The Summer Solstice is right around the corner, and it's the perfect opportunity to make some magical memories with your kids.
The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, the celestial event marks the official start of summer, usually falling on June 20th or 21st in the northern hemisphere.
The pole is tilted towards the sun so we have the longest hours of daylight and, usually, warm temperatures to bask in it.
And what better way to celebrate than by getting the kids involved in some fun and educational activities? Let’s dive into some awesome ways to make the most of this special day!
10 Fun Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Kids
Read on to find out how to celebrate the Summer Solstice with your family this year.
Whether you choose one or two of the activities or all of them, you're sure to have a fun day celebrating this summer!
Get kids ready for the celebrations with this fun unit study whch contains Summer Solstice facts, a guide to world landmarks built to celebrate the sun, several fun activities, research and writing exercises and more.
1. Sunrise Watching Party
Why not kick off the day with a bit of awe and wonder?
Set those alarm clocks early, pack up some cozy blankets, and head to a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon.
Watching the sunrise on the longest day of the year is a magical experience. Make it special by bringing along some hot cocoa and muffins.
As the sun peeks over the horizon, share some fun facts about the solstice with your kids.
Did you know that some cultures believed the sun was a powerful deity, and the solstice was a time to celebrate its strength?
2. Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt
After a beautiful sunrise, it’s time to stretch those legs and explore the great outdoors.
A nature walk is a fantastic way to soak up the sun and enjoy the beauty of the season.
Turn it into a scavenger hunt by creating a list of summer-specific items for your kids to find, or grab our readymade one below!
Think along the lines of a butterfly, a bird’s nest, a yellow flower, and a shiny rock.
This not only keeps them engaged but also encourages them to observe and appreciate the natural world.
3. Craft Time: Sun Catchers and Flower Crowns
Get those creative juices flowing with some fun summer solstice crafts.
Sun catchers are a beautiful way to bring a bit of sunlight indoors.
All you need are some translucent materials like tissue paper or cellophane, and a simple frame.
Let the kids design their own patterns and watch how the sunlight dances through their creations.
Another great craft is making flower crowns.
Gather wildflowers or pick some from your garden and use them to create beautiful crowns.
This activity not only lets your kids’ creativity shine but also connects them to ancient traditions, as flower crowns have been used in solstice celebrations for centuries.
4. Picnic Lunch with Sun-Themed Foods
By now, everyone’s worked up an appetite!
How about a picnic lunch with a fun, sun-themed twist?
Pack a basket with round foods that resemble the sun.
Think orange slices, sunflower butter sandwiches, round crackers, and cheese.
You could even make some sun bread, this book has a lovely story and delicious recipe.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated with some refreshing lemonade or iced tea.
Find a nice shady spot, spread out a blanket, and enjoy your meal while soaking up the beautiful day.
You can even incorporate a bit of learning by talking about how different cultures celebrate the solstice around the world.
5. Solar Oven S’mores
Harness the power of the sun to make a delicious treat!
Building a solar oven is a great hands-on science project that’s both educational and tasty.
You’ll need a pizza box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and black construction paper.
Line the box with foil, place the black paper at the bottom, and cover the opening with plastic wrap.
Set it out in the sun with some s’mores ingredients inside (graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows), and watch as the sun melts everything into gooey goodness.
Your kids will be amazed at how the sun can cook their treats!
6. Storytime Under the Sun
After all that activity, it’s nice to wind down with some quiet time.
Grab a few books that celebrate the sun and nature.
Classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle or The Solstice Badger by Robin McFadden are perfect choices.
Find a comfy spot outside and read together.
This not only gives everyone a chance to rest but also reinforces the day’s theme of celebrating the sun and the natural world.
7. Sunset Bonfire and Stargazing
As the day winds down, prepare for an evening of more fun.
If you have the space and it’s safe to do so, light a bonfire as the sun sets.
There’s something truly special about gathering around a fire, sharing stories, and roasting marshmallows.
Once the fire dies down, lay out some blankets and do a bit of stargazing.
The summer sky is full of wonders, and it’s the perfect way to end the longest day of the year.
Point out constellations and share any myths or stories associated with them.
8. DIY Shadow Art
Here’s a fun and easy activity to enjoy the abundance of sunlight.
Grab some chalk and head outside to create shadow art.
Have your kids strike different poses, trace their shadows, and then let them color in their outlines.
This is not only a creative way to pass the time but also a neat little lesson on how the sun’s position affects shadows.
Or you could buy some light sensitive solar paper and do some solar printing with natural materials like leaves and ferns.
9. Sun-Themed Games
Engage in some sun-themed games to keep the energy levels high.
Games like “Sun Says” (a solar twist on “Simon Says”) or “Hot Potato” with a yellow ball (representing the sun) are great for younger kids.
For older children, you can create a sun-themed obstacle course or a relay race.
These games not only provide fun but also promote physical activity, which is always a plus.
10. Planting Sunflowers
What better way to celebrate the sun than by planting sunflowers?
These bright, cheerful flowers are a perfect symbol of summer and are relatively easy for kids to grow.
Spend some time planting seeds together and talk about how the sun helps plants grow.
Over the coming weeks, your kids will love watching their sunflowers sprout and eventually bloom, serving as a lasting reminder of your Summer Solstice celebration.
So there you have it, a whole day of sun-soaked activities that will not only entertain your kids but also teach them about the significance of the Summer Solstice.
From sunrise to sunset, there are countless ways to make this day special and memorable.
Here’s to a sunny, fun-filled Summer Solstice!
Happy celebrating!
More Summer Solstice ideas:
Note: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission. Thank you for your understanding and support. Find out more about ads on our Disclosure page:
https://www.attachmentmummy.com/p/disclosure.html All printable sales are final, due to the nature of digital products no refunds can be made.