Presidents’ Day Homeschool Activities That Make History Fun

As February approaches, many homeschool families start thinking about how to celebrate Presidents’ Day in meaningful and educational ways. Whether you’re looking to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln specifically or explore the broader history of the American presidency, there are so many fun and engaging activities you can choose from.

The beauty of homeschooling is that you can tailor your Presidents’ Day celebration to fit your family’s interests, learning style, and schedule. You might spend a single afternoon exploring presidential history, dedicate an entire week to a themed unit study, or simply sprinkle a few festive activities into your regular routine.

Either way, you are going to want to keep reading, friend, because today I’m sharing some of my favorite Presidents’ Day homeschool activities! These include free printables, wonderful books, and simple ideas that make learning about our nation’s leaders both educational and enjoyable!

The History Behind Presidents’ Day

Before diving into activities, let’s take a moment to explore what we’re celebrating! Presidents’ Day has an interesting history that’s worth reviewing and teaching in your homeschool.

Originally, February 22nd was celebrated as George Washington’s birthday starting in the 1880s. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving the holiday to the third Monday in February (starting in 1971) to create more three-day weekends.

Although Congress never officially changed the name to “Presidents’ Day,” the holiday became popularly known by that name. Many celebrate it, honoring both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln (born February 12), while others view it as recognizing all U.S. presidents.

Great Resources for Learning More:

• History.com’s Presidents Day Article – For a comprehensive holiday overview
• Britannica’s Presidents Day – Get clear explanations for your kids
• Mount Vernon’s Article – From Washington’s historic home!

Presidents’ Day Books Your Kids Will Love

One of the best ways to celebrate Presidents’ Day is through great books! Reading about presidents makes history come alive and helps children connect with these important historical figures as real people.

Plus, you know I’m always going to recommend a good book or two because I know just how wonderful homeschooling with books can be.

Here are some excellent options to get you started:

For Younger Readers:

• I am Abraham Lincoln by Brad Meltzer – Colorful illustrations follow Lincoln from childhood to presidency
• So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George – Humorous look at what being president really entails
• Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio – Inspires kids to think about leadership
• Kid Presidents by David Stabler – Relatable stories of presidents as children

For Elementary Students:

• Who Was George Washington? by Roberta Edwards – Perfect for independent readers
• Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters – Shows how reading shaped Lincoln’s life
• The Presidents Visual Encyclopedia by DK – Packed with photos and fascinating facts
• Lives of the Presidents by Kathleen Krull – Witty poems make learning memorable

Special Interest:

• The Camping Trip that Changed America by Barb Rosenstock – Roosevelt and Muir’s adventure
• Presidential Pets by Julia Moberg – Fun facts about White House animals

Whether you check your local library for these titles or add them to your home collection, these books will help make your Presidents’ Day learning fantastic!

Learning About Specific Presidents

While Presidents Day honors all presidents, many families focus on learning about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose February birthdays inspired the holiday.

George Washington:

Our Nation’s first president, Washington set many precedents that are still followed today. His biography is rich with tales of our young country that inspire children to live a life of viture and integrity.

Learning Topics To Explore In Your Homeschool: Washington’s childhood, his role in the Revolution, Mount Vernon, and why he’s called the “Father of Our Country.”

Abraham Lincoln:

Our 16th president led the nation through the Civil War and worked to end slavery. His life story from log cabin to presidency continues to inspire.

Learning Topics To Explore In Your Homeschool: Lincoln’s love of reading, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and his Civil War leadership.

Presidential Learning:

• All About US Presidents Unit Study – Comprehensive study of presidential history
• Presidents Flash Cards (Free!) – Perfect for memorizing presidents

These work great alongside the books and activities in this post to help create a custom homeschool unit study.

Free Presidents Day Printables

The homeschool community is wonderfully generous with sharing resources! Here are some fantastic free printables from homeschool bloggers that will add fun and learning to your Presidents’ Day celebration:

1. All About US Presidents from Hope In The Chaos

This 35-page printable learning packet covers what the President is, how to become President, and what the President’s job is. Charlotte Mason-inspired learning, this packet also includes art, narration, copywork, vocabulary, and math.

2. Presidents Day Coloring Pages from Homeschool of 1

These coloring pages feature all U.S. presidents with their names clearly labeled – perfect for younger children learning to recognize presidents. The simple, cartoon-style illustrations make this a calm, engaging activity.

3. FREE Printable Presidents Day Worksheets from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

This comprehensive mini-unit includes American Money Bingo, writing prompts, Mount Rushmore facts, and design-your-own coin activities. Perfect for kindergarten through 6th grade!

4. Presidents’ Day Activities from The Curriculum Choice

Includes a patriotic scavenger hunt, imaginative journal prompts, and money matching games. These activities combine learning with hands-on fun!

All of these printables are free to download and use in your homeschool! They’re perfect for morning work, independent study time, or as part of a larger Presidents’ Day unit study.

More Fun Presidents Day Activities

Beyond printables and books, there are lots of creative ways to make Presidents’ Day memorable in your homeschool:

Hands-On Projects:

• Build a log cabin using craft sticks to learn about Lincoln’s beginnings
• Design your own presidential monument
• Create a timeline showing when each president served
• Make patriotic crafts like paper flags or eagles

Creative Learning:

• Write a campaign speech – what would you promise as president?
• Draw presidential portraits
• Design a coin featuring your child as president
• Prepare Lincoln’s favorite foods, like gingerbread
• Explore this free music lesson for Presidents’ Day

Virtual Exploration:

• Take a virtual tour of Mount Vernon
• Watch age-appropriate documentaries about presidents
• Explore presidential libraries online

Discussion Starters:

• What qualities make a good president?
• What would you do if you were president?
• How have different presidents helped shape our country?

Making Presidents Day Meaningful in Your Homeschool

Presidents’ Day doesn’t have to be complicated to be educational! Here are some simple ways to incorporate presidential learning into your homeschool:

For a quick celebration (1-2 hours):

• Read one picture book about a president
• Complete 2-3 printable worksheets
• Watch a short video about Presidents’ Day
• Have a special patriotic snack

For a half-day study (3-4 hours):

• Read several books about different presidents
• Complete a variety of printables and activities
• Do a hands-on craft project
• Discuss what you’ve learned together

For a full unit study (1-2 weeks):

• Deep dive into the history of multiple presidents
• Use the All About US Presidents Unit Study
• Incorporate library books, videos, and field trips
• Create lapbooks or notebooking pages
• Include related topics like elections, government, and civics

Remember, friend, there’s no “right” way to celebrate Presidents’ Day in your homeschool. The goal is to help your children learn about these important historical figures in a way that’s engaging and age-appropriate for your family.

Whether you spend an hour or a week exploring presidential history, you’re giving your children a deeper understanding of American history and the leaders who shaped our nation. And that’s something worth celebrating!

Happy homeschooling, friends! 😊

Want More Homeschool History Help?

Looking for more ways to make history fun in your homeschool? Check out these posts:

• 15 of the Best Books for Studying U.S. History
• A Unique Way To Customize Learning State History
• Self-Paced American Government for Your Homeschool