Celebrate Labor Day Safely Amid Coronavirus Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend With Safe Fun Activities Amid Pandemic

From cookouts to beach visits there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday safely

Getty Images Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. "The way people are getting together is changing and, as we all continue to adjust, it's important to remember that everyone is experiencing the pandemic differently,” says Zaria Zinn, a marketing campaign specialist at Evite. “As we continue to navigate this new normal, we will need to adapt our party behavior to respect other people's health and safety.”

Barbecue is the star of the show

Barbecues are a classic Labor Day weekend activity. So maybe you don't have that blowout bash of the past, but it is possible to host or attend a socially distant gathering for a few friends. Outdoors is best, since experts say that lowers the chance of transmission of COVID-19. And there are plenty of ways to including limiting shared items (such as serving utensils), having and restricting inside entertaining. Barbecue master Robbie Shoults, the third-generation owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse in Marshall, Texas, says such gatherings create an atmosphere that helps people connect in a special way, even during the unusual times we're experiencing now. “Cooking out and grilling all play a major role in the Labor Day festivities,” he says. “Celebrating almost always involves food, and great food is what brings good friends and family together." Shoults recommends making pulled pork (see recipe below) as a crowd pleaser. It can be served on a soft bun and with coleslaw. And if you're opting out of backyard barbecues this year, you can still get your fix. The Emmy-nominated Netflix Chef's Table unveiled four episodes on barbecue just in time for Labor Day weekend. that may include bringing your own chairs, signing up for a time slot or wearing masks on the pool deck when you're not swimming. If you visit the pool make sure to practice If the ocean is your destination, first check whether or not the beach is open for visitors. Some beaches in California and Florida, for example, are closed for the holiday to prevent crowds from gathering. But if your beach is open, make sure to find a spot 6 feet away from others — and don't forget the sunscreen. Even though it might be later in the summer season, still should be an important part of your pool or beachside ritual. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers >

Participate in celebrations and events virtually

Maybe you can't see the relatives you typically host or visit with, but you can include them in the party through video connections. In fact, many people aren't ready to socialize in big groups face-to-face. A recent Evite survey of 2,000 Americans found 6 in 10 people only feel comfortable attending virtual parties for the rest of the year. "It's important that a virtual party actually feel like a party, not just a regular video chat,” Zinn says. That may mean asking your virtual guests to dress for the event or to coordinate on appetizers and drinks so you're sharing the same snacks. In addition, lots of activities that have been put on hold by the pandemic can be found online. Participate in one of many virtual 5K runs around the country; check out the online version of the , usually held live in Richland, Washington; or delve into t with an interactive, online event hosted by several history-related organizations — including the Illinois Labor History Society and the Pullman National Monument. The theme for discussions will be “Our Work: Then. Now. Tomorrow.” AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe . Or maybe you prefer golf, tennis . If so, make sure you follow for these sports.

Get outside

Labor Day weekend is a , hike, bike or stroll and spend some time outdoors. Suzanne Benites, of Mansfield, Texas, turns 59 this week and will spend her holiday at a family cabin on a lake in a rural area in the Piney Woods. There's no cellphone service or television. Benites and her husband plan to go boating on the lake and fish for bass. "You're completely disconnected from everything, so you get to focus on what's important,” she says. Her daughter, who is in college nearby, will visit, but the family has agreed they'll all stay outside in order to remain socially distant. “I told her if she wanted to see us, she needed to take precautions,” Benites says. There are plenty of natural areas in which to spend time. , or try pitching a tent and camping locally. If you're a novice to sleeping under the stars, will tell you what you need to know — from gear to meal prep. Navigating the New Normal of Small Outdoor Gatherings More on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS