Summer solstice is approaching fast in the northern hemisphere and it's time to get ready for the longest day of the year!
Many people aren't sure how to celebrate summer solstice, what it is, or when it is, or how to celebrate summer solstice.
Let's dive into everything you need to know about the summer solstice and how to celebrate it with kids.
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What is the Summer Solstice?
Summer solstice is the longest day of the year, and it usually falls on June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.
This is when the sun is at its highest point in the sky and provides us with the most daylight hours.
The sun follows its longest path through the sky so the hours of darkness are the shortest they will be all year.
The word "solstice" comes from the Latin words sol for 'Sun' and sistere for 'To Stand Still' as the sun appears to stand still at its highest point in the sky.
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What Day Does Summer Start?
In the Northern Hemisphere, astronomical summer officially starts on the day of the summer solstice, which is June 21st.
1st June is the first day of meteorological summer, which divides the 4 seasons into a 3 monthly pattern - the summer months being June, July and August.
With the astronomical definition, summer begins on or around 21st June with the Summer Solstice and ends at the Autumn Equinox on or around 23rd September.
How to Celebrate Summer Solstice
There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate the beginning of summer as a family.
There are a variety of ways that people celebrate the summer solstice.
For some, it’s a religious holiday while others use it as simply an opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and extra daylight hours.
Here are some popular ways to celebrate Summer Solstice:
1. Get outside and enjoy the warm weather.
Go for a hike, have a picnic, or just sit in your backyard and soak up the sun.
2. If you can't be outside, bring the outdoors inside.
Open up all the windows, let in some fresh air, and turn on some nature sounds.
3. Make something special to eat.
Grilled food, summer fruits and veggies, or anything that screams "SUMMER!"
The book Sun Bread is fun and has a recipe for making your own sun bread for solstice!
4. Stay out late.
Have a bonfire and make s'mores (or just roast marshmallows over the grill). Watch the sunrise or sunset with your loved ones.
5. Head to the beach.
Take a trip to the beach to soak up some sun rays.
Travelling for Summer Solstice
If you’re looking to travel for the summer solstice, there are a few places around the world that offer unique experiences.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge in England is a popular destination because of the way that the sun aligns with the ancient stones on this day.
Midsummer's Eve
You can also go to Midsummer's Eve in Sweden, which is a huge celebration with music and food.
North Pole
Or, if you want to experience the longest day of sunlight with no darkness at all, head to the Arctic Circle!
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Summer Solstice is a special day to enjoy with family and friends.
Enjoy the warm weather and extra daylight hours!
Summer Solstice Unit Study
Now that you know all about the summer solstice, it's time to learn more!
This printable summer solstice PDF is perfect for kids of all ages.
It includes a variety of activities, vocabulary, and printables all about the first day of summer.
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What's included in the Summer Solstice Unit Study?
Activities include:
- Summer Solstice Facts
- Solstice Word Game
- Summer Solstice & Ancient Monuments
- Stonehenge Pros & Cons
- Sun & Moon Relationship
- What Happens During Summer Solstice Writing Activity
- Colorful Diagram
- Summer Solstice Vocabulary Matching
With so many interesting activities, your kids will be excited to learn all about the summer solstice!
It provides hours of educational fun and can easily be tailored to any age group.
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This summer solstice pack is suitable to use with students aged 7 and up, but you can adjust the activities, research, and writing work to your children's ages and capabilities.
You can use this Summer Solstice printable pack as a standalone activity during the week of Solstice or as part of a larger unit study to supplement and extend your child’s scientific studies.
Click below to download your printable summer solstice unit study!
Summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere is here!
Use this fun unit study and activity pack to learn about the longest day of the year - it's coming on June 21st!
If you would like to learn about all four equinoxes and solstices in the year, grab our Equinox and Solstice bundle and SAVE:
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