June is the time of year when people want to get outdoors, celebrate fun holidays, and spend special times with family and friends. There doesn’t have to be a reason. But it’s nice when there is!

Don’t let the special days and events in June slip by unnoticed. You’ll be passing up an opportunity to celebrate something that may be of interest to you and your family.

June Holidays

June 14 – Flag Day – On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution creating an official flag for the United States. President Wilson, over a hundred years later in 1916, made Flag Day an official holiday. Click here for some fun red, white and blue desserts to make with the kids.

June 19 – Juneteenth Day – On June 19, 1865, the people of Texas formally recognized that all slaves were free. The first such official recognition in the country and although it’s currently a state holiday, Juneteenth is on its way to becoming a national celebration. More communities recognize its importance and schedule events. So check your community for local celebrations today!

June 20 – Father’s Day – Celebrate dads, granddads, foster dads, stepdads and every other kind of father on this special day in June.

Special Times for Family

National Zoos and Aquarium Month – This is a great opportunity to recognize the important role that zoos and aquariums play in combining fun with awareness, conservation and research. If your community has one or both, consider visiting during the month of June. You can usually find a variety of educational programs and exhibits. These encourage audiences of all ages to learn about animals in more natural habitats because it’s outside a formal classroom setting. So call ahead to see if there are any discounts or special pricing this month. 

Great Outdoors Month – You can gather outside with your loved ones in an active way: hiking, tubing, running, bike riding and so much more. Or you can relax at the beach. Visit one of our country’s national or state parks. There are sunsets and sunrises to watch. Stars at which to gaze and planets to observe. All from the great outdoors.

Pride Month – Most major cities and towns celebrate Pride Month with awareness events, parades and parties for the LGBTQIA community. Join a local event for information, fellowship and advocacy opportunities.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month – Research different and inventive ways to eat fresh fruit and veggies. After all, summer is a great time for lighter, healthier eating. Click here for some ideas from the American Heart Association.

June 3 – World Bicycle Day – Let’s promote bike riding to work, school and at play. We can also use this day to advocate for laws/ordinances that make our roads safer to do so.

First Friday in June – National Doughnut Day – Visit a local bakery or national chain, many places will have good deals today. Besides, after hiking outdoors, you deserve it!

June 5 – National Trails Day, World Environment Day – Combine both. Almost every community has trails, many of them paved. Why not explore with your loved ones on bike or foot? Environmental groups also organize events around town to clean up areas and meet new people.  

June 8 – Best Friends Day – Reach out and tell those you’re closest to how much they matter.

June 21 – International Yoga Day – Starting in 2015, this day was set aside to spread awareness about yoga. As a result, this ancient practice centered around poses, flow and breath is now quite popular. The benefits of yoga include flexibility, muscle tone, clarity, focus and the connection humans have to each other and the world around them.

June 24 – Swim a Lap Day – Whether in a pool, lake, gulf or ocean – get into the water and swim a lap for fun. A refreshing and low-impact form of exercise. Hopefully, people will enjoy it so much they’ll make it a habit!

Everyone here at KidzToPros wishes you a safe, happy and active start to summer. Enjoy holidays and special days with your family…all that June has to offer!