Fun September Holidays for Kids and Families
September is such a wonderful month—it’s the season of back-to-school routines, cooler evenings, and the first hints of fall. But did you know it’s also full of quirky, lighthearted holidays that are perfect for making memories with your kids?
These fun September holidays give you the perfect excuse to pause, laugh, and create something special as a family. Whether it’s reading books under a blanket fort, baking homemade pizza, or going on a silly scavenger hunt, there’s always a reason to celebrate.
September Holiday List & Family Fun Ideas
Use this guide as your go-to list of September holidays for kids and families. Pin it, bookmark it, or grab a printable calendar to keep on the fridge—you’ll never run out of fun ideas this month!
September 1 – National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day
Celebrate words that don’t have rhymes like “orange” and “purple.” Play rhyming games at the dinner table or see who can come up with the silliest near-rhymes.
September 2 – World Coconut Day
Try a coconut recipe together—coconut macaroons, coconut smoothies, or even sprinkling shredded coconut on pancakes.
September 3 – Skyscraper Day
Learn about famous tall buildings around the world. Kids can build their own skyscrapers using blocks, cardboard boxes, or LEGO.
September 4 – National Wildlife Day
Head outdoors for a family nature walk or do a backyard scavenger hunt. Use it as a chance to talk about protecting animals and their habitats.
- Enjoy Birdwatching with Your Kids | Free Printable Pack
- Free Printable Animal Movement Cards for Kids
- How to Teach Kids about Water Conservation for Earth Day
- Endangered Animals Unit Study Ideas + Free Printable Animal Report Template
- Barred Owl | Nature Study Ideas for Homeschooling
September 5 – Cheese Pizza Day
Everyone loves pizza night! Try making homemade mini pizzas with fun toppings and let kids design their own “pizza faces.”
September 6 – Read a Book Day
Set aside time for a cozy family read-aloud. Create a fort with pillows and blankets and read by flashlight.
September 7 – National Salami Day
Make a kid-friendly charcuterie board with crackers, cheese, and salami. Perfect for an after-school snack.
September 8 – International Literacy Day
Celebrate the joy of reading with library visits, writing your own short story, or making homemade bookmarks.
- R is for Reading
- Fall Reading Challenge for Moms and Kids
- Fun Reading Bingo Game for Kids + Bookmarks | Free Printable
- Free Printable Pick-a-Prize Reading Challenge for Kids
September 9 – Teddy Bear Day
Host a teddy bear picnic! Spread out a blanket inside or outside, invite the kids’ favorite stuffed animals, and serve simple finger foods.
September 10 – Swap Ideas Day
Encourage creativity by letting kids swap ideas for snacks, games, or bedtime stories. Write down everyone’s suggestions in a “family idea jar.”
September 11 – Make Your Bed Day
Turn this into a fun family challenge: who can make the neatest bed? Reward everyone with a special treat.
September 13 – Positive Thinking Day
Make affirmation cards with encouraging words. Kids can decorate them with markers and stickers, then hang them by their bed.
- Free Printable Rainbow Affirmation Cards for Kids
- Sweet Affirmation Posters for Kids You’ll Love
- Free Printable: Adorable Bear Affirmation Cards for Kids
- I Am Special: Affirmation Cards for Kids (Free Printable)
- Sweet Affirmation Cards for Kids: A Free Printable Set
September 15 – Make a Hat Day
Break out craft supplies and see who can design the funniest or fanciest hat. Have a “hat parade” after dinner.
September 16 – Collect Rocks Day
Go on a neighborhood rock hunt and start a collection. Or, grab some paint and make kindness rocks to leave around town.
September 18 – Rice Krispies Treat Day
Bake a batch of gooey Rice Krispies Treats. Use cookie cutters to shape them into hearts, stars, or even leaves for fall.
September 19 – Talk Like a Pirate Day
Dress up like pirates, speak in silly voices, and follow a treasure map around the house or yard. Don’t forget the “gold” (chocolate coins)!
September 21 – Miniature Golf Day
Head to a local mini-golf course or create your own at home using cups, cardboard, and toy balls.
September 22 – First Day of Fall + Elephant Appreciation Day
Double the fun! Celebrate the first day of fall with apple picking or leaf crafts, and take time to learn about elephants with books or coloring pages.
Apples
- Free Printable Apple Tree Counting Worksheet for Kids
- Free Printable: Apple Tree I Spy Worksheet for Kids
- Free Printable Parts of an Apple Worksheet for Kids
Fall
- Fall Fun for Families
- Fall Observation Worksheet for Kids
- Fall Calendar and Bucket List: Free Printable
- Fall Reading Challenge for Moms and Kids
September 25 – Comic Book Day
Encourage kids to read comics—or better yet, make their own with blank comic strip printables.
September 26 – Pancake Day (US)
Surprise your family with a pancake bar. Add toppings like fruit, whipped cream, and chocolate chips, and let kids build their dream stack.
- Free Printable Pancake Themed Border for Pancake Day
- My Pancake Breakfast Coloring Page for Kids
- Happy Pancake Day! Free Printable Coloring Page
- My Pancake Breakfast Coloring Page @ AStorybookDay.com
- Pancake Day Fun: Free Printable Activity Placemat for Kids
- Free Printable P is for Pancake Handwriting Practice Worksheet
- Everything You Need to Know About Pancake Day + Free Printables
September 28 – Good Neighbor Day
Bake cookies or make homemade cards to deliver to neighbors. It’s a simple way to teach kids about kindness and community.
September 29 – International Coffee Day (for parents!)
Let the kids enjoy hot cocoa while you savor a special coffee treat. Pair it with a family board game night.
September 30 – Hot Mulled Cider Day
End the month with cozy mugs of cider. Add a board game or fall movie marathon for the perfect family evening.
How to Make the Most of September Holidays
- Pick a few holidays each month to celebrate—don’t feel like you need to do them all.
- Add them to your family calendar so kids can look forward to them.
- Use holidays as built-in homeschool themes or weekend activities.
