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Summer Solstice 2014: 21 Ways To Observe The Longest Day Of The Year

21 Ways To Take Advantage Of The Longest Saturday In A Decade
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 β€” after all, it is the official kick-off to summer!

Get A Picnic Together
Flickr:Wicker Paradise
Even if it's just you eating a hot dog solo in a park, it's so worth it.
Throw Something Around
Flickr:Tobyotter
Balls, Frisbees, what have you β€” use those muscles you haven't exercised in a year.
Walk Barefoot In The Grass
Flickr:Terence S. Jones
Romantic comedy cliche? Yes. Still totally worth it? Absolutely.
Eat Ice Cream
Flickr:joyosity
Or gelato. Or Popsicles. Or ice cream sandwiches. And don't fuss about the drips.
Go For A Swim
Flickr:Adrea Young
Or at least, get your feet wet.
Meditate
Flickr:journeyguy
Even if all that means is five minutes of complete, utter, delicious silence.
Binge-Watch TV
Flickr:RoxyHobbs
We're really not advocating for spending the whole day inside, but just in case it's raining, here's an amazing list of options.
Drink Sangria On A Patio
Flickr:lovinkat
There's really no reason not to.
Get On A Swing
Flickr:Snow Pants
Stop just looking at the kids (even if they're your kids) and join in. Alternatively, hammocks. Hammocks swing really nicely.
Dance
Flickr:guillebot
You know, like nobody's watching.
Look At Art
Flickr:20'cents
You can find it anywhere β€” galleries, shops, outdoors.
Plant Something
Flickr:vanhookc
If you don't have a yard, pots work just as well (and frankly, are easier to manage).
Cook A Meal
Flickr:vastateparksstaff
Preferably outdoors.
Get On A Bike
Flickr:ktk17028
And ride the way you did when you were a kid. Except, none of that "no hands" business.
Wash Your Car
Flickr:keimthedesigner
But totally turn it into a scene out of a movie, with sponge throwing and everything.
Go Fishing
Flickr:vastateparksstaff
If only for the relaxing feeling.
Read A Book Outside
Flickr:Spirit-Fire
And lookee here β€” we have a list for that too!
Make Out
Flickr:krubel@sbcglobal.net
At sunset, if possible.
Go To A Concert
Flickr:thezenderagenda.com
That dive bar down the street has open mike tonight, doesn't it?
Watch An Outdoor Movie
Flickr:pstao1
There's plenty of drive-ins and outdoor screens, but you can also just take your iPad outside once the sun goes down.
Look At The Sky
Flickr:SeanC90
Once that sun sets, take a moment to marvel at what's up there.
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