Make the most of a long weekend with help from artificial intelligence

Labor Day weekend is upon us. It’s the unofficial last blast of summer before pumpkin spice takes over everything. Maybe you’ve already got big plans, or maybe you’re just trying to figure out how to squeeze a little fun into your long weekend without overthinking it. Either way, artificial intelligence can help make things easier, more interesting and maybe even a little more fun.

This isn’t about robots taking over your barbecue. It’s more like having a helpful sidekick that can plan a day trip, recommend a recipe or come up with something fun to do with your family or friends. Best of all, most of these tools are free or built into apps you already use.

Finding local events and happenings

Sometimes we forget what’s going on right in our own backyard. Want to know if there’s a food truck festival, concert or farmers market happening this weekend? Try asking ChatGPT or another AI assistant: “What’s going on in Macon this Labor Day weekend?” Or use tools like Eventbrite or the app AroundMe, which can quickly show local events, live music or even which restaurants have good Labor Day deals.

You could also ask an AI model to find something off the beaten path like free museum days or outdoor movie nights. It’s a fun way to stumble onto things you might not have known about otherwise.

Day trip ideas

Let’s say you and a friend decide Saturday morning that you want to go somewhere new, but not too far. You can use a tool like Roadtrippers or Mindtrip.AI  to map out a fun route. Just type in something like “one-day road trip from Macon within two hours with cool food and scenery,” and you’ll get back a full itinerary, directions, and even restaurant suggestions.

You can also keep it super simple and just ask ChatGPT, “Give me three unique day trip ideas from Macon,” and see what it comes up with. I’ve gotten some great answers involving hidden parks, small-town diners and quirky roadside attractions.

No plans? No problem

Maybe you don’t want to go anywhere. That’s cool too. Long weekends are a great time to chill out. But if you’re looking for low-key ways to mix things up at home, AI can still pitch in.

Want to cook something new? Ask ChatGPT or an app like Cookpad: “What can I cook with ground beef, rice, and bell peppers?” It’ll generate recipes in seconds. Want to plan a themed movie night or game night? Just ask your favorite large language model (ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini…), “Create a Labor Day movie marathon for my family,” or “Suggest trivia categories for a backyard game night.” The AI can build a whole night of entertainment, from food ideas to playlists.

You can also try AI art generators (like Bing Image Creator or Leonardo AI) to make printable coloring sheets for kids or funny postcards to share with friends. It’s a way to add a creative spark to your downtime without spending much money.

Getting organized for future weekends

Here’s a bonus idea. You can use this long weekend to plan for the next one. If you’re the type who likes getting ahead, AI can help you build a simple calendar with ideas for future three-day weekends. Want to visit family in November? Check drive times and traffic forecasts. Want to make a holiday gift list? Ask for ideas based on your budget and interests. Some people even use AI to create group text messages or weekend packing lists.

It’s like having a super-organized friend who doesn’t mind doing the prep work.

Tools worth trying

Here are a few tools that play nicely with long weekends:

• ChatGPT — Just ask it for plans, ideas, routes, recipes, or activities.
• Mindtrip.AI — Try their AI trip planner.
• Eventbrite or AroundMe — See what’s happening nearby.
• Roadtrippers — Plan custom routes for road trips, big or small.
• Cookpad — Type in ingredients, get a recipe (or five).
• Canva Magic Studio — Create flyers, photo collages, or fun graphics with AI help.

Most of these have free versions. If you’re not sure where to start, just pull up your phone and try asking, “What’s something fun I can do nearby today?” You might be surprised what pops up.

Take the pressure off

Not every weekend has to be jam-packed. But if you want to make the most of your time off, whether that means going somewhere new, cooking something different or just relaxing with a little more intention. AI can help you make it happen without a ton of effort.

So whether you’ve got big plans or no plans at all, have a great Labor Day weekend. And remember, with the right tools in your pocket, a little bit of inspiration is always just a tap away.

Joe Finkelstein (AI Joe) has been a technology educator in Bibb County for more than 20 years. For questions and comments visit askaijoe.com