8 Ways to Celebrate the First Day of Summer
Kick off the season with a day full of fun in the sun with these family-friendly ideas for celebrating.
Jun 02, 2025
Like a long-awaited friend, the summer season has finally returned!
The best way to celebrate the first day of summer is by spending time outdoors, enjoying seasonal treats, and creating simple summer traditions with family and friends. From backyard cookouts and pool days and sweet summer desserts, small moments and easy gatherings are a fun way to welcome the new season.
Kick off the season with a day full of fun in the sun with these eight family-friendly ideas for celebrating.
1. Invite the neighbors over for a cookout
Fire up the grill and throw some juicy steaks and burgers on for the occasion!
2. Plant a summer seed
Celebrate the birth of a new season by planting a seed. This is a wonderful family activity that children have most likely never experienced, and it will teach them about the cycle of life and growth as the seedling turns into a beautiful plant or tree.
3. Have a first-day-of-summer campfire
Gather some firewood and invite the neighbors over for a celebration filled with fresh air, relaxation, and, of course, s’mores.
READ MORE: Gimme S’more: What We Love About The Classic Dessert Sandwich
4. Make shirts for the summer
From cut out to tie-dye, there are countless ways to DIY your own summer shirts. Grab a variety of plain shirts in different sizes and colors at your local craft shop, and throw a T-shirt party. We recommend making a few beforehand as inspiration for your guests.
5. Have a sundae party
Set up an ice cream bar with all the necessary accoutrements: several flavors of ice cream, a generous variety of toppings, and enough bowls and spoons to go around. Alternatively, if you have an extra long bowl ready, you can create your own extra-large sundae for everyone to dig in and share.
6. Chill out with a pool party
Invite friends and neighbors over for a relaxing day in the pool. If you don’t have your own pool, consider organizing an event at a local hotel, youth club, or water park. Call ahead to see if you can reserve a spot for your party.
7. Organize an outdoor game night
Put a fun summer twist on game night by hosting it outdoors. From cards to board games, there’s no shortage of options for family-friendly games. If the night is extra windy, you may want to consider having several paperweights to hand out.
8. Have fondue fun in the sun
While fondue is always fun, the summer heat can sure make it difficult to party with chocolate. That’s why we’ve come up with the perfect alternative: icing fondue! Learn how to set up your own icing fondue setup here.
When is the first day of summer?
The first day of summer usually falls on June 20 or June 21 in the United States, marking the summer solstice and the official start of the summer season.
How can you celebrate the first day of summer?
Popular ways to celebrate the first day of summer include backyard barbecues, pool parties, picnics, beach trips, outdoor games, and sharing seasonal desserts or sweet treats with friends and family.
What foods are popular for summer celebrations?
Fresh fruit, grilled favorites, cookies, brownies, ice-cold drinks, and easy summer desserts are popular foods for first day of summer celebrations and gatherings.
What are fun summer activities for families?
Fun summer activities for families include outdoor movie nights, trips to the pool, backyard games, summer baking, neighborhood cookouts, and picnics in the park.
Why do people celebrate the first day of summer?
Many people celebrate the first day of summer because it marks the beginning of warmer weather, longer days, school breaks, vacations, and more time spent outdoors with loved ones.
AUTHOR
Autumn Micketti is the SEO & Content Coordinator for 1-800-Flowers. When she's not writing about Oregold® Peaches or love songs, you can find her exploring mountains, listening to the latest album release of her current musical obsession, or spending time with her extended family.
