10 Fun Things to Do on the Longest Day of the Year
Did you know that June 21st is the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere? The long daylight hours, and the fact that this is the middle of summer, naturally have had a positive influence on human cultures over the ages. Back in the day, the summer solstice was an important way to mark the passage of the seasons and also helped develop calendars.
Traditionally, various festivities would mark the summer solstice – feasting, lighting bonfires, fertility rites and various pagan ceremonies marked the day. So why not make Summer Solstice special for you as well? Here are some ideas for you to mark this, the longest day of the year; some fun, some meaningful activities:
10 Summer Activities For the Longest Day of the Year
- Watch and sunrise or the sunset – Identify a good spot in advance and enthrall yourself with the stunning hues of nature as the sun comes up or goes down.
- Barbecue, cookout, pool party or picnic – This is easily one of the most popular ideas for celebrating the solstice; a fun, sociable activity that everyone enjoys. Plus this year, 21 June falls on a Sunday, that’s ideal even for working people and school going kids. (we have some great invite ideas and a surprise for you at the end of the post)
- Take a walk in the forest – It can be among the most relaxing and invigorating things to do: stroll along foot paths listening to bird song, enjoying the sights and smells of the woods – sure to get you charged up!
- Visit the beach – You can do as much or as little as you like at the beach. Surf, swim, enjoy some water sport or just veg out with a book and a drink of choice!
- Plant a tree (or two or three) – You could decide to do this on your own or organize a tree planting initiative consisting of like minded people in your neighborhood or among your friends. Plant trees, nurture them and watch them grow as the day progresses. Be sure to pick hardy, soil and climate appropriate saplings and the right spot for planting.
- Take in a concert – If there isn’t something in your immediate vicinity, you could make a weekend trip out of this.
- Go fishing – Or golfing or whatever it is that you enjoy doing most. A day out in the sun and fresh air will do you a power a good!
- Be a ‘day tripper’ – Not like the Beatles song, but go ahead and take that trip you’ve been meaning to: visit a monument, a museum, a park, a wildlife preserve, zoo, or a historical site.
- Start a Team with the Alzheimer’s Association – The Longest Day is daylong event and fundraiser devoted to raising awareness of this deadly disease; highlighting the challenges that sufferers and caregivers face. This can be a meaningful activity for summer solstice, particularly if someone close to you has Alzheimer’s
- A treasure hunt – You can organize this as a great way for your entire family to meet up and bond or have like minded friends over for this. Have fun picking out gifts and treats, printing out signs and clues and maps for the event.
Free Printable Invitations & Ideas
Whether you decide to organize a barbecue, a pool party or picnic, you can really get into the act with some cool, fun invites that announce your Summer Solstice event. Check out some of these invite ideas on Pinterest: a brightly colored invite in the shape of a paper plate, an invite in the shape of ice lollies pasted on to ice cream sticks, and even some printable balloon invites. Customize your invites as required and enjoy a full filled day with people that matter to you.
We have even have some colorful and fun summer invitations for you to choose from:
Download Free Summer Invitation Printable: “Hello Beautiful”
Download Free Summer Invitation Printable: “Confetti”
Our Summer Solstice Coupon Code
To sweeten the deal for our loyal customers and readers planning a summer solstice event, we have a special coupon code! For every ink and toner cartridge purchase you make this June, we are offering a special 7% discount. Just use the SUMMER7 code during checkout to get your discount automatically at TomatoInk.com.
So be sure to do something special this summer solstice; also be sure to tell us about any special ideas you had and to share any posts, stories or photos via our Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest pages.