After a difficult few months, it’s finally time to welcome in the summer solstice and celebrate the first day of a new season. But how do you explain this natural phenomenon to your kids? And what are some of the best ways of celebrating this special day?

From delving into science and history to breaking down six super fun summer solstice activities for kids, this article will get you ready for June 20th.

Let’s get started.

A summer solstice definition for kids

Teaching the summer solstice to kids might be a little tricky, and that’s why it’s so important to keep things simple. So, let’s go ahead and do just that:

The summer solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles is tilted most closely towards the sun. And since the Earth has two poles (the North and the South), there are two summer solstices — one for those in the Northern Hemisphere, and one for those in the Southern Hemisphere.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice falls around June 20th, while countries in the Southern Hemisphere usually welcome it on December 21st. These dates aren’t fixed, however, as the sun’s movements can (slightly) change from year-to-year.

So, we know what the summer solstice is, and when it usually occurs — but what actually happens when Earth is closest to the sun?

In a nutshell, the summer solstice is when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky and is when we experience the longest period of daylight each year.

And since it brings us the longest and brightest day of the year, the summer solstice is known and celebrated for marking the first, ‘official’ day of summer. Yay!

Now, of course, there’s obviously a little more to all of this than first meets the eye (which we’ll touch on next), but this is a great place to start when breaking down the summer solstice for kids — it’s simple, covers the basics, and should excite them about welcoming in the first day of summer!

But for a more comprehensive, fun, and interactive way of teaching your kids about the summer solstice, check out our ten-page, summer solstice worksheets bundle for fun facts, coloring activities, crosswords, and a child-friendly way of breaking down the science behind June 20th.

How should you teach the history of summer solstice?

The summer solstice has been celebrated for more than 5,000 years by star watchers across the globe. And, as such, it offers a great opportunity to teach your kids about ancient civilizations and historical cultures of the past.

Historians believe that Ancient Egyptians celebrated summer solstices at the temple of Karnak. While in England, Stonehenge was designed to align with the movements of the sun and was used for thousands of years to mark the occasion.

6 child-friendly ways you can celebrate the summer solstice

We’ve touched on what the summer solstice is, why it’s so important, and how you can teach your kids about this ancient phenomenon. But how should you actually celebrate this special day?

From watching the sunrise to enjoying the great outdoors, here are our top six, child-friendly ways of celebrating the summer solstice in 2020:

#1 — Watch the sunrise

To mark the first day of summer, why not wake up nice and early to watch the sunrise? This would be an inspiring — and very visual — way of welcoming in the new season. And if you’re looking to fill the day with fun, an early start gives you all the headstart you need!

#2 — Visit a garden center (or local outdoor business)

To kick off the summer solstice, heading over to a local garden center (or outdoor business) is a brilliant idea. They’re great hubs for all things summer — you can talk about how plants turn themselves to face the sun. And you might even be able to point out a few solar panels to teach your kids about how the sun can power the planet.

Remember, every day’s a school day!

#3 — Picnic time!

After a quick visit to your favorite outdoor business, it’s time for lunch. And what could be better than a family picnic? Sit in the sun (don’t forget the sunscreen!), observe mother nature, and ask your little one what they’d like to know about the world around them.

You could even play ‘I Spy’ to get them really thinking about the great outdoors.

#4 — Go on a nature walk

Speaking of the great outdoors, the first day of summer is the perfect day to take a nature walk. Explore your local park, point out all the wildlife and plants to your kids, and get them thinking about the arrival of a new, more active season.

#5 — Get crafty!

Nature really lends itself to arts and crafts. Your kid(s) could paint pictures of the sun, put together summer collages, or make their very own flower crowns in anticipation for longer days and more outdoor fun.

#6 — Watch the sunset

After a fun-filled day, if you and your kids aren’t too tired, staying up and watching the sunset would be a special way of marking the end of spring and the beginning of summer. The summer solstice is, after all, the longest day of the year… so why not make the most of it?

Who’s ready for summer?

The summer solstice is an exciting and special day, so go ahead and have some fun!

After months of being at home in “lockdown”, we could all do with some Vitamin D and fresh air. And who knows, the activities you get up to this June 20th could turn into traditions for 2021 and beyond.

Happy summer!