6 ways to spend Election Day with your kids

Tuesday is a big day for the nation, and it offers a great opportunity to teach our kids about how government works and why it's so important for each of us to vote.

Posted 2:00 a.m. Nov 3, 2020 — Updated 2:00 a.m. Nov 3, 2020

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

Tuesday is a big day for the nation, and it offers a great opportunity to teach our kids about how government works and why it's so important for each of us to vote. And this year, many kids have the day off of school, which means that while parents warily watch the news, kids will be looking for something to do.

Here are six easy ways to spend Election Day with your kids

Vote all day

Pancakes or waffles? Bike ride or playground? Painting or sidewalk chalk? Throughout the day, let the kids or family vote for how they'd like to spend it. Then, plan your day based on the results.

Here's a song from PBS Kids on what voting is all about ...

And here's Steve Carrell, Abby and Elmo talking about voting too.

Make a presidential meal

Did you know Dwight D. Eisenhower loved fudge? Or that Gerald Ford couldn't get enough waffles? Or that Abraham Lincoln was a big fan of gingerbread cookies? Taste of Home has a big list of some of the president's favorite dishes with recipes. Mark the day by making a presidential meal — or three.

Color in the states

If your kids are going to stay up as the results come in on Tuesday evening, they can chart the progress by coloring in the election map. Here's a link to a free coloring sheet. The site also has some free printables if you want to go all out and host an Election Day party for your family.

Watch movies

Take a break from the breaking news and press play on any number of political movies. Common Sense Media has recommendations for a few dozen of them, starting with the classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," which is rated for kids ages 8 and up.

Explore with Ben

Ben Franklin that is, kind of sort of. The U.S. Government Publishing Office offers up Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government with activities for kids ages 4 to teen. The site has age-appropriate information about how laws are made, the election process and more.

Vote — with your kids

My husband and I have already voted. And, as usual, we brought our kids to hammer home the importance of casting a ballot. If you have not voted yet, check out WRAL-TV's Voter Guide where you can find details about your polling place and how to make your voice heard.

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