Today we're celebrating Leap Year with one extra day in 2024. Is it an actual holiday? Probably not. But, you can make the extra day extra-special for your family with some themed games, activities and treats, making Leap Year something to look forward to every four years!
First, a little background as to why we even need the extra day. We know it takes the Earth one full year to take a trip around the sun. But did you know that it's actually a little more than 365 days. Five hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds more to be exact. To keep things even, an extra day is added to the calendar every four years.
And a few more fun facts about Leap Year:
- The very first calendar that provided for leap year was introduced in 238 B.C. By King Ptolemy.
- People born on leap year’s day are called leaplings.
- The chances of having a leap year birthday are 1 in 1,461.
- According to the Guinness Book of Records, there are world record holders both of a family producing three consecutive generations born on February 29 and of the number of children born on February 29 in the same family.
Since it doesn't come around every day, it seems like a great reason to celebrate!
And leaping and jumping play a big part in this party!
Big Backyard encourages families to get outside for some Leap Year fun. Their suggestion include building and jumping hurdles and playing leap frog.
Or, if you want to keep your celebration indoors, create an origami jumping frog or go on a frog hunt.
It's no celebration without snacks, so whip up some Leap Year Frog Cookies!
The frog may be the unofficial mascot of Leap Year, but you can create a great celebration that includes any leaping or hopping animal! Find some more Leap Year ideas on our Leap Year Board on Pinterest!
