What Is the Summer Solstice? Fun Facts for Little Trekkers!

It’s the longest day of the year, and the official start of summer — but what actually is the summer solstice? Let’s explore some sunny facts and fun ideas to help your Little Trekkers celebrate the magic of midsummer!

 1. What Is the Summer Solstice?

The summer solstice happens when the Earth tilts the most towards the Sun. That means we get the most daylight of the whole year! In the UK, it usually falls around June 20th or 21st. This year it falls on Saturday 21st June.

 2. How Long Is the Longest Day?

On the summer solstice in the UK, we get around 16–17 hours of daylight — that’s more time to play outside, explore the woods, or have a late picnic!

 3. It Happens All Around the World

While we celebrate summer, people in the Southern Hemisphere (like Australia or South Africa) are having their winter solstice — their shortest day of the year!

 4. People Have Celebrated It for Thousands of Years

Ancient people used the sun to track the seasons. Stonehenge in England was built to line up with the sun on the solstice — some say it’s like a giant stone calendar!

 5. It Marks the First Day of Summer

Even though it feels like summer already, the solstice is the official first day of astronomical summer!

 6. In Some Cultures, It’s a Time for Fire and Fun!

Around the world, people light bonfires, sing songs, and celebrate the sun. In Sweden, people wear flower crowns and dance around the Midsummer pole!

 7. It’s a Great Day for an Outdoor Adventure

Why not make the most of all that daylight? Here are some fun ways to celebrate the solstice:

•  Have a nature scavenger hunt

•  Pack a midsummer picnic

•  Make sun-themed art or flower crowns

•  Watch the sunset together as a family

•  Go for a late-day hike or campout

The summer solstice is a reminder of how amazing our planet is — and a perfect excuse to head outdoors, soak up the sunshine, and celebrate nature with your Little Trekkers.

Don’t forget to tag us in your solstice adventures using #LittleTrekkersAdventures — we love seeing how your families make the most of the sunshine!