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.
 inkdrop via Canva |
LGBTQ Pride Month | June 1-30
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. Captiva Pride Weekend will be happening between June 3 - 5 ... Check it out!
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Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month | June 1-30
More than 55 million people, worldwide, live with a form of dementia. Raise awareness this June by wearing purple and telling people why!
 Andrea Izzotti via Canva |
National Ocean Month | June 1-30
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!
 Mihai Constantin from Pexels |
National Donut Day | June 3
Do-nut let this day go by without a celebration. Get one ... or a dozen! Many local spots are having special donut deals just for you!
- 7-Eleven has a BOGO donut deal at select 7-Eleven and Speedway locations, between June 3 - 5, for 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members.
- Divine Donuts is offering FREE glazed yeast/cake donut of your choice with any purchase over $10, while supplies last (applies only to orders purchased and picked up on Friday, June 3rd).
- Duck Donuts is offering a FREE bare, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar donut with no purchase necessary.
- Dunkin' Donuts is offering a FREE classic donut of your choice with the purchase of any drink.
- Krispy Kreme is offering any donut FREE with no purchase necessary.
- RaceTrac is offering a FREE donut at participating stores.
 tomertu via Canva |
Shavuot | June 4-6
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.
 Tama66 via Pixabay |
World War II: D-Day | June 6
For a little history class brush up, read up on the largest air and water invasion in Normandy, France, in 1944.
 SDI Productions via Canva |
Flag Day | June 14
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.
 Laks-Art via Canva |
Eat Your Vegetables Day | June 17
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.
 Peggychoucair via Pixabay |
National Flip Flop Day | June 17
So easy and comfy to wear - fortunately for where we live, we can wear flip flops on most days of the year!
 DragonImages via Canva |
International Picnic Day | June 18
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.
 GeorgeRudy via Canva |
Father's Day | June 19
Celebrate the men in your life who have had an impact on a child's life.
- Father's Day Lunch Cruise with JC Cruises
- Father's Day Sightseeing Cruise with Pure FL
- Father's Day Murder Mystery Dinner with The Dinner Detective
 Maxim's Images via Canva |
Juneteenth | June 19
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).
- Check out Juneteenth Community Festival - Family Day in the Park!
 FamVeld via Canva |
First Day of Summer | June 20
Get outside, head to the beach and celebrate!
