School is almost over and summer’s about to begin! June is the month when we really start feeling like winter is over and done with for another year – the weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining almost every day … it’s time to celebrate June!
Why June?
There are a few stories about how the month of June was named. Thousands of years ago, the Ancient Romans named the month after the goddess Juno, who was the patron of marriage and also responsible for looking after the wellbeing of women. The name “June” also comes from the Latin word “juvenis,” which means “young people.”
June is beautiful month!
June Customs
June includes a couple of interesting (and exciting!) customs. The first is the custom of marriage. Ever heard the term "June bride"? It refers to the fact more people get married in June than any other month. Contrary to popular belief, this tradition did NOT come about because of the dependable weather. Actually, there are a number of interesting reasons J-U-N-E spells "marriage."
For instance, some classical scholars believe the month of June is actually named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage. Fast-forward a few centuries and you'll find another good reason to book a banquet hall for June: according to one old wives' tale, "Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day. Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you'll go."
- Learn more about weird and wonderful wedding facts.
Next is one every kid in the Northern Hemisphere relates to and looks forward to all year long: the end of the school year! But school actually wraps up in different months depending on where in the world you live. The idea is to give kids a break from studying so they can do other things while the weather is nice – in the summer. So, students in the Southern Hemisphere (south of the equator) actually finish their school year in January, since that’s the month summer starts for them.
According to some people, school ends at the beginning of summer because that’s usually when exams are given, and the fewest number of students will be sick and miss exams when the weather is nice.
- Check out some of the most popular summer vacation spots.
Special Days
There are quite a few special days North Americans observe during the month of June – some serious and others that are kind of silly and fun. Check them out!
Dairy Month: Find out why milk is so important to your overall health and nutrition.
Great Outdoors Month: Meet some real-live kids who had the most incredible outdoor adventures!
National Adopt-A-Cat Month: So many cats and kittens in the world are looking to be adopted into their new forever homes. If you’ve been thinking of adopting a cat, June is the month to do it! Be sure to adopt from a rescue group or animal shelter to make sure you’re giving a cat who really needs it a good home. You can also learn all about furry felines at Kidzworld.com:
National Iced Tea Month: Sweet, cool, refreshing iced tea is part of our favorite Sun-sational Summer Snacks list.
National Tennis Month: Raise a racket and learn how to play tennis this summer!
National Zoo & Aquarium Month: People have different opinions about zoos – is it ethical to keep animals locked up in cages? Are there any educational benefits to zoos? Either way, zoos do exist and some of the cutest animals live in them. Check out an adorable baby kangaroo named Tijana, who lives in a Serbian zoo.
Kidzworld also has cool facts and info on some of the most amazing aquariums in America: check out our reports on The Monterey Bay Aquarium in San Francisco and SeaWorld Adventure Park in Florida.
Fishing Week - 1st Week In June: Get kid-friendly tips and advice on fishing equipment, techniques and gear.
Clay Week - 2nd Week In June: If you’re heading to art camp this summer, you may find yourself working with clay. If camp isn’t in your plans, check out this cool pottery wheel you can use at home.
Camping Week - 4th Week In June: For many kids, summer equals camping! Check out these cool articles about North America’s favorite activity:
June 1:
- Oscar The Grouch’s Birthday: Muppet Show Facts
June 3 - Egg Day: Some people call eggs nature’s most perfect food. They’re a great source of protein, as well as 11 essential nutrients. Best of all, they’re dead-easy to make – even in the microwave. Check out our kid-friendly, super-fast, yummy-yummy egg recipe and get cracking!
June 4:
- Donut Day: Where did these tasty circular treats come from?
- Aesop’s Birthday: You can learn all about Aesop’s famous fables by reading Gooney The Fabulous by Lois Lowry.
- Cheese Day: Find out about a really weird custom in England called a Cheese Chase.
June 5:
- National Gingerbread Day: It may be far from Christmas, but who says you can’t enjoy gingerbread in June?
- World Environment Day: Read The Kids Guide To Global Warming and find out what you can do to help heal our environment.
June 6:
- Applesauce Cake Day: Check out our recipe and make your own applesauce cake.
- National Yo-Yo Day: We’ve got the spin on this wacky pastime!
June 8: World Oceans Day in honor of our, magical, mysterious ocean!
June 9: Donald’s Duck Birthday (1934): In honor of our favorite cartoon quacker, learn how to take care of ducklings.
June 11: Premiere of E.T. The Movie in 1982.
June 12:
- Anne Frank’s Birthday (1929): Learn more about WWII and read our review of On The Wings Of Heroes – a great summer read.
- Baseball Invented (1839): Discover the science behind baseball.
- Magic Day: Magic Frank can teach you how to perform magic tricks on your own.
June 14:
- World Juggling Day: Learn how to juggle – if you like it, consider getting yourself a real set of juggling cups.
- Flag Day has been a national holiday since 1949.
June 15 - Fly A Kite Day:
June 17: Eat Your Vegetables Day: As a kid, it may not be your favorite day of the year. But the more you learn about your health and nutrition, the more you will understand why it’s so important to eat your veggies. The Food Guide Pyramid can help you learn more.
June 18: International Picnic Day: Pack the picnic basket and head out into the great outdoors! KW shows you healthy, energizing picnic food you can bring.
June 19: Garfield’s Birthday
June 20:
- Bald Eagle Day
- Ice Cream Soda Day: Find out all about the history of ice cream.
- Summer Solstice the first day of summer!
June 29: Father’s Day:
- Father’s Day Craft Ideas
- Father’s Day Sports
- Father’s Day Activities
- Father’s Day Gadgets
- Father’s Day History
- Father’s Day 2021 Gift & Activity Guide
June 26:
- National Chocolate Pudding Day: It’s not pudding, but it’s cool! Find out how Jell-o works.
- Toothbrush invented in 1498: Taking care of your teeth means taking care of your overall health.
June 29: Camera Day: Get snappy with Photography 101.
June 30:
- Meteor Day: Find out about one of the latest asteroids to blaze through the atmosphere and crash-land on Earth.
- Superman’s Birthday: Find out the latest on your favorite superhero in Superman Returns.
