30 Presidents Day Activities: Crafts, Games & Lessons for All Ages

Presidents Day isn’t just a day off—it’s a chance to celebrate history, leadership, and civic pride through engaging, hands-on activities! Whether you’re a teacher planning Presidents Day activities for students, a parent organizing Presidents Day crafts for preschoolers, or an adult hosting a themed gathering, this guide has something for everyone.

From 4th grade Presidents Day activities like mock elections and historical trivia to Presidents Day ice breaker games for workplace events, discover creative ways to honor past leaders. Toddlers will love simple Presidents Day crafts easy enough for little hands, such as flag collages or cotton-ball Washington wigs. Meanwhile, Presidents Day lesson middle school ideas—like analyzing famous speeches or debating presidential decisions—add depth for older students.

**Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of this page.

Adults can join the fun with Presidents Day crafts for adults, such as patriotic wreaths or DIY Lincoln Log centerpieces. Don’t miss the classic “If I Were President” craft, perfect for sparking imagination in kids of all ages. Plus, grab Presidents Day crafts printable templates for hassle-free projects. Dive in and make this Presidents Day both educational and unforgettable!

I. Presidents Day Activities for Students & Classrooms

1. 4th Grade Presidents Day Activities

a. Create a “Presidential Timeline” Poster Project

• Materials Needed: Poster boards, markers, printed images of presidents, glue, online research tools.
• Steps:
  1. Assign each student (or group) a president (e.g., Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt).
  2. Research key events from their presidency (e.g., Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Washington’s Farewell Address).
  3. Create a timeline with dates, illustrations, and brief descriptions.
  4. Present posters to the class, explaining their president’s impact.

Tip: Use a template for struggling learners or provide a list of pre-approved events.

• Learning Outcome: Reinforces chronological thinking and historical context.

b. Host a Mock Election or Debate on Historical Policies

• Materials Needed: Debate guidelines, ballots, “campaign posters,” list of historical policies (e.g., Louisiana Purchase, New Deal).
• Steps:
  1. Divide students into “candidates” and “voters.”
  2. Assign a policy debate topic (e.g., “Was the Louisiana Purchase a good decision?”).
  3. Candidates research arguments and present pros/cons.
  4. Hold a vote to “elect” the most persuasive side.

Tip: Simplify policies with guided talking points for younger students.

• Learning Outcome: Develops critical thinking and public speaking skills.

c. Analyze Excerpts from Famous Speeches

• Materials Needed: Printed excerpts (e.g., Gettysburg Address, FDR’s “Day of Infamy”), highlighters, discussion questions.
• Steps:
  1. Read excerpts aloud as a class.
  2. Highlight key themes (e.g., unity, freedom, resilience).
  3. Discuss: What message was the president trying to convey? How does this relate to today?
  4. Write a short reflection or draw a comic strip summarizing the speech.

Tip: Pair with a video clip of the speech for auditory learners.

• Learning Outcome: Enhances reading comprehension and historical empathy.

---

Hey deal-lovers! The Amazon Presidents’ Day Sale is here, and you can save up to 40% on apparel, electronics, beauty, and more. But heads up—this sale ends on February 17, so don’t wait too long to grab your favorites!

Shop the Amazon Presidents Day Sale now before it’s too late

---

2. Presidents Day Lesson Middle School

a. Debate Presidential Decisions

• Example Topic: Was the Louisiana Purchase justified?
• Materials Needed: Primary sources (e.g., Jefferson’s letters), debate structure guide, rubric.
• Steps:
  1. Assign roles: Pro (expansion benefits), Con (ethical concerns about land acquisition).
  2. Research using primary and secondary sources.
  3. Host a structured debate with opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments.
  4. Reflect on how historical context influenced decisions.
• Tip: Encourage students to consider modern parallels (e.g., territorial disputes).
• Learning Outcome: Builds research skills and ethical reasoning.

b. Research & Present on Lesser-Known Presidents

• Presidents to Explore: James K. Polk, William Henry Harrison, Chester A. Arthur.
• Materials Needed: Library/online access, presentation tools (PosterMyWall, Canva), rubric.
• Steps:
  1. Assign each student a lesser-known president.
  2. Research their policies, challenges, and legacy.
  3. Create a 5-minute presentation or infographic.
  4. Class discussion: Why are some presidents overlooked?
• Tip: Compare their achievements to well-known presidents.
• Learning Outcome: Expands understanding of U.S. leadership diversity.

c. Compare/Contrast Leadership Styles Using Venn Diagrams

• Example Pair: George Washington vs. Abraham Lincoln.
• Materials Needed: Venn diagram templates, biographies, whiteboards.
• Steps:
  1. Brainstorm leadership qualities (e.g., communication, crisis management).
  2. Research each president’s approach (e.g., Washington’s neutrality vs. Lincoln’s Civil War leadership).
  3. Fill out diagrams with similarities/differences.
  4. Debate: Which leadership style is more effective today?
• Tip: Use modern leaders (e.g., current president) for added relevance.
• Learning Outcome: Encourages analytical thinking and historical perspective.

Pro Tips for Teachers:

• Differentiation: Provide sentence starters for debates or guided notes for speeches.
• Tech Integration: Use apps like Padlet for collaborative timelines or Flipgrid for speech reenactments.
• Cross-Curricular Links: Tie timelines to math (calculating term lengths) or art (designing campaign posters).

These activities align with Common Core standards (e.g., CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1 for analyzing primary sources) while making history engaging and interactive! 🎓

II. Presidents Day Ice Breakers & Games

Presidents Day Ice Breaker

1. “Two Truths and a Lie: Presidential Edition”

• How to Play:
  • Prepare 3 statements about a president (2 true, 1 false). Example: “Abraham Lincoln: 1) Was a licensed bartender, 2) Loved cats, 3) Wore a top hat to store notes.” (Lie: #3).
  • Participants guess the lie. Reveal answers with fun facts.
• Materials: Pre-written cards or a slideshow.
• Tip: Use lesser-known presidents (e.g., James Madison) to boost learning.

2. “Pin the Hat on Lincoln”

• How to Play:
  • Hang a large poster of Lincoln (hatless). Blindfold players, spin them, and have them stick a paper hat on his head.
• Materials: Lincoln image, paper hats, tape, blindfold.
• Variation: Add trivia questions before each turn (correct answers earn extra tries).

3. Presidential Trivia Quiz

• How to Play:
  • Split into teams. Ask questions like, “Which president served the shortest term?” (William Henry Harrison).
  • Award points for speed and accuracy.
• Materials: Trivia list, buzzer (optional), scoreboard.
• Tip: Include visual rounds (e.g., match presidents to their pets).

Presidents Day Game

1. Scavenger Hunt for Symbols

• How to Play:
  • Hide symbols (printed images of liberty bells, eagles, etc.) around the room or outdoors.
  • Provide clues tied to presidential history (“I’m on the back of a dollar bill—find me!”).
• Materials: Printed symbols, clue cards, prizes.
• Learning Outcome: Teaches historical symbolism and teamwork.

2. Presidential Charades

• How to Play:
  • Write presidential events/actions on slips (e.g., “Signing the Declaration of Independence,” “Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address”).
  • Players act them out without speaking.
• Materials: Slips, timer.
• Variation: Add modern presidents for relevancy.

3. Presidential Bingo

• How to Play:
  • Create bingo cards with milestones (“First president,” “Served during WWII”) or quotes (“Ask not what your country can do…”).
  • Call out clues; players mark squares.
• Materials: Custom bingo cards, markers.
• Tip: Offer mini flags or stickers as prizes.

III. Presidents Day Crafts for All Ages

Presidents Day Crafts for Kids & Preschoolers

1. Toilet Paper Roll Abe Lincoln Log Cabins

• Materials: TP rolls, brown paint, popsicle sticks, glue.
• Steps: Paint rolls brown, glue sticks as “logs,” add a paper roof and cotton ball “snow.”

2. Handprint American Flags

• Materials: Construction paper, paint, markers.
• Steps: Paint palms red/blue, stamp on paper. Add stripes and stars with markers.

3. Paper Plate George Washington Wigs

• Materials: Paper plates, cotton balls, glue, ribbon.
• Steps: Cut plate center to fit head. Glue cotton balls around edges. Tie ribbon for a ponytail.

Presidents Day Crafts Easy

1. DIY Patriotic Wreaths

• Materials: Foam wreath base, ribbon, star stickers.
• Steps: Wrap ribbon around wreath, add stars, and hang with a bow.

2. “If I Were President” Templates

• Materials: Free printable (e.g., “I would make…______”), crayons.
• Steps: Kids draw/write their presidential goals. Display on a bulletin board.

3. Button Collages

• Materials: Red/white/blue buttons, glue, cardstock.
• Steps: Create flag shapes or abstract designs.

Presidents Day Crafts for Adults

1. Embroidery Hoop Art

• Materials: Hoops, fabric, thread.
• Steps: Stitch quotes (“The buck stops here”) or silhouettes.

Here Are 82 Presidents Day Quotes to Inspire Leadership & Honor

2. Decoupage Mason Jars

• Materials: Jars, Mod Podge, printed historical documents.
• Steps: Glue documents to jars, seal, and add tea lights.

3. Patriotic Centerpieces

• Materials: Dollar-store vases, silk flowers, mini flags.
• Steps: Arrange flowers with flags and ribbon.

Presidents Day Crafts Printable

1. Paper Masks

• Download: Washington/Lincoln outlines.
• Steps: Color, cut, and attach sticks.

2. Coloring Pages

• Themes: Mount Rushmore, White House.
• Use: Pair with history facts for a mini-lesson.

3. Design Your Dollar Bill

• Activity: Kids draw their face on a blank bill template.

IV. Family-Friendly Presidents Day Activities

Presidents Day Activities for Toddlers

1. Sensory Bin

• Materials: Dyed rice (red/white/blue), plastic coins, scoops.
• Play: Hide coins for a “treasure hunt.”

2. “Yankee Doodle” Sing-Along

• Instruments: DIY shakers (rice in bottles).
• Tip: Add simple dance moves.

3. Sorting Presidents

• Materials: Printed cards (Washington vs. Lincoln).
• Goal: Match faces to names or symbols.

Presidents Day Activities for Adults

1. Themed Potluck

• Dishes: Jefferson’s macaroni, Kennedy’s clam chowder, Obama’s chili.

2. Virtual White House Tour

• Resources: WhiteHouse.gov’s virtual tour.
• Follow-Up: Trivia about rooms or artifacts.

3. “Cherry Tree” Mocktails

• Recipe: Sparkling cider + cherry juice + mint.
• Garnish: Maraschino cherries and paper flags.

Final Tips:

• Adaptability: Simplify crafts with pre-cut materials for younger kids.
• Safety: Use child-safe scissors and non-toxic glue.
• Engagement: Encourage storytelling (e.g., “Why did Lincoln grow a beard?”).

From Presidents Day activities for toddlers to thought-provoking Presidents Day lesson middle school plans, this holiday offers endless opportunities to learn and connect. Whether you’re hosting a Presidents Day game night with trivia or crafting patriotic keepsakes, these ideas blend fun with historical appreciation.

Don’t forget to try the “If I Were President” craft—it’s a hit for Presidents Day activities for preschoolers and adults alike! For quick projects, use Presidents Day crafts printable sheets for flags, badges, or paper portraits. Adults can unwind with Presidents Day crafts for adults, like embroidered presidential quotes or star-spangled candle holders.

Share your creations online with #PresidentsDayCrafts and inspire others to join the celebration. Looking for more? Explore our resources for Presidents Day ice breaker ideas or 4th grade Presidents Day activities to keep the momentum going. However you celebrate, these activities remind us that leadership, creativity, and community start with a single step—or craft!

Shop the Amazon Presidents Day Sale now!

Happy shopping and happy Presidents Day!