Things To Do on Presidents Day Weekend

Presidents Day weekend offers a perfect three-day break in February. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, shopping, or family time, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this long weekend.

Presidents Day falls on the third Monday of February, creating a three-day weekend from Friday through Monday. This makes it an ideal time for travel, activities, and spending time with family. Here are some great ideas for making the most of Presidents Day weekend.

What Weekend Is Presidents Day?

Presidents Day is always observed on the third Monday of February, which means it always creates a three-day weekend:

Friday: Day before the weekend
Saturday: Regular weekend day
Sunday: Regular weekend day
Monday: Presidents Day (federal holiday)

This long weekend is perfect for:

Short getaways
Family activities
Shopping (many stores have sales)
Educational experiences
Outdoor adventures

Travel and Getaways

Skiing and Winter Sports

Presidents Day weekend is one of the busiest ski weekends of the year:

Ski Resorts: Many offer special packages
Snowboarding: Great conditions in February
Winter Activities: Ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding

Popular destinations:

Colorado ski resorts
Utah ski areas
Vermont and New Hampshire
California mountain resorts

National Parks

Many national parks are accessible during Presidents Day weekend:

Winter Hiking: Lower crowds, beautiful scenery
Wildlife Viewing: Great time to see winter wildlife
Photography: Stunning winter landscapes
Ranger Programs: Educational programs may be available

Note: Visitor centers may be closed, but parks often remain accessible.

City Breaks

Take advantage of the long weekend for a city getaway:

Museums: Many museums offer special Presidents Day programs
Restaurants: Try new dining experiences
Shopping: Take advantage of Presidents Day sales
Entertainment: Shows, concerts, and events

Beach Destinations

For those seeking warmer weather:

Florida: Warm weather and beaches
California: Coastal destinations
Hawaii: Tropical getaway
Caribbean: Short cruises or island trips

Presidential Sites and Museums

Washington, D.C. Area

Mount Vernon: George Washington's estate
Washington Monument: Learn about the first president
National Portrait Gallery: Presidential portraits
Smithsonian Museums: Many presidential exhibits

Presidential Libraries

George W. Bush Presidential Library: Dallas, Texas
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: Simi Valley, California
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library: Boston, Massachusetts
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library: Hyde Park, New York

Historic Sites

Independence Hall: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Valley Forge: Pennsylvania
Monticello: Thomas Jefferson's home, Virginia
Lincoln Home: Springfield, Illinois

Educational Activities

Learn About Presidents

Museum Visits: Presidential museums and exhibits
Documentary Watching: Educational films about presidents
Reading: Books about presidential history
Online Resources: Virtual tours and educational websites

Family Learning

Presidential Trivia: Fun games for the family
History Projects: Create family history projects
Visit Local History Museums: Learn about local presidential connections
Educational Apps: Interactive learning tools

Outdoor Activities

Winter Sports

Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes
Ice Skating: Outdoor or indoor rinks
Snowshoeing: Explore winter trails
Sledding: Family-friendly fun

Hiking and Nature

Winter Hiking: Trails with beautiful winter scenery
Nature Walks: Local parks and nature centers
Bird Watching: Winter birding opportunities
Photography: Capture winter landscapes

Sports and Recreation

Indoor Sports: Basketball, swimming, rock climbing
Fitness Activities: Gyms and fitness centers
Recreational Activities: Bowling, mini-golf, arcades

Shopping and Sales

Presidents Day Sales

Many retailers offer significant sales:

Furniture: Major furniture sales
Appliances: Discounts on home appliances
Electronics: Tech sales
Clothing: Winter clearance sales
Home Goods: Home improvement sales

Shopping Destinations

Outlet Malls: Great deals on brand names
Department Stores: Major sales events
Online Shopping: E-commerce sales
Local Shops: Support local businesses

Family Activities

At Home

Movie Marathon: Watch presidential films
Board Games: Family game night
Cooking: Try new recipes together
Crafts: Presidential-themed crafts
Reading: Family reading time

Local Events

Community Events: Check local calendars
Parades: Some communities have Presidents Day parades
Festivals: Winter festivals and events
Concerts: Local music events

Indoor Activities

Museums: Educational and fun
Aquariums: Family-friendly
Zoos: Many zoos are open
Science Centers: Interactive learning
Children's Museums: Hands-on activities

Volunteering and Service

Community Service

Food Banks: Volunteer at local food banks
Shelters: Help at homeless shelters
Community Cleanup: Organize or join cleanup efforts
Senior Centers: Visit and help at senior centers

Service Projects

Environmental Projects: Park cleanups, tree planting
Educational Tutoring: Help students
Charity Events: Participate in charity activities

Relaxation and Self-Care

Spa and Wellness

Spa Days: Treat yourself to relaxation
Yoga Classes: Mindful activities
Meditation: Peaceful reflection
Wellness Retreats: Short wellness getaways

Home Relaxation

Reading: Catch up on books
Rest: Take time to rest and recharge
Hobbies: Pursue personal interests
Home Improvement: Small projects

Planning Your Weekend

Tips for a Great Weekend

Plan Ahead: Book accommodations early
Check Hours: Verify business hours (many are closed Monday)
Weather: Check weather forecasts
Budget: Set a budget for activities
Flexibility: Have backup plans

What to Consider

Traffic: Expect heavier traffic on long weekends
Crowds: Popular destinations will be busy
Reservations: Book restaurants and activities in advance
Weather: February weather can be unpredictable

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Presidents Day Weekend?

Presidents Day weekend is the three-day weekend created when Presidents Day (third Monday of February) is combined with the preceding Saturday and Sunday.

Are Stores Open on Presidents Day?

Yes, most retail stores remain open on Presidents Day and often offer sales.

What Are Good Presidents Day Weekend Destinations?

Popular destinations include ski resorts, national parks, cities with museums, and warmer beach destinations.

Are Museums Open on Presidents Day?

Many museums are open on Presidents Day, and some offer special programs. Check individual museum websites for hours and events.

What Activities Are Good for Families?

Family-friendly activities include museums, zoos, indoor activities, outdoor winter sports, and educational experiences.

Presidents Day Date Calculator: Find when Presidents Day falls each year
Presidents Day Countdown: See how many days until the next Presidents Day
Presidents Day Dates by Year: Plan ahead with complete date tables

Conclusion

Presidents Day weekend offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy a three-day break in February. Whether you prefer travel, outdoor activities, educational experiences, shopping, or simply relaxing with family, there are countless ways to make the most of this long weekend.

Plan ahead, check hours and availability, and enjoy the extra day off. From skiing and museums to shopping and family time, Presidents Day weekend has something for everyone.