June is such a big month. For most of us, it is the time when school is ending. Summer officially arrives. And we are six months into the year already! How did that happen?!?
We have plenty of ideas for your family to mark the month and the change in the season. Here is our list of the top 10 events and holidays happening in June.
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LGBTQ Pride Month
LGBTQ Pride events are held nationwide this month to mark Pride Month, held each June as a way to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City. This year, it's also a chance for those in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to show support to each other and organize against legislation aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender youth. Head to Kerouac Park on June 4th for the Greater Lowell PRIDE Festival to celebrate PRIDE Month with friends and neighbors. Enjoy activities, music and food. June 1-30
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National Ocean Month
The ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface and is where life began 3.5 billion years ago ... and yet about 95 percent of the ocean remains unexplored! Celebrate National Ocean Month by learning more about our amazing bodies of waters — from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Great Lakes in between! But there's nothing like actually going to an ocean, lake, or creek to really appreciate them ... so get out there and explore! June 1-30
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National Donut Day
Do-nut let this day go by without a celebration. Get one ... or a dozen! Visit your local participating donut shop for a free donut or make some at home. We have a 2 Ingredient Drop Donut Hole recipe the kids will love! June 3
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Shavuot
While perhaps less well known than Jewish holidays like Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Shavuot – one of the three pilgrimage festivals mentioned in the Torah — is a significant holiday for Jews. Typical dishes on Shavuot include stuffed blintzes and cheesecake. Other customs include reading from the Torah and adorning synagogues with fresh flowers. June 4-6
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Flag Day
Everyone knows the story of Betsy Ross, but have you heard the story of Bob Heft? In 1958, shortly after Alaska gained statehood, the 17-year-old from Ohio took apart his family's 48-star flag and added two more in a symmetrical pattern for a class project. He explained to his teacher he believed Hawaii would soon gain statehood status as well.
He sent the flag to his congressman who, in turn, presented it to then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower selected Heft's design for the 50 star flag after Hawaii became a state and, on July 4, 1960, Eisenhower and Heft raised the 50 star flag together for the first time.
The best part of the story? Heft’s teacher, initially unimpressed with his project, had given him a B-. The teacher later changed his grade to an A. Listen to Bob Heft tell his story on NPR's StoryCorps.
Books are a great way to share a new holiday or start a new family tradition with your young children. Check out one of my favorites, "F is for Flag" by Wendy Cheyette Lewison. This book shows how our flag can mean many things from a symbol of unity to a sign of welcome.
Celebrate Flag Day by making Cool Berry Flag Cake. This cool, refreshing "cake" does double-duty for the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Flag Day and July 4th. June 14
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Eat Your Vegetables Day
Let your kids choose a new vegetable to try at the grocery. Or plant a garden together. Need some ideas on how to get kids excited about veggies? We love these easy to make kale chips. June 17
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International Picnic Day
Everyone loves a picnic! You can head to your favorite park for an elaborate grill out or simply throw a blanket down in your backyard and serve PB&Js. The joy of a picnic is in spending time together enjoying the outdoors. That amazing potato salad? Well, that's just a bonus. Browse our Playground Guide for the perfect park to enjoy Picnic Day. June 18
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Father's Day
Celebrate the men in your life who have had an impact on a child's life. This FREE Father's Day printable makes it easy to capture your kids' thoughts about dad. We're sure you'll get some hilarious, insightful, and sweet responses! June 19
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Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the date Texas slaves were told in 1865 that they were free — two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth emphasizes African American education and achievement and is a time marked with everything from family reunions to rodeos. The Pan-African flag was created in 1920. The colors represent freedom, pride, and the political power of Black Americans. (Find out more: How to Talk to Children about Juneteenth).
Looking for more ways to celebrate and bring awareness of Juneteenth into your home? Browse your local library for books about Juneteenth. A few of our favorites: "Opal Lee" by Alice Faye Duncan, "The Juneteenth Story" by Alliah L. Agostini, and "Juneteenth for Mazie" by Floyd Cooper. June 19
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First Day of Summer
Get outside and celebrate! Sometimes the only way to beat the heat is to find a cool swimming spot and spend the day splashing in the water. Check our list of local beaches, pools and spray parks to visit this summer! June 20
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