15 Best Presidents Day Activities for Kids in 2026

Presidents Day isn’t just about a Monday off from school or great mattress sales; it’s a golden opportunity to spark a lifelong interest in history and civic duty. On Monday, February 16, 2026, families across the country will celebrate our nation’s leaders. Whether you are a parent looking for rainy-day projects or a teacher planning a classroom party, finding the right Presidents Day activities for kids can turn a dry history lesson into an afternoon of adventure.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up 15 high-energy, educational, and downright “cool” activities to help your children connect with the legacies of Washington, Lincoln, and beyond.

1. Build Edible “Lincoln Logs” (Pretzel Cabins)

Abraham Lincoln’s humble beginnings in a log cabin are legendary. Bring this story to life using pretzel rods and peanut butter (or frosting) as “mortar.”

• Step 1: Use a paper plate as your foundation.
• Step 2: Stack pretzel rods in a square, using “glue” at the corners.
• Step 3: Add a graham cracker roof to finish the look.

2. Host a “House” Mock Election

Teach the basics of democracy by holding a family vote. Don’t worry about politics keep it light!

• The Candidates: “Pizza for Dinner” vs. “Taco Night.”
• The Process: Create paper ballots, a cardboard voting box, and “I Voted” stickers.
• The Lesson: Explain how every voice matters in a community.

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3. Presidential Coin Rubbings

This is a classic for a reason. Grab a handful of pennies (Lincoln) and quarters (Washington), some thin white paper, and crayons.

• Pro Tip: Peel the paper off the crayon and use the side of the wax for a clearer image of the President’s profile.

4. Take a 360° Virtual White House Tour

You don’t need to travel to D.C. to see the Oval Office. The White House Historical Association offers incredible digital tours.

• Activity: Ask your kids to “count the flags” or find the portrait of their favorite President during the tour.

5. Play “Who Am I?” Presidential Edition

Write the names of famous Presidents on sticky notes and place them on your children’s foreheads. They have to ask “Yes” or “No” questions to figure out who they are.

• Example: “Did I wear a tall hat?” or “Am I on the one-dollar bill?”

6. Create “George Washington” Cotton Ball Wigs

Capture the iconic 18th-century style using a brown paper bag and a bag of cotton balls.

• How-to: Cut the bag into a helmet shape, glue cotton balls over the surface, and tie a blue ribbon in the back for a “ponytail.”

7. The “Penny Search” Scavenger Hunt

Hide 16 pennies (to honor the 16th President) around the house. On the back of each penny, tape a small fact about Honest Abe.

• Bulk Pack of Plastic Gold Coins for Kids – Great for a mess-free alternative to real currency!

8. Bake “Cherry Tree” Cupcakes

Honor the (apocryphal) story of young George Washington and the cherry tree. Use maraschino cherries to top vanilla cupcakes with green frosting “leaves.”

9. Design a Presidential Campaign Poster

If your child were running for President in 2026, what would their slogan be? Give them a poster board and markers.

• Common Mistake: Beginners often focus only on the “rules” they’d make. Encourage them to think about “How I would help people” to align with the true spirit of leadership.

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10. Start a Presidential Fact Timeline

Line up 46 index cards. Each day leading up to the holiday, have your child draw one President and write one “fun fact” (e.g., Teddy Roosevelt had a pet bear!).

• The Look-It-Up Book of Presidents – A fantastic visual resource for kids to find quick facts.

11. “Measure Up” to Abraham Lincoln

Abe was 6’4″ massive for his time! Use painter’s tape to mark his height on a wall and let your kids see how they compare. Don’t forget to add an extra 7 inches for his stovepipe hat!

12. Write a Letter to the Current President

Civic engagement starts early. Encourage your child to write a letter or draw a picture for the President at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. You can find the formal mailing address at USA.gov.

13. Patriotic Slime Making

Everything is better with slime. Mix clear glue, contact lens solution, and baking soda, then divide it into three batches: red, white, and blue. Add silver stars for a “Star-Spangled” effect.

14. Presidential Bingo

Create Bingo cards using Presidential faces instead of numbers. It’s a great way for younger kids to recognize the historical figures they see on TV and in books.

15. Visit a Local 2026 Semiquincentennial Event

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States! Check your local museum or library for special “America 250” exhibits that often peak during Presidents Day weekend.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Information Overload: Don’t try to teach all 46+ Presidents at once. Focus on the “Big Two” (Washington and Lincoln) for younger kids.
• Focusing Only on Wars: Presidents did many things besides lead armies. Mention their pets, their inventions (like Jefferson), or their love for the National Parks.
• Skipping the “Why”: Always take a moment to explain why we celebrate it’s about honoring the difficult job of leading a nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do we celebrate Presidents Day? Originally established to celebrate George Washington’s birthday, it now serves as a day to honor all U.S. Presidents.

Q: When is Presidents Day 2026? It falls on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Q: Are these activities suitable for preschoolers? Yes! Activities like the cotton ball wig, coin rubbings, and cherry cupcakes are perfect for the 3-5 age range.

Q: Where can I find free printables for these activities? Sites like Education.com and the Smithsonian website offer excellent free resources for educators and parents.

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