Presidents Day for kids is a fun and educational way to explore American history, learn about U.S. Presidents, and understand why we celebrate this important February holiday. Originally honoring George Washington’s birthday, Presidents Day has become a national celebration of all 46 U.S. Presidents, including leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. In this guide, you’ll discover the history of Presidents Day, how it’s celebrated across the United States, fun Presidents Day activities for kids, and interesting facts that make learning about our nation’s leaders exciting and easy to remember.
Presidents Day Facts for Kids
What Is Presidents Day?
President’s Day is a holiday that is celebrated every single year in the United States of America. It began in 1879 and occurs on the third Monday in February. This holiday started as a day to celebrate George Washington‘s birthday but was later extended to other Presidents as well.
History of Presidents Day
In 1879, February 22nd became a federal holiday to commemorate George Washington’s efforts for the nation. George Washington is the founding father of the U.S. He led American forces to victory against the British Empire and became the first President of the U.S. Later, the holiday turned into a day to remember and celebrate all Presidents of the U.S.
Who Do We Celebrate on Presidents Day?
The holiday was first officially celebrated for George Washington, the founding father and first President of the U.S. Later, the holiday became a celebration for all Presidents that served the nation. We celebrate a total of 46 Presidents who have served this nation from 1789.
How Do People Celebrate Presidents Day?
People celebrate Presidents Day through activities like:
- Community gatherings that celebrate the Presidents and their lives.
- Plays and historical reenactments of the Presidents.
- Public readings of official Presidential speeches.
- Joining parades and visiting monuments that are centered around the lives of the Presidents.
Presidents Day Activities for Kids
- Watch documentaries and movies about the Presidents of the United States
- Learn names of all of the Presidents that served the nation.
- Play trivia games related to the Presidents of the United States.
- Visit the Mount Rushmore National Memorial which features the monuments of 4 U.S Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln.
Conclusion – Why Is Presidents Day Important?
Presidents Day is important as it teaches us to learn from our history and appreciate the leaders that created this nation. It’s not just a day off but instead it’s a day to remember and learn from our history and leaders.
Fun Facts About U.S Presidents
- Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only President who served longer than two four-year terms in the United States.
- Did you know President Martin Van Buren is nicknamed “Little Magician”?
- The first cats to live in the White House were named “Tabby” and “Dixie” and they belonged to President Abraham Lincoln.
- The first President of the United States was George Washington.
- Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence.
- Did you know Black History Month is also celebrated in February?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we celebrate George Washington and Abraham Lincoln?
We celebrate George Washington as the founding father of the United States and the first President. He led American forces to victory against the British Empire. Abraham Lincoln, in the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freed more than 3.5 million slaves. These Presidents played a vital role in shaping the United States.
Do children have school on President’s Day?
No, children do not have school on President’s Day as it is a federal holiday for everyone in the United States.
Who is considered the greatest U.S President?
Abraham Lincoln is considered the greatest President of the United States.
What is the maximum number of years a President can serve in the office?
A President cannot serve more than two terms (8 years) in the office.
