
Severin Schweiger via Getty Images
Not only is it the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere on June 21, 2014, it also happens to be the first day of summer and the first time the longest day of the year has been on a Saturday since 2003.
The day, which marks the time at which the sun is at its northernmost point in the sky, according to IBTimes.com, will offer up approximately 16 hours of sunlight.
And while the summer solstice is known for its extraordinary celebrations at places like Stonehenge, we think this elongated weekend day calls for some personal merriment as well. Whatever you do, take the opportunity to make your June 21 special — after all, it is the official kick-off to summer!
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Get A Picnic TogetherFlickr:Wicker ParadiseEven if it's just you eating a hot dog solo in a park, it's so worth it.
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Throw Something AroundFlickr:TobyotterBalls, Frisbees, what have you — use those muscles you haven't exercised in a year.
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Walk Barefoot In The GrassFlickr:Terence S. JonesRomantic comedy cliche? Yes. Still totally worth it? Absolutely.
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Eat Ice CreamFlickr:joyosityOr gelato. Or Popsicles. Or ice cream sandwiches. And don't fuss about the drips.
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Go For A SwimFlickr:Adrea YoungOr at least, get your feet wet.
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MeditateFlickr:journeyguyEven if all that means is five minutes of complete, utter, delicious silence.
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Binge-Watch TVFlickr:RoxyHobbsWe're really not advocating for spending the whole day inside, but just in case it's raining, here's an amazing list of options.
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Drink Sangria On A PatioFlickr:lovinkatThere's really no reason not to.
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Get On A SwingFlickr:Snow PantsStop just looking at the kids (even if they're your kids) and join in. Alternatively, hammocks. Hammocks swing really nicely.
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DanceFlickr:guillebotYou know, like nobody's watching.
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Look At ArtFlickr:20'centsYou can find it anywhere — galleries, shops, outdoors.
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Plant SomethingFlickr:vanhookcIf you don't have a yard, pots work just as well (and frankly, are easier to manage).
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Cook A MealFlickr:vastateparksstaffPreferably outdoors.
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Get On A BikeFlickr:ktk17028And ride the way you did when you were a kid. Except, none of that "no hands" business.
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Wash Your CarFlickr:keimthedesignerBut totally turn it into a scene out of a movie, with sponge throwing and everything.
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Go FishingFlickr:vastateparksstaffIf only for the relaxing feeling.
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Read A Book OutsideFlickr:Spirit-FireAnd lookee here — we have a list for that too!
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Make OutFlickr:krubel@sbcglobal.netAt sunset, if possible.
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Go To A ConcertFlickr:thezenderagenda.comThat dive bar down the street has open mike tonight, doesn't it?
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Watch An Outdoor MovieFlickr:pstao1There's plenty of drive-ins and outdoor screens, but you can also just take your iPad outside once the sun goes down.
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Look At The SkyFlickr:SeanC90Once that sun sets, take a moment to marvel at what's up there.
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The Huffington Post Canada
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