Those small, fun holidays in September are the perfect excuse to sneak in some crafts, surprise get-togethers, and those little moments your kids will actually remember.
Sure, we’ve all heard of the biggies like Labor Day or the first official day of fall.
But what if I told you September holidays are also home to silly, surprising, and downright delightful days like Talk Like a Pirate Day and National Cheese Pizza Day?
Yes, really. And yes, obviously, we are celebrating that. Talk Like a Pirate Day is one of my favorite days of the year!
Whether you’re savoring the last of summer sunshine or stepping into crisp fall air, I’ve rounded up a joyful mix of September fun holidays that are perfect for families, kids, and even the grown-ups (because it’s not always about the kids!).
From holiday crafts and quirky activities to sweet little moments of connection, this list is your go-to September bucket list of all things weird, wonderful, and worth celebrating.
So save yourself the “what should we do today?” brain freeze, I’ve got the holiday fun sorted.
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Jump into the September Fun
Why Celebrate These Weird September Celebrations Anyway?
Because life’s too short not to party over pizza, pirates, and Play-Doh.
These special days in September are perfect for parents who want to create memories without the mental load.
Whether you’re a homeschooling hero, a teacher trying to fill classroom time, or a mom on a mission to beat post-summer boredom, this list is packed with holiday crafts for kids, quirky activities, and even a few cheeky ideas just for adults.
These small, special, and silly holidays in September can:
- Spark creativity with low-prep crafts
- Break up your week with something different
- Offer little moments of joy and silliness
- Build traditions your kids will actually remember
Fun and Weird Holidays in September to Celebrate
September 1: National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day
- Make a silly non-rhyming book of poems as a family challenge.
- Draw or doodle “nonsense creatures” with funny names.
- Host a goofy dress-up dinner – no theme, no reason!
- Kids make cards with mismatched words/pictures (“an orange car that barks”).
September 5: National Cheese Pizza Day
- Make mini pizzas with kids choosing toppings.
- Craft paper plate pizzas with felt “toppings.”
- Host a family pizza picnic or “pizza taste test.”
- Adults: try a gourmet or dessert pizza night.
September 6: National Read a Book Day
- Family storytime fort with blankets and snacks.
- Visit the library and let kids pick out new books.
- Make a bookmark craft (felt, ribbon, or printable).
- Host a mini “read-aloud marathon” – everyone shares a favorite like Dr. Seuss, Roald Dahl, or Eric Carle.
September 9: National Teddy Bear Day
- Have a teddy bear sleepover or tea party.
- Read bear-themed books (Corduroy, Brown Bear, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt).
- Make bear paw crafts with paint handprints.
- Set up a teddy bear scavenger hunt around the house.
September 12: National Video Games Day
- Host a family video game night or try a few rounds of Game On Bingo.
- DIY “real life” video game – create an obstacle course at home.
- Kids design their own video game character on paper.
- Parents-only twist: retro game night with snacks.
September 13: National Grandparents Day
*Grandparents Day changes in line with the first Sunday after Labor Day
- Kids create handprint art or crafts for grandparents.
- Put together a simple photo collage or memory book.
- Complete a fun ‘All About My Grandparent’ interview sheet or coloring greeting card.
- Host a tea party or picnic dedicated to grandparents.
September 13: Positive Thinking Day
- Write down affirmations and decorate them with crayons or markers.
- Create a family “positivity jar” to fill with kind notes.
- Share compliments at dinner.
- Moms: journal 3 things you’re grateful for or download my free printable affirmation cards.
September 16: National Play-Doh Day
- Free play with Play-Doh kits and cookie cutters.
- Create Play-Doh animals or mini “food.”
- Play-Doh “guess what I made” family challenge.
- Make homemade playdough with scents or glitter.
September 18: National Cheeseburger Day
- Grill burgers at home and set up a toppings bar.
- Kids can craft paper cheeseburgers from colored paper.
- Try making “burger cupcakes” with vanilla buns and brownie patties.
- Adults: turn it into a backyard burger cook-off.
September 19: Talk Like a Pirate Day
- Dress up as pirates and use cardboard for hats or swords.
- Set up a treasure hunt with maps and clues.
- Read pirate books and teach kids pirate lingo (“Ahoy!” “Matey!”).
- Movie night with Peter Pan or Pirates of the Caribbean.
September 21: Mini Golf Day
- Visit a local course or set up DIY mini golf in the backyard.
- Use boxes, cups, and toys as obstacles indoors.
- Kids design their own “holes” with LEGO.
- Adults: turn it into a friendly competition with prizes.
September 22: First Day of Fall
- Go on a leaf scavenger hunt and make leaf rubbings.
- Apple crafts and stamping or apple baking together.
- Create a “fall bucket list” with family activities.
- Cozy family night: fall movie + apple cider + blankets.
September 25: National Comic Book Day
- Read age-appropriate comics or graphic novels.
- Kids create their own mini comic strip.
- Host a superhero costume day.
- Adults: revisit old favorites or share your childhood comics with the kids.
September 29: National Coffee Day
- Parents: coffee date at home or a new café.
- Kids: create a pretend “coffee shop” with hot chocolate.
- Coffee-scented playdough or art with coffee painting.
- Make DIY mugs with paint pens.
From Summer Sunshine to Cozy September Celebrations
There you have it – your ultimate guide to silly holidays in September, full of silly holidays, fun crafts, and memory-making goodness.
Whether you’re hosting a teddy bear sleepover, crafting pirate maps, or sipping coffee while the kids play with Play-Doh, I hope this inspires you to add a little spark to your everyday.
If we’re not eating pizza on National Cheese Pizza Day or talking like pirates in the backyard, are we even celebrating September fun days right?
If you loved this, go ahead and bookmark it, pin it, or share it with your fellow fun-makers.
Add it to your fall bucket list ideas, and let these September celebrations inspire your next holiday party or simple activities for kids.
And tell me, which of these weird and wonderful September holidays will you be celebrating? Is there one I’ve missed?
Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @avisualmerriment – I’d love to see your September shenanigans.
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