Five Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Kids

It’s the longest day of the year, and that means it’s also the official start of summer! Take advantage of the extra sunlight by spending time in nature today.

Encourage kids to get their hands dirty today!
Photo by Alyse Panitz Photography
  1. Take a walk outside. Go for a stroll around the block, through a park, or on a trail. Notice the colors, smells, and sounds. Stop to smell those beautiful flowers and take a closer look at those fascinating insects. Bonus points if you bring a picnic lunch!
  2. Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Choose a few categories or items for kids to look for outside. Keep things loose by instructing children to find 3 things bigger than their hand, or get specific by asking them to look for a certain type of plant or insect. I like this 5 Senses Scavenger Hunt from Childhood 101.
  3. Press flowers. Channel your inner Martha Stewart and create beautiful keepsakes that will remind you of summer for months to come. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to press flowers in a book.
  4. Make a mud kitchen. If it’s hot where you are, cool kids off by getting out the hose and making some good old fashioned mud. Pull out some old kitchen tools (think muffin tins, measuring cups, bowls, etc.) and let them go to town creating delectable mud confections.
  5. Plant a pollinator garden. Did you know that today marks the end of Pollinator Week 2019? Help our hardworking insect friends by sowing some seeds in your garden. Check out these Pollinator Facts for information about what kinds of plants are best for attracting animal pollinators.