The summer solstice is a magical day of the year, marking the longest day and the shortest night, signaling the official start of summer. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the sun, nature, and the changing seasons. For families, it’s an opportunity to connect with the outdoors, learn about the science behind the solstice, and enjoy fun, engaging activities together. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate this special day with your kids, there are plenty of creative and educational ideas to make the summer solstice a memorable occasion. From outdoor games and nature crafts to sun-themed treats, this guide offers a variety of fun activities to enjoy with your children on the summer solstice.
What is the Summer Solstice?
Before diving into activities, it’s important to understand what the summer solstice is. The summer solstice occurs around June 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest from the sun. This results in the longest day of the year, with the sun reaching its highest point in the sky. It’s the official start of summer and has been celebrated by different cultures for centuries as a time of renewal, abundance, and connection with nature.
While your kids may not grasp the complexities of the Earth’s orbit, it’s a great chance to teach them a little about the science of the solstice, the importance of the sun, and how this event has been celebrated across the world.
Fun Summer Solstice Activities for Kids
Create Sun Prints
One of the most fun and hands-on activities for kids on the summer solstice is making sun prints. This simple craft allows children to create beautiful images using the power of the sun. You’ll need sun-sensitive paper (available at craft stores or online), and a few natural objects like leaves, flowers, or even small toys.
Lay the sun-sensitive paper on a flat surface in a sunny spot. Arrange the leaves, flowers, or other objects on top of the paper. Leave the paper in the sun for a few minutes Once the paper has been exposed, remove the objects and rinse the paper under water to reveal the print.
This activity is not only fun but also educational, as it teaches kids about the effects of sunlight and how it interacts with different materials.
Summer Solstice Nature Scavenger Hunt
What better way to enjoy the outdoors on the longest day of the year than by going on a summer solstice nature scavenger hunt? Create a list of things that children can find in nature, such as a specific type of flower, bird, rock, or tree. If you have a garden or access to a park, this is a great way to explore your surroundings
This activity encourages kids to observe nature closely and learn about the environment around them. Plus, it gets everyone moving, which is always a bonus!
Make Sunflower Crafts
Sunflowers are often associated with the sun and summer, making them the perfect symbol for solstice celebrations. A simple sunflower craft can be a fun way for kids to connect with the theme of the day.
Some ideas for sunflower crafts include:
Paper Plate Sunflowers
Use a paper plate as the base, paint it yellow, and cut out petals from yellow construction paper. Glue the petals to the plate, then add a green stem made from construction paper.
Sunflower Painting
Have kids paint their own sunflowers on canvas or large pieces of paper. Use yellow, orange, and brown paints for the petals and seeds.
Sunflower Crown
Create a sunflower crown using yellow paper, scissors, and glue. Attach a sunflower design to a headband or string and wear it proudly!
These crafts are perfect for letting your kids’ creativity shine while celebrating the sun.
DIY Sundial
A fun educational activity for the summer solstice is creating a DIY sundial. A sundial is a simple device that tells time based on the position of the sun in the sky, making it a great way to explain the science behind the solstice. Here’s how to make one:
Materials needed:
A flat surface like cardboard or a large piece of paper pencil or stick to act as the gnomon
This is a great way to teach kids about the movement of the sun and how ancient civilizations used sundials to keep track of time.
Summer Solstice Baking: Sun-Themed Treats
What better way to celebrate the summer solstice than with summer solstice activities sun-themed treats? Spend time in the kitchen with your kids baking cookies, cakes, or even sun-shaped snacks. You can make sun cookies using a round cookie cutter, decorate them with yellow icing, or make a sun-shaped cake with yellow frosting.
Other fun solstice-themed treats include:
Sun Popsicles
Create your own popsicles using fruit juice, yogurt, and slices of citrus fruit. Use a round mold to give them a sun-like shape.
Solar S’mores
If you’re having an outdoor celebration, use a solar oven to make s’mores, or simply make them the traditional way with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.
These fun and easy recipes will give kids a chance to be creative in the kitchen while celebrating the sunny day.
Solstice Dance Party
Since the solstice is all about the sun and energy, why not have a solstice dance party? Create a playlist of upbeat songs, preferably with sun or summer-related themes, and let the kids dance around the yard or living room. You can even introduce a game like “Freeze Dance” where kids have to freeze in place when the music stops, or have them do a “sunbeam” relay race, running from one point to another like a beam of sunlight.
This activity is a great way for kids to get some energy out and celebrate the joy of the solstice through movement.
Make a Summer Solstice Time Capsule
Create a summer solstice time capsule with your kids to remember the special day. Have each child write down what they love about summer, their favorite things to do outdoors, or even their hopes for the coming year. Add small tokens like a pressed flower or a solstice-themed drawing.
Seal the capsule in a box or container and set a date to open it next year on the summer solstice. This tradition can be continued each year, allowing kids to look back at how they’ve grown and what they’ve experienced.
Solstice Party Ideas for Kids
In addition to activities, you can host a solstice party for family and friends to celebrate the day. Here are some ideas for a fun and engaging solstice celebration:
Solstice Decorations
Set the mood by decorating your party space with sun-inspired decorations. Think yellow, gold, and orange balloons, streamers, and sun-shaped cutouts. If you have a garden or outdoor area, consider adding fairy lights or lanterns to mimic the sun’s glow as the day turns to night.
Solstice Games
Set up fun games for kids to enjoy during the party. Some ideas include:
Sunbeam Tag
One child is “it” and tries to tag others before they reach the “sun zone.”
Solar Relay Race
Kids can run through an obstacle course while balancing a sun-shaped balloon.
Sun Ball Toss
Set up different targets and let kids throw a yellow ball into buckets or hoops.
Sun-Themed Food
A solstice party isn’t complete without sun-themed snacks. Serve foods that are round and yellow, like oranges, pineapple slices, and corn on the cob. You could also make sun-shaped sandwiches using a cookie cutter, or prepare a sun-inspired fruit salad with yellow fruits like mangoes and bananas.
Conclusion
The summer solstice is a wonderful time to celebrate the beauty of nature, the power of the sun, and the start of the sunny season. From sun prints and nature scavenger hunts to fun dance parties and tasty treats, there are endless ways to celebrate the solstice with your kids. Whether you’re looking to incorporate science, creativity, or just plain fun, these activities will help you create lasting memories with your family. Make the most of this special day and enjoy everything summer has to offer!
