Shortly after Valentine’s Day, advertisements and commercials inundate our inboxes and interrupt our television shows, touting all of the sales and discounts to be had in the days leading up to President’s Day. The holiday, which commemorates both Abraham Lincoln’s and George Washington’s birthdays, finds many of us — with young children home from school that day — looking for President’s Day activities for kids.
Initially designated to commemorate George Washington’s birthday on February 22nd, President’s Day became a legal holiday in 1879 but was moved to the third Monday of February once Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971. The initiative was designed to promote family connection and thus the nation was rewarded with four long weekends per year. Read on for some fun activities for you and your preschooler during the long President’s Day weekend.
Day off from school? Here's what to do on President's Day
Kid-friendly books for President's Day
Current research stresses the importance of reading to children and its impact on kindergarten readiness. “Kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school,” Ohio State University assistant professor Jessica Logan told Ohio State’s news site.
9. President’s Day by Anne and Lizzy Rockwell
This book by the mother and daughter, author, and illustrator duo introduces young children to President’s Day.
10. Duck for President by Doreen Cronin
This hilarious picture book features Duck, who is tired of Farmer Brown’s rules. Duck decides he’s going to hold an election and run for president so he can take charge of the farm.
11. The Boy Who Would Grow Up to Be President Obama by A.D. Largie
This beautifully illustrated book will command your preschooler’s attention with its simple text and expressive illustrations — a great introduction to our first Black president.
12. Future President by Lori Alexander
This book — part of the Future Babies board book series — introduces littles to the world of astronauts, engineers, doctors, and of course, the Commander-in-Chief.
