Updated for 2024
For some families, Labor Day signals the end of summer. For some families, summer ends when the kids return to school, so Labor Day means a nice long weekend. For all families, there are plenty of fun things to do on Monday, September 2nd.
Originally created as a way to honor the achievements of American Workers, and to celebrate the many contributions workers have made to “…America’s strength, prosperity and well-being,” according to the US Department of Labor, Labor Day is now considered to be a chance to have fun with your family before the start of the Holiday season.
Some schools even give kids the day off the Friday before, making this Labor day a 4-day weekend to enjoy.
Related: Looking for Fun Family Activities in Los Angeles Every Weekend? Check out our fantastic list of ideas, updated weekly!
Family Activities on Labor Day in Los Angeles
Leonardo Da Vinci: Inventor. Artist. Dreamer.
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037
If you haven’t yet been to the California Science Center, Monday, September 2nd is your last chance to view the special exhibition, Leonardo Da Vinci: Inventor. Artist. Dreamer. “Step into a world of wonder and innovation as you explore 30 ingenious inventions — including the Flying Bicycle, Great Organ, Mechanical Bat, and Great Kite — each built by contemporary Italian artisans according to da Vinci’s drawings.” There are several hands-on science-learning activities that are part of the exhibition also. Tickets are available online.
Long Beach Labor Day Premier Brunch Cruise
Rainbow Harbor, Dock 6A, Long Beach, CA
Commemorate the end of summer on a Long Beach Labor Day Premier Brunch Cruise. “Enjoy a buffet brunch spread featuring various classic American breakfast dishes, seasonal lunch entrees, and decadent desserts.” Families will also enjoy live entertainment and scenic views. Plus, there are unlimited mimosas for the adults! Boarding time is 10:30 am, for the two hour cruise (11:00 am to 1:00 pm). Reservations are available online. (Children 3 and younger are free.)
Ocean Encounter
Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92705
Labor Day Monday, September 2nd, is your last chance to explore Ocean Encounter at Discovery Cube Orange County. This “interactive aquatic wonderland” gives families the opportunity to explore the zones of the ocean, learn about conservation efforts, “highlights important ocean issues such as coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and kelp forest decline and offers ways to help solve these problems,” and more. Ocean Encounter is included in general admission. Details, including ticket information, are available online.
Roll @ Santa Monica
1324 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Enjoy the sunshine on what is considered to be the last day of summer and visitRoll @ Santa Monica, “your ultimate destination for outdoor roller-skating fun! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer, Roll @ Santa Monica offers an unforgettable experience for all ages and skill levels.” Hours of operation on Labor Day will be 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are available online and are valid for a two-hour session. If you can’t make it on September 2nd, Roll @ Santa Monica will be available through Monday, October 14th. Hours of operation: Sundays – Thursdays: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm. (Admission is $15 including skate rental)
Marina del Rey WaterBus
Multiple locations
The Marina del Rey WaterBus is a fun and relaxing way for families to explore Marina del Rey. The WaterBus operates from eight stops in the Marina which makes it a fun way to explore the Marina and take in all the sights and sounds. The WaterBus will be operating on Labor Day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Don’t miss out — Labor Day is the last day to experience the WaterBus this summer. Tickets are available at each stop and are $1 per passenger, one way, cash only. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date operating hours and a map of the route taken by the WaterBus.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon, Topanga, CA
Experience Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. This annual event is Theatricum’s signature production. “The most magical outdoor setting in Los Angeles becomes an enchanted forest inhabited by lovers both fairy and human. Shakespeare conjures a world of wonder, magic, and romance where comical misunderstandings and the pain of unrequited love are resolved.” The performance is scheduled for 7:00 pm on Monday, September 2nd. Ticket information, as well as other performance dates, are available online.
Malibu Chili Cook-Off
23575 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA
The Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off is happening Labor Day weekend — Friday, August 30th (4 pm to 10 pm), Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st (1 pm to 10 pm), and Monday, September 2nd (1 pm to 8 pm). The festivities include amazing food, local artisans, DJ sets, carnival rides, and much more. All proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. Family Day is on Labor Day Monday and will feature pop-ups and special activities for kids, including a junior carnival area with rides designed for children ages 2-10. Admission tickets are required for entry and will not be available on-site. Tickets must be pre-purchased. (Admission is free for children 5 and younger.)
El Capitan Theatre: Inside Out 2
6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
Inside Out 2 returns to the El Capitan Theatre for a limited time, Monday, August 26th through Monday, September 2nd. “Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone.” Tickets are available online. Labor Day screenings are available at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm. (The movie is rated PG.)
Conquer the Bridge
Start/Finish line at 5th St. and Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA
One way to spend Labor Day is by participating in the 15th Annual Conquer the Bridge event. The 5.3 mile event includes two trips over the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Participants may run or walk, and all finishers will receive a finishers medal. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the LAPD Harbor Area Booster Club. Registration information is available online.
Summer Concerts in the Park
Conejo Community Park
1175 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Conejo Recreation and Park District invites families to enjoy a Summer Concert in the Park on Labor Day Monday, September 2nd from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Spazmatics, described as the “Ultimate 80s New Wave Tribute,” will be performing. “Complete with skinny ties, Brylcreemed hair, and horn-rimmed glasses, the Spazmatics combine precise choreography, quick-witted humor and the biggest hits from 40 years ago, into a show that recaptures all the best of the worst from the 80’s.” The evening will start with a live performance of the National Anthem sung by Marissa Margolis. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics, and then settle in for an evening of musical fun. Food trucks will also be on-site.
Defending America and The Galaxy: Star Wars and SDI
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley, CA 93065
Labor Day is a great time to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum to view the special exhibition, Defending America and The Galaxy: Star Wars and SDI. After President Reagan “announced his intention to embark upon groundbreaking research into a national defense system that could make nuclear weapons obsolete, called the Strategic Defense Initiative, or SDI,” the media referred to the program as Star Wars. This special exhibition focuses on Star Wars — “both the real-world technology of SDI, as well as items from the movie phenomenon.” Families will see a dress worn by Princess Leia, sketches by George Lucas, helmets worn by Darth Vader, and more. The exhibition is included in general admission. Tickets are available online. (The exhibition’s last day at the Reagan Library is Sunday, September 8th.)
Knott’s Summer Nights
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
Labor Day is your last chance to enjoy Knott’s Summer Nights. Knott’s Summer Nights features “live music, unique summer food offerings, Instagram-able photo opportunities, interactive experiences and family-friendly games,” and more. Details and ticket information are available online.
Long Beach Greek Food and Music Festival
5761 E. Colorado St., Long Beach, CA 90814
The Long Beach Greek Food and Music Festival is happening Labor Day weekend, from Saturday, August 31st through Monday, September 2nd (opening at 12 noon each day). The festivities at this annual event include live Greek music, cooking demonstrations, shopping, Greek food, kids’ activities, and much more. Details, including information about parking and a free shuttle service, are available online. Admission is $5.
HYBE: We Believe in Music
GRAMMY Museum
800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Make plans to visit the GRAMMY Museum and check out their newest exhibition, HYBE: We Believe in Music. The exhibition “traces HYBE’s evolution and influence by showcasing instantly recognizable artifacts from its roster of artists and creators.” On display, families will find original outfits worn in iconic music videos, as well as Photoism Booth which “allows visitors to pose alongside their favorite HYBE artists,” interactive sing-along and dance rooms, exclusive video content, and more. The exhibition will only be at the Museum through Sunday, September 15th. Tickets are available online. (Access to the exhibit requires a $20 fee, in addition to general museum admission, and a reservation.)
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, CA 91108
A visit to The Huntington is really a feast for your senses, offering so much to explore, including rare manuscripts, enchanting gardens, and stunning artwork, and luckily it’s open on Labor Day. The Library is “one of the world’s great independent research libraries in the fields of British and American history, literature, art, and the history of science” and its collection includes several first editions. The Gardens encompass about 130 acres and feature more than a dozen themed gardens. The Art Collections “focus on European art from the 15th to the early 20th century and American art from the late 17th to the late 20th century.” Tickets are available online.
Summer Games in The City
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Monday, September 2nd is your last chance to experience Summer Games in The City at Pretend City Children’s Museum. “Dive into adventurous play, competition, and hands-on learning experiences that celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Olympics. From traditional Olympic events to city-themed challenges, this exhibit promises a delightful blend of teamwork, patience, and determination.” Ticket information is available online.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her websiteWendyKennar.comwhere she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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