Celebrating the Summer Solstice
as tall as you? when would it be too tall to
stand up in your living room?), discuss the
changing angles of the sun, read up on our
solar system and the Earth’s seasons, and
experiment with a flashlight and a globe.
Sun foods
Children of all ages can help choose, prepare, and eat foods and beverages that
remind us of the sun. Think shades of orange, red, and yellow, as well as foods that
can be circular in shape: oranges, pineapples, grapefruits, pancakes, fried eggs,
sun- or flower-frosted cupcakes, brightlycolored juice or punch, and so on.
Flowers and greenery
Make real or paper flower crowns to wear
at your solstice celebration. Bring flowers or beautiful greenery into your home.
Draw or paint a tree, leaf, or flower in its
full summer glory.
Music
Many songs celebrate the sun and the long,
fun days of summer. Put together a playlist
and dance or sing together.
Light a fire
Bonfires and fireworks are summer solstice
traditions in many countries.
Go outside
If the weather is pleasant, this is a wonderful day for a picnic, for playing outside,
and for staying out late to witness the
enduring light.
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Make a sundial
Instructions for projects—from very simple
to elaborate—are readily available online.
Constructing a sundial is an engaging way to
learn about how our days and seasons work.
Looking forward, looking back
This observance can take place with your
family or alone. On paper, out loud, or
simply in your thoughts, reflect on these
questions or others that suit you better:
What bright lights and simple pleasures
illuminate your life this summer? How can
you stretch into the season’s opportunities?
What do you miss from winter’s darkness,
and how might you hold onto those gifts in
this very different time?
Read
These picture books are great family readalouds for the vernal equinox.
• The Longest Day: Celebrating the
Summer Solstice (Wendy Pfeffer)
introduces the science, history, and
cultural traditions surrounding this
solstice. The book also includes projects
and recipes to try at home. For a
more fanciful approach to a summer
celebration, try The Flowers’ Festival
(Elsa Beskow).
• Mama, Is It Summer Yet? (Nikki
McClure) is a sweet, simple book about
wanting—and getting—summer. Its cut
paper illustrations offer lots to point
out and discuss. Beach Feet (Kiyomi
Konagaya) is another favorite for
toddlers and preschool-aged children.
• Summer Sun Risin’ (W. Nikola-Lisa),
Summer Days and Nights (Wong
Herbert Yee), Come On, Rain! (Ka ɕ