Facts About Summer

Celebrate the Summer season with your kids and learn lots of Facts about Summer including weather, amount of sunlight, and holidays.

These Facts About Summer are full of all kinds of holiday season fun, and a whole lot of HAPPY. Learn with us all about Summer with these fun facts and we have some added crafts and printables that will make you love this season as much as we do!

Before we get into all of HAPPY Summer, don't forget to check out the last season, Spring Facts and our 365+ Fun Facts For Kids

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Summer Season

As the weather changes throughout the year, there are four different changes that occur. These four changes are called seasons. The four different seasons are Spring, Summer, Fall (or Autumn), and Winter!

There are two terms that are used when talking about seasons, equinoxes and solstices.

Equinox is when the sun's position is exactly over the Earth's equator which results when there are equal amounts of daylight hours and darkness. There are two times a year this happens (the Start of Spring and the Start of Fall)
Solstices are a day within the year when there is the most amount of daylight and the least amount of darkness. This too only happens two times a year. (Start of Summer and Start of Winter)

Summer in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is caused when the Earth’s axis in that hemisphere is tilted towards the sun. This not only means there are the most daylight hours during that season. With longer days, that means, the overall temperatures raises resulting in warmer weather.

What Are The Summer Months

Summer falls in the months of June, July, August, and September in the Northern Hemisphere (North of the Equator). In the Southern Hemisphere, it falls in December, January, February, and March.

When Does Summer Start?

Each season has two different start dates. There is an astronomical start and a meteorological start.

The astronomical definition is the study of the universe and everything in it like planets, stars, moons, etc.) Therefore the Astronomical Summer start date has to do with the Sun's position in relation to Earth. Meaning the astronomical summer start date is the same date as Summer Solstice. Typically on either June 20th or June 21st.
The meteorological definition is the study of weather (patterns and forecasting). Therefore the Meteorological Summer start date is based on the calendar as well as the annual weather temperature cycle. Summer's meteorological start date is always June 1st.

Most of the world uses astronomical dates when determining the seasons. The first day of Summer in North America happens on the June Solstice otherwise known as Summer Solstice. This is also the first day of winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

When Does Summer End?

The summer season typically lasts about 3 months. Based on the meteorological Summer ends on the last day of August on August 31st.

For most countries north of the Equator, Summer Ends at the September Equinox or Autumn Equinox. The date the north pole starts to tilt away from the sun. That typically falls on

Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice is a special day during summer when the Sun shines the brightest and we have the longest day of the year. To understand why this happens, we need to know about some important lines on Earth.

Imagine Earth as a big round ball. There is a line called the equator that goes around the middle. There are two more lines called the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropic of Cancer is closer to the North Pole, and the Tropic of Capricorn is closer to the South Pole.

During the Summer Solstice, something interesting occurs. Earth is tilted on its axis, which is an invisible line going through the North Pole and the South Pole. This tilt makes the Sun seem higher in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere. The Tropic of Cancer, which is in the Northern Hemisphere, gets the most direct sunlight during this time.

The words "solstice" comes from two Latin words: "sol," which means the Sun, and "sistere," which means to stand still. It refers to the moment when the Sun seems to stand still in the sky before it starts moving in the opposite direction. So, during the Summer Solstice, the Sun looks like it pauses, giving us longer days.

In simple words, the day of the Summer Solstice is a special day when the Sun shines really bright, and the Northern Hemisphere gets the most sunlight. It's like the Sun gives us extra hours of daylight to enjoy the warm weather and fun of summer. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, it's their winter solstice, and so they have the shortest day of the year with far less sunlight.

How Did Summer Get Its Name

Summer got its name from an ancient word called "sumaraz." This word comes from old languages like Old English and Old Norse meaning middle season.

In terms of other names related to Summer

The month of June is named after the Roman goddess Juno who is the wife of Jupiter.
The month of July got its name in honor of Julius Caesar.
The month of August is named after Augustus Caesar (grandnephew of Julius Caesar).
Lastly, the month of September was named after the Lati word 'semtem' which means seven.

Interesting Facts About Summer

Summer makes people HAPPY! Sunlight has proven to increase people's moods and therefore people tend to be HAPPIER during the warmer months.
August is the most popular birthday month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
More thunderstorms happen during the Summer months than at any other time of year.
Popsicles were invented in 1905 by young Frank Epperson of San Francisco.
The sun never sets in the Artic Circle (near the north pole) during summer.

The Eiffel Tower grows taller in the Summer due to the heat which expands the structure. It can grow up to six inches taller.
Every year on Summer Solstice in Fairbanks Alaska (in the arctic circle) they play a baseball game called the Midnight Sun Game. The game starts at 10:30 pm and ends around 1:30 am without any artificial lighting.
Monarch Butterflies spend the summer in North America before migrating south for the winter.

Dog Days of Summer

The Dog Days of Summer is a period of time during the hottest part of summer when it feels super hot outside. It's like the sun is shining extra brightly, and the weather gets really warm. Some people say it's because of a special star called Sirius, which is also known as the Dog Star.

Even though it's just a fun name, it reminds us that summer days can be really hot and it's important to stay cool and hydrated. So during the Dog Days of Summer, make sure to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and find shady spots to relax and have fun!

Summer Olympics

The origins of the Summer Olympics can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the Olympic Games were held in honor of the god Zeus. These ancient contests featured athletic events like running, discus throwing, and chariot races.

After a long hiatus, the Summer Olympics were revived in 1896 as the modern Olympics. The first modern games took place in Athens, Greece, with athletes from 14 countries participating in nine sports. Since then, the Olympics have grown immensely in scale and popularity.

Summer World Records

The longest line of garden flamingos was 1500 in Buffalo New York in 2018.
Budimir Šobat a freediver from Croatia, according to the Guinness World Records, set the record for holding his breath the longest. He held his breath for 24 minutes and 37.36 seconds.
The tallest bonfire was 155 feet and 5.9 inches high, according to the Guinness World Records. It was constructed in 2016 in Ålesund, Norway.
The largest ice cream scoop ever was set by Kemp Dairy in 2014. It was a scoop of strawberry ice cream that weighed 3010 pounds and measured 5’ 6” tall and 6’ 2” wide.
The longest BBQ lasted over 80 hours (3.3 days) and was set by Jan Greef in 2014. He grilled 1,000 hot dogs, 558 burgers, 526 boerewors (South African sausage), 104 pieces of chicken, and 200 pieces of corn.
The largest inflatable pool toy was created by AT&T and iHeartRadio in 2017 and it measured 70.52 by 50.31 by 54.41 feet and is in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Other Summer Fun Facts

The Frisbee, one of Summer's favorite sports, got its start in 1871 by the Frisbie Pie Company as pie plates. College students would end up throwing the empty pie tins around as a game. They eventually sold a version to a toy company and the rest is history.
The hottest days of the year occur between July 15 and July 31 in the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
There are over 300 different varieties of watermelon. Different colors, seeds, and skins. Who knew?
Going to the movies is certainly a favorite summer pastime. There are many movies released during the Summer and because of that that they were given the name Summer Blockbuster Months. Grab some popcorn and enjoy watching a fun movie in the cool movie theaters to beat the summer heat.
The most visible meteor shower happens in the Northern hemisphere in Summer. According to NASA, the Perseids shower which is up to 100 meteors will fly across the sky every hour at a speed of 37 miles per second. Before the sun comes up and in mid-August is the best time to see them..

Father's Day Facts

Father's Day is all about showing your dad how much you care. You can spend the day doing something fun together, like playing games, going for a bike ride, or having a picnic. The most important thing is to let your dad know just how special he is to you!

Father's Day is celebrated to honor dads and show them how much we love and appreciate them. It's like a special day just for dads!
Father's Day is celebrated on different dates around the world. In the United States, it's celebrated on the third Sunday in June. But did you know that in some countries like Australia, it's celebrated in September?
The idea of Father's Day started a long time ago, but it became an official holiday in the United States in 1972. That means people have been celebrating dads for a really long time!
Did you know that there are more than 70 million dads in the United States alone? That's a lot of dads to celebrate! They come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they love their kids!
One popular tradition on Father's Day is giving gifts. While ties are a common gift, you can also get creative and make something special for your dad. Maybe a homemade card(grill card, toolbox card, superhero, agamograph), a drawing (bow tie drawing), or even a delicious breakfast in bed. It's the thought and loves behind the gift that counts!

4th of July Facts

On the 4th of July, people celebrate freedom, enjoy fireworks, have tasty picnics, and proudly wear red, white, and blue. It's a day full of fun, happiness, and love for the United States of America!

The 4th of July is a holiday known as Independence Day in the United States. It's a special day when Americans celebrate their country's birthdays!
On July 4th, 1776, a famous document called the Declaration of Independence was signed. It declared that the United States was no longer under the control of England and that it was a free and independent country.
Fireworks are a big part of the 4th of July celebrations! People gather to watch colorful fireworks light up the sky and make loud noises. It's like a magical show just for this special day!
Another fun tradition on the 4th of July is having picnics and barbecues. Families and friends come together to enjoy delicious food like hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelons, and ice cream. Yum!
The colors red, white, and blue are important on the 4th of July. They represent the United States. The flag of the United States has red and white stripes, and it has white stars on a blue background. You'll see lots of decorations and people wearing clothes with these patriotic colors!

Labor Day Facts

On Labor Day, we take a break from our usual routine, enjoy the last days of summer, and remember the importance of hard work. It's a day to appreciate everyone's efforts and to have a lot of fun with our loved ones!

Labor Day is a special holiday celebrated in many countries, including the United States, to honor the hard work and contributions of workers. It's like a big "thank you" to all the people who help make our lives better!
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. It's a great way to end the summer season and have one last day of fun before school starts!
Did you know that Labor Day became a national holiday in the United States in 1894? That means people have been celebrating the work we all do for over a hundred years!
One fun fact about Labor Day is that it's often seen as the unofficial end of summer. Many people take this day as an opportunity to have picnics, and barbecues, and enjoy outdoor activities with their family and friends.
Another cool thing about Labor Day is the parades! Some cities have big parades with floats, bands, and people marching to celebrate the contributions of workers. It's like a colorful and exciting party on the streets!

Summer Holidays

There aren't as many federal holidays that fall during the Summer season. But if we are to use the Meteorological Summer and consider the whole months of June, July, and the month of August.

June Holidays

National June Days

Dinosaur Day - June 1st
World Milk Day - June 1st
International Children’s Day - June 1st
National Donut Day - June 3rd
Yo-Yo Day - June 6th
National Best Friends Day - June 8th
National Iced Tea Day - June 10th
Peanut Butter Cookie Day - June 12th
Flag Day - June 14th
Sushi Day - June 18th
Juneteenth - June 19th
National Pink Day - June 23rd
National Bingo Day - June 27th

June Floating Holidays and Monthly Celebrations

Father's Day
National Camping Month
National Smile Month
National Oceans Month
Pride Month
National Papaya Month
Great Outdoors Month
National Candy Month

July Holidays

National July Days

American Zoo Day - July 1
Canada Day - July 1
World UFO Day - July 2
Independence Day - July 4th
National Bikini Day - July 5th
Pina Colada Day - July 10th
Free Slurpee Day - July 11th
Etch-a-Sketch Day - July 12th
Shark Awareness Day - July 14th
World Emoji Day - July 17th
International Day of Friendship - July 30th
Harry Potter's Birthday Day - July 31st

July Floating Holidays and Monthly Celebrations

National Ice Cream Month
National Picnic Month
Family Fun Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Watermelon Month
National Parks Month

August Holidays

National August Days

Sister Day - August 1st
National Friendship Day - August 1st
American Family Day - August 1st
Llamas Day - August 1st
National Girlfriend Day - August 1st
National Watermelon Day - August 3rd
National Book Lovers Day - August 9th
S'mores Day - August 10th
National Sons and Daughters Day - August 11th
Left-Handers Day - August 13th
National Potato Day - August 19th
International Geocaching Day - August 21st
National Tooth Fairy Day - August 22nd
National Waffle Day - August 24th
National Park Service Founders Day - August 25th
Women's Equality Day - August 26th
National Dog Day - August 26th
World Rock Paper Scissors Day - August 27th
National Beach Day - August 30th

August Floating Holidays and Monthly Celebrations

National Video Game Week (first week)
Be Kind to Humankind Week (fourth week)
Family Fun Month
National Golf Month
National Picnic Month
Peach Month
International Pirate Month

September Holidays

National September Days

National Wildlife Day- September 4th
National Cheese Pizza Day - September 5th
California became a state - on September 9th
Patriot Day - September 11th
National Grandparents Day - September 11th
Kids Take Over Kitchen Day - September 13
National Guacamole Day - September 16th
National Play-Doh Day - September 16th
Constitutional Day - September 17th
International Talk Like a Pirate Day - September 19th
Elephant Appreciation Day - September 22nd
Native American Day - September 23rd
National Bunny Day - September 24th
National Family Day - September 26th
Coffee Day - September 29th

September Floating Holidays and Monthly Celebrations

Labor Day (First Monday of September)
World Beach Month
National Potato Month
National Piano Month
Chinese Moon Festival (15th day of the 8th month of the traditional Lunar calendar)

Other Fun Summer Activities

In addition to these Fun Summer Facts For Kids, Summer comes with Summer Break, Summer Camp, Summer Vacation, and a whole lot of fun in the sun. Summer days are for fun outdoor activities in nature as well as beating the heat in the water. Bring on the Ocean, Pools, Water Park visits, and all the water sports you can manage!

But as any parent can tell you, with no school, there are inevitably going to be one or two "I'm Bored" statements happening. We have you covered with all kinds of different Summer Crafts, Printables, and Coloring Pages that are sure to help and be boredom-busters.