simple enough for toddlers.



Supplies: Sturdy paper plates, large craft sticks, tape, markers, stickers.

Kids can color and decorate a paper plate, then tape or staple a craft stick to the back. For extra fun, provide stickers shaped like popsicles, watermelon, or sunglasses. Not only are they cute, but they’ll also help everyone stay cool during the party.

Bubble Wand Workshop (Ages 2-8)

For younger party guests, bubbles are magic.

Supplies: Chenille stems (pipe cleaners), beads, ribbon, cookie cutters, a bowl of bubble solution.

Kids can wrap a pipe cleaner snugly around the cookie cutter of their choice to form its shape. Twist the ends together a few times to secure it and use any remaining length as the bubble wand handle. Slide beads onto the handle and tie on a ribbon for extra flair. Set up a bubble-blowing zone so kids can immediately test out their creations.

Community Mural or Tablecloth (Ages 2-12)

For a big-group craft, set out a roll of butcher paper across a fence, wall, or table.

Supplies: Washable markers, crayons, stickers, stamps, scissors, construction paper, stencils

Invite kids to collaborate by drawing and coloring buildings, roads, trees, and community workers using washable markers and crayons. Provide stencils to help with tracing shapes like houses and trees, and stamps for adding fun patterns or textures throughout the mural. Kids can also cut out windows, doors, or people from construction paper and glue them onto the mural for a creative 3D effect. Stickers add colorful accents like flowers or vehicles to bring the community scene to life. This mix of materials encourages creativity and teamwork, resulting in a vibrant, personalized mural everyone can enjoy.

DIY Picnic Table Centerpieces (Ages 3-12)

Decorate mason jars with colorful star-shaped tissue paper for a fun, festive centerpiece.

Supplies: Small mason jars, red and blue tissue paper (cut or pre-cut into star shapes), Mod Podge, foam brushes, LED tea candles

Using a foam brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or diluted glue to the outside of the jar. Press star-shaped tissue paper pieces onto the jar one at a time, overlapping them to create a vibrant pattern. Once the jar is fully covered, seal with another thin layer of Mod Podge on top. Allow to dry completely. Place an LED tea candle inside to make the stars glow beautifully as part of your Labor Day table décor.

Patriotic Pinwheels (Ages 5-12)

Pinwheels are a nostalgic summer staple — and surprisingly easy to make.

Supplies: Colorful cardstock, scissors, push pins, pencils with erasers, markers.

Cut a 6-inch square from cardstock or scrapbook paper and mark the center. Draw a diagonal from each corner toward the center, stopping about 1 inch short, then cut along the lines. Fold every other corner toward the middle without creasing, stack them, and push a pin through the tips into a pencil eraser (add a bead between the paper and eraser for smoother spinning). Adjust the pin if it’s too tight, then let the kids test their creations with a few spins or a backyard breeze.

“Back to School” Friendship Bracelets (Ages 6-12)

Labor Day also signals a fresh start for new classrooms and friendships.

Supplies: Embroidery floss, beads, letter charms.

Set out different colors of floss and let kids choose a combination that feels like “summer” or “school spirit.” Encourage them to make two bracelets—one to keep and one to give a friend. This is a great low-mess activity for older elementary kids while younger ones can string large beads on elastic cord.

Tin Can Flags (Ages 8–12, with adult help for drilling/nailing)

These upcycled lanterns add a charming glow to your Labor Day evening.

Supplies: Clean, empty tin cans; red, white, and blue paint; paintbrushes; drill or hammer and nails; tea lights or LED tea lights.

Turn recycled tin cans into glowing, patriotic lanterns. Clean and dry old cans, then paint thick red, white, and blue stripes around the outside. While the paint dries, give your child a Post-It Note to draw a design — maybe a star, firework, or “USA” letters. Affix the Post-It to the side of the can and use a drill or hammer and nails to punch small holes following their pattern. Drop an LED tea light inside for a magical, festive glow along tables, steps, or railings.

It’s Not Too Late For a Shine Event

With just a few simple setups, your Labor Day gathering can shift from “keeping kids busy” to “making memories.” If you live in the Hamptons and you’ve got your hands full, Shine educators are happy to bring the craft party to you. We’ll not only bring all the supplies needed for crafts and activities but also provide educational entertainment and handle cleanup—so adults can truly relax and enjoy the celebration. Contact us for details.