Summer solstice is an exciting astronomical event that heralds the start of summer fun. The summer solstice is that one day of the year where we have the most hours of daylight. It’s also when the sun will rise to its highest point in the sky. These astronomical wonders happen because the Earth’s pole is at the point where it is the most titled towards the sun.
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When is the Summer Solstice?
Summer solstice happen two times each year. Once in the Northern Hemisphere and once in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, summer solstice takes place on June 21st (sometimes on June 20th or June 22nd), and in the Southern Hemisphere, summer solstice takes place on December 21st (sometimes on December 22nd).
To figure out the exact time of the summer solstice happens, do a quick internet search. Type in: summer solstice time [+ current year]. Voila!
In 2019, the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere takes place on June 21st at 8:54 a.m. Pacific Time, or 5:54 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Even though Summer Solstice occurs at a single moment, we make it into a full day or even a full week of celebration. We embrace the light, remembering that from this day onward daylight starts to decreases with each and every day.
Celebrating Summer Solstice with your Children
Summer solstice has captivated people for millennia and celebrations have spanned ages and religions. Here is a fun list of ideas and traditions for celebrating the summer solstice with your child.
1. Chase the sun with your child.
Summer solstice is a time to celebrate light and show gratitude for our beautiful star, the sun. Here are some special ways to chase the sun with your child.
- Wake up early to watch the sunrise or stay up late and enjoy the beauty of the sunset together.
- Go sunbathing in your yard, beach or park for 10 to 30 minutes. If the sun’s UV levels are high cover up or wear some non-toxic sunscreen.
- Visit a local sundial or make your own sundial out of rocks and a stick and learn how to use the sun and shadows to tell time.
- Use the power of the sun to make sun s’mores – yum!
2. Make flower crowns together.
Flower crowns are a popular Midsummer tradition in Europe and Scandinavian countries. Spend some time making flower crowns with your child using whatever materials you have on hand.
- Willow flower crown.
- Daisy or dandelion crown.
- Fresh cut flower crown.
- Cupcake liner flower crown.
- Felt flower crown.
3. Go on a summer solstice nature walk.
What better way to celebrate summer solstice than to go outside. If the summer solstice falls on a weekday, a big adventure might be out of the question, but a stroll around your neighborhood or local park is definitely doable.
While you are outside with your child find a nice sitting spot and use all your senses to notice how nature looks, sounds, smells, feels and tastes on the summer solstice.
Summer Nature Walk Journal Pages for Older Kids
For older kids, a summer nature walk is a wonderful opportunity for nature journaling. One thing I love about nature journals is that it really encourages kids and parents to slow down and observe nature closely.
These nature journal pages were inspired by my Nature Adventure Journal for Kids that comes in Fall, Winter and Spring versions.
4. Create sun inspired art.
Celebrate the sun and get messy with some child-friendly sun-inspired art.
- Use sun art paper to make solar prints.
- Draw with some bright coloured chalk art outside.
- Make a felt sun child together.
- Try a sunshine weaving craft.
- Make a sun inspired tie dyed shirt.
- Use coffee filters to make a sun catcher.
- Try out some sunny monoprints.
- Create a nature mandala.
5. Collect fresh Midsummer herbs.
Gathering fresh herbs is a Midsummer tradition that continues to this day. Together with your child go outside gather fresh herbs that are growing in your yard, nearby nature or farmers’ market. Remember to harvest herbs safely and sustainably, especially from wild places.
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Fennel
- Mint
- Elderflower
- Raspberry leaf
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
- Yarrow
Things you can do with herbs:
- Tie herbs in a bundle and hang them to dry.
- Make your own herbal tea blends.
- Soak herbs in oils for salves or cooking.
- Make herbal vinegar or herb infused syrups.
6. Express gratitude together.
7. Read a picture book about the summer solstice.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Kids by Lois Burdett (ages 7 to 10)
- Little Fairy Can’t Sleep by Daniela Drescher (ages 3 to 6)
- Summer Solstice by Ellen Jackson (ages 6 to 9)
- Summer Story by Jill Barklem (ages 5 to 7)
- Super Summer: All Kinds of Summer Facts and Fun by Bruce Goldstone (ages 4 to 8)
- The Flowers’ Festival by Elsa Beskow (ages 3 to 6)
- The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer (ages 7 to 9)
- The Midsummer Mouse: Midsummer Tales of Tiptoes Lightly and the Summer Queen by Reg Down (ages 8 to 12)
- The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons (ages 4 to 8)
- The Sun Egg by Elsa Beskow (ages 3 to 6)
- Under Alaska’s Midnight Sun by Deb Vanasse (ages 3 to 7)
8. Eat a seasonal summer feast.
Invite family and friends over for a solstice summer feast, or enjoy a simple picnic with your children at the park. Be inspired by all the wonderful seasonal produce that is making its way to farmers’ markets and grocery stores.
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Baby beets
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Greens (Kale, Spinach, Lettuce)
- Herbs
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Strawberries
9. Gather around a bonfire with friends.
Huge bonfires are a hallmark of summer solstice celebrations! Back in the day people would jump over the fire for good luck. I wouldn’t recommend trying this… but I would definitely recommend toasting marshmellows over a fire.
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