10 Exciting Activities To Celebrate Columbus Day

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States that celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. Apart from being a national holiday, Columbus Day is also a great opportunity to spend quality time with family and loved ones. Whether you're up for a history lesson, taking in the autumn scenery, or simply having fun, we've rounded up the top ten exciting activities to celebrate Columbus Day that are sure to make your day unforgettable. So, buckle up and get ready for a day filled with adventure, excitement, and learning!

Visit a Columbus Day Parade

Columbus Day is a national holiday that is celebrated on the second Monday of October every year. It honors the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. It is a day that many people look forward to, as it is an opportunity to celebrate history and culture. One of the best ways to do this is by attending a Columbus Day parade.

If you are looking for an exciting way to celebrate Columbus Day, then attending a Columbus Day parade is the perfect option. This is a great way to learn more about Columbus, the culture and traditions of the people he encountered on his journey, and the history of the Americas.

Most cities and towns across the country have a Columbus Day parade. They are typically held in the town center or downtown area, and feature colorful floats, marching bands, and dance groups. There are usually food vendors selling traditional foods from the Americas, such as corn on the cob, tamales, and empanadas.

The parade is a great way to celebrate with family and friends. You can dress up in costumes, wave flags, and join in the festivities. You can learn more about the different cultures and traditions that were influenced by the arrival of Columbus to the Americas. It is a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.

Attending a Columbus Day parade is also a great way to support your local community. The parade is often organized by local volunteers, and the money raised from food sales and donations goes towards supporting local organizations and charities.

In conclusion, attending a Columbus Day parade is one of the best ways to celebrate this national holiday. It is a fun, educational, and exciting experience that everyone can enjoy. So, grab your family and friends, wave your flags, and join the celebration!

Participate in a Scavenger Hunt

Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October every year in the United States to honor the day Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas back in 1492. While the holiday has been controversial in the past few years due to criticisms of Columbus and his impact on Indigenous peoples, there are still ways to celebrate the day. One fun activity to do on Columbus Day is to participate in a Scavenger Hunt.

A Scavenger Hunt is a game where participants are given a list of items to find or tasks to complete within a certain time limit. The list of items can range from easy-to-find objects to tricky clues that require teamwork and creativity. Scavenger Hunts are great for groups of friends and family members, as well as schools and community organizations looking for a fun way to bond and learn something new together.

To organize a Columbus Day Scavenger Hunt, here are some steps you can follow:

• Plan your hunt route: Pick a route around your neighborhood, school, or local park that includes historical landmarks, monuments, or other Columbus Day-related places. Make sure to get permission from property owners if necessary.
• Create your list of clues: Come up with a list of Columbus Day-themed clues or riddles for participants to solve. The clues can be trivia questions about Christopher Columbus, historical facts about the indigenous peoples he encountered, or even questions about modern-day America.
• Choose a time limit: Decide on how long the scavenger hunt will last – usually one to two hours is good – and make sure to communicate the time limit to participants.
• Form teams: Divide participants into teams of 2-5 people and give them a copy of the scavenger hunt list. Encourage them to work together and strategize about the best way to solve the clues and find the items.
• Start the hunt: Once all teams are ready, start the timer and let them loose to begin their scavenger hunt. Make sure to provide a phone number or email for them to contact you in case they get stuck or lost.
• Finish line: When all teams have completed their scavenger hunt, meet up at the finish line to tally up the points and declare the winners. You can even offer a prize like a gift card or trophy to the winning team.

Participating in a Columbus Day-themed Scavenger Hunt is a great way to learn more about American history and have fun with friends and family. Just remember to be culturally respectful and considerate during the activity.

Watch Columbus Day Fireworks

Columbus Day is a holiday that is celebrated in the United States on the second Monday in October. This day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. Columbus Day is a time for celebration and there are many things to do on this special day, such as watching Columbus Day fireworks.

Watching Columbus Day fireworks is a great way to celebrate this important holiday with friends and family. Many cities and towns hold firework displays on Columbus Day which are free for spectators to view. These firework displays are usually set off in the evening and can be seen from various locations around town.

To find out where the Columbus Day fireworks are being held in your area, check with your local government, civic groups, or chamber of commerce. They will usually have information about the time and location of the firework display. You can also look in local newspapers or check online for information about the event.

Once you have found out where the firework display will be held, make sure to arrive early to get a good spot. Find a place where you can see the fireworks clearly, but also make sure to be a safe distance away. Bring blankets or chairs to sit on and some snacks to enjoy while you wait for the show to begin.

When the fireworks start, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! Watch as the sky lights up with brilliant colors and patterns. Listen to the sound of the fireworks as they explode in the air. Firework displays usually last around 20-30 minutes, but can sometimes go on longer.

Watching Columbus Day fireworks is a fun and exciting way to spend the holiday. It is a great way to create memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime. So make sure to check out the local firework display in your area and enjoy a night of celebration and excitement!

Go on a Historical Walking Tour

Columbus Day is a holiday that honors the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492. It marks an important event in history both for the United States and the world, and there are many ways to celebrate it. One of these ways is to enjoy a historical walking tour.

Many cities in the United States have significant historical landmarks and buildings that are worth exploring, and Columbus Day provides an excellent opportunity to do so. Going on a historical walking tour is not only educational but is also a great way to get exercise and fresh air. Here are some places you can explore:

• Boston, Massachusetts: Boston is a city rich in history, and it's the perfect place to go on a walking tour. You can explore the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that will take you to 16 historical sites. This includes the Massachusetts State House, the Old North Church, and the USS Constitution Museum.
• New York City, New York: New York is a city that has something for everyone, including historical sites. The city is home to several museums and landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. A walking tour of the city is a great way to see many of these landmarks in one day.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia is often referred to as the birthplace of America, and it’s easy to see why. The city is steeped in history, and there are many excellent walking tours that will take you to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Betsy Ross House.
• Washington D.C: Washington D.C is the capital of the United States, and it's home to many famous landmarks and museums. You can go on a walking tour to see the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. Additionally, there are several museums in the city, including the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
• St. Augustine, Florida: St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, and it's full of history. You can go on a walking tour of the city and see the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.

In conclusion, going on a historical walking tour is an excellent way to celebrate Columbus Day. It will provide you with an educational and enjoyable experience that you won’t forget. So, grab some comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle and enjoy a meaningful day exploring the rich cultural heritage of America’s founding.

Host a Potluck

Columbus Day is a day of celebration and reflection on the history and achievements of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. This day is perfect for hosting a potluck with family and friends to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship. Here are some ideas for hosting a Columbus Day potluck:

• Choose a Theme: Columbus Day potlucks can be either Italian-themed or Columbus-themed. Encourage guests to bring dishes that have an Italian or Spanish flair, such as pizza, lasagna, spaghetti, paella, or tapas. Alternatively, ask guests to bring foods that were commonly eaten during Columbus’s expeditions, such as dried meats, hardtack, beans, and fruit.
• Send out Invitations: Invitations can be sent via email, social media, or traditional mail. Encourage guests to RSVP and include what dish they would like to bring.
• Plan for Decorations: A Columbus Day potluck can be turned into a festive affair with decorations such as Italian flags, Columbus Day posters, or tablecloths in shades of red, white, and green. Use your creativity to make the space warm and inviting.
• Set Up the Buffet: Decide where the food is to be placed and set up the buffet table accordingly. Make sure there are plates, napkins, and utensils available for guests to use.
• Plan for Activities: Plan some fun activities related to Columbus Day to keep guests engaged, such as trivia games, crafts, or a movie marathon (The Odyssey or 1492: Conquest of Paradise).
• Have Fun: Enjoy the party and spend time with your guests. This is a great time to catch up with friends and family and celebrate the legacy of Columbus.

On Columbus Day, take advantage of the opportunity to host a potluck and enjoy the company of those closest to you. By following these steps, you can make your potluck a success and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Make a DIY Ship

Columbus Day is a special day that celebrates the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World. It is a day that is marked with many activities and events to honor the achievements and contributions of this great explorer. One of the most interesting things you can do on Columbus Day is to make a DIY ship.

Making a DIY ship is a fun and educational activity that is perfect for both kids and adults. You can use simple materials such as cardboard, paper, and glue to make a small model ship that is inspired by the ships that Columbus sailed on to the New World. Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Gather Materials

The first step in making your DIY ship is to gather all the materials you need. You will need a large piece of cardboard, a ruler, scissors, glue, and some colored paper or markers.

Step 2: Cut Out the Ship Template

Using your ruler, draw the shape of your ship on the cardboard. Cut out your template with scissors. You can also create some sails using colored paper or markers.

Step 3: Glue the Ship Together

Using glue, attach the different parts of the ship together. Glue the mast to the bottom of the ship and attach the sails. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Step 4: Decorate Your Ship

Once your ship is complete, you can decorate it using markers or colored paper. Add some details to make your ship more realistic. You can also add some miniature flags or cannons to your ship to give it that authentic look.

Step 5: Take It for a Test Sail

Finally, take your DIY ship out for a test sail in a tub of water. You can even try blowing a fan on it to simulate wind or create waves with your hands. It’s a fun activity to do with friends or family.

In conclusion, making a DIY ship on Columbus day is a great way to celebrate the voyages of Christopher Columbus. It’s an easy activity that is both entertaining and educational, and a perfect way to bond with your loved ones. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a homemade ship that you can be proud of.

Have a Columbus Day-themed BBQ

Columbus Day is a great time to celebrate the life and accomplishments of the famous explorer Christopher Columbus. While some people choose to relax and enjoy a long weekend, others embrace the holiday spirit by hosting a Columbus Day-themed BBQ. Here are a few tips and ideas for planning a fun and festive outdoor gathering that honors Columbus and adds a touch of history to your backyard festivities.

Decorations

To set the tone for your Columbus Day event, decorate your outdoor space with patriotic colors, flags, and other related items. Hang a few maps or pictures of Columbus and his famous voyages, and consider incorporating props like telescopes, ship models, and compasses to add to the ambiance. You could also use nautical-inspired decorations like anchors, buoys, and fishing nets to create a true "high seas" feel for your party.

Food

No BBQ is complete without delicious food, and Columbus Day is the perfect excuse to try out some new recipes and flavors. You could serve up traditional American fare like burgers, hot dogs, and apple pie, or spice things up with some Spanish or Italian dishes to reflect Columbus's heritage. Some popular ideas might include paella, tapas, pasta dishes, or seafood specials like lobster or shrimp.

Drinks

A Columbus Day BBQ is a great opportunity to introduce your guests to some delicious new drinks that might have been popular during Columbus's time. For example, you could serve up sangria, red or white wine, or beer from Spain, Italy, or Portugal. You might also try making some Columbus-themed cocktails like "The Santa Maria" or "The New World," which could feature ingredients like rum, lime juice, and bitters.

Games and Activities

While your guests are enjoying the food and drink at your Columbus Day BBQ, there are plenty of fun games and activities they can participate in to keep the party going. Consider setting up a cornhole or horseshoe toss, or trying out some classic lawn games like croquet or bocce. You could also play Columbus-themed trivia, telling stories about his voyages and discoveries, and asking questions about his life and legacy. Kids might enjoy making a craft like a paper hat, telescope, or ship model to take home as a souvenir of the day.

In conclusion, hosting a Columbus Day-themed BBQ is a great way to commemorate the achievements of the famous explorer while enjoying some great food, drinks, and fun with friends and family. With a little creativity and planning, you can turn your backyard into a festive and historical tribute to Columbus that everyone will enjoy. So get out the grill, raise the flag, and let the good times roll this Columbus Day!

Play Cultural Games

Columbus Day is a great opportunity to learn about our diverse cultural heritage and explore some fun ways to celebrate! One way to do this is by playing cultural games that originate from around the world. Here are some ideas for games you can play to celebrate Columbus Day.

• Bocce Ball - This game is a popular Italian sport that is played with small balls and a larger target ball. The basic goal is to get your balls as close as possible to the target ball, and you can earn points for each ball that lands closer than your opponent's.
• Mancala - This ancient African game is a strategy game that is played with a board and small stones or seeds. The basic objective is to collect and capture as many seeds as possible, by moving them around the board strategically.
• Mahjong - This traditional Chinese game is a complex version of a tile-based game. It involves using strategic thinking to complete combinations of tiles before the other player can do so, and it can be played with up to four players.
• Tafl - This Viking strategy game is one of the oldest games in existence, dating back to the 5th century. It is played on a board with two opposing sides, with the objective being to capture the other player's pieces.
• Backgammon - This classic game is played with dice and a board, and involves moving pieces around the board according to the values rolled on the dice. The objective is to get all of your pieces to the other side of the board before your opponent does.

Playing cultural games is a great way to expand your cultural knowledge and enjoy some fun games with friends and family. So, make your Columbus Day celebration memorable by playing some of these games!

Create an Art Project

Columbus Day is a holiday that celebrates the achievements and discoveries of Christopher Columbus. Many people take the day off work or school to commemorate this day, but often struggle to find fun activities to do. One activity that can be fun and engaging for all ages is creating an art project.

There are many ways to approach creating an art project for Columbus Day. Some ideas include creating a map of the journey that Columbus took, making a replica of one of his ships, or designing a flag for Columbus and his crew. Here are some specific steps to follow to create an art project that is both educational and fun.

Step 1: Research Christopher Columbus

Before starting any art project, it is important to do your research. Learn about the life and achievements of Christopher Columbus. This will help you to create an accurate representation of his journey and accomplishments. You can find information about Columbus online, in books, or at your local library.

Step 2: Choose your art medium

There are many art mediums to choose from when creating a Columbus Day project. Some ideas include painting, drawing, sculpting, or even sewing. Consider choosing a medium that compliments your skills and interests.

Step 3: Sketch out your project

Take some time to sketch out your project before getting started. This will help you to visualize your final product and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

Step 4: Get creative!

Now that you have done your research, chosen your art medium, and sketched out your project, it is time to get creative! Experiment with colors, textures, and patterns to create a unique and engaging project.

Step 5: Share your project

After completing your Columbus Day art project, consider sharing it with others. Display it in your home or office, or take it to a local museum or art exhibit. By sharing your project, you can inspire others to learn about Christopher Columbus and his achievements.

In conclusion, creating an art project is a fun and engaging activity to do on Columbus Day. By following these steps, you can create an accurate representation of Christopher Columbus and his journey while exploring your creativity and imagination.

Watch Columbus Day-themed Movies

Columbus Day is a national holiday in the United States that is celebrated on the second Monday of October each year. It is a day that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and the beginning of the period known as the Age of Exploration. There are many ways to celebrate this holiday, but one of the best ways to get in the spirit is by watching some Columbus Day-themed movies. Here are a few ideas:

• "1492: Conquest of Paradise" - This epic film directed by Ridley Scott tells the story of Christopher Columbus (played by Gerard Depardieu) and his journey to the New World. The movie is a visually stunning portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of Columbus and his crew.
• "Christopher Columbus: The Discovery" - This movie from director John Glen stars George Corraface as Columbus and chronicles his journey to the Americas. It is a more romanticized version of the story, but still offers an entertaining and informative look at the explorer's exploits.
• "Pocahontas" - This Disney animated classic may not be specifically about Columbus, but it does feature him as a character and is a great way to introduce younger viewers to the story of the Age of Exploration.
• "The New World" - Directed by Terrence Malick, this movie tells the story of the first Jamestown settlement in Virginia and the interactions between the English settlers and the native people. While not specifically about Columbus, it does explore the broader themes of exploration and colonization that were a major part of his legacy.
• "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" - This Korean movie is based on the true story of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, who defeated a Japanese fleet during the Joseon Dynasty. While not specifically about Columbus, it does depict the same era of history and offers a unique perspective on the age of exploration.

No matter which movies you choose to watch on Columbus Day, they are a great way to learn more about the history and legacy of Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration. So why not sit back, relax, and enjoy some Columbus Day-themed films this year?

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