June 20 marks the summer solstice, the beginning of the summer season and the longest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway!). This is a time of celebration and festivities that kick off months of backyard barbecues, pool side or beach lounge sessions and fun getaways with family and friends.
On this day, the sun will be shining down on us for about 15 whole hours, which is a good enough reason to take advantage of the outdoors. For some added inspiration, we came up with five ways to make the most of the summer solstice:
1. Plant an Herb Garden: While we sometimes think of spring as the time for planting, there’s still plenty of growing season left after June 20. Most herbs require minimal upkeep and can make a huge difference in the freshness and flavor of your meal-time creations. So get digging (which – bonus! – can also be a great workout) and enjoy fresh basil, rosemary and sage in your seasonal cooking all summer long!
2. Play Games: Round up the family, friends and neighbors for a series of outdoor games to get everyone moving – races, obstacle courses and even tag. If the longest day of the year turns rainy (boo!), don’t fret. It’s a chance to get creative! Build a fort, play board games or keep everyone moving with some interactive activities. GoNoodle has some great options online. Check them out here and sign up for free!
3. Take a Hike: Whether you have a specific destination in mind, or just want to cruise around the neighborhood, head outside for a pre- or post-dinner walk. Every city and town has unexplored neighborhoods and areas. TrailLink can help you find nearby paths, and it also helps you burn calories while getting a different view of the terrain. And once the sun finally goes down, the night of the summer solstice boasts some of the best starlight shows of the summer. It’s the perfect excuse to pack your flashlight and a blanket, and head out for a hike under a canopy of stars.
4. Take a Two-Wheel Tour: If you and your family prefer cruising over hiking, why not jump on your bike and check out the sites? Want to make this a family outing, but your little one hasn’t yet mastered traveling on two wheels? Check out a training bike like FirstBIKE, which has a cycle for children aged 2-5, along with a no-stress method of learning to ride.
5. Dine Al Fresco: What better reason than the official start of summer to feel the cool grass between your toes, smell the charcoal in the air and gather friends and family for an outdoor feast. Pull up some chairs on the lawn or head to a nearby park for a picnic dinner. Need some dining inspiration? Try these picnic-ready recipes:
