Afternoon facts for kids

Afternoon is the time period that comes after noon and before evening. It usually starts at 12:00 pm, right after midday. There isn't one exact time when the afternoon ends, but it generally fades into evening as the sun begins to set.

What is the Afternoon?

The afternoon is a part of the day when the sun is usually high in the sky, or starting to move lower. It follows the morning and leads into the evening. For many people, it's a busy time. It's when the main part of the workday or school day happens.

Activities in the Afternoon

Many different activities take place during the afternoon.

• School and Learning: Most students are in school during the afternoon, attending classes and learning new things. After school, many kids do their homework or study.
• Work: Adults are often at work during the afternoon. This is when many businesses are open and people are busy with their jobs.
• Sports and Hobbies: Afternoons are popular for sports practices, games, and other hobbies. You might see people playing soccer, basketball, or going for a run.
• Social Time: It's also a common time for friends to meet up, or for families to spend time together before dinner.

Rush Hour

In many cities, the late afternoon is known as "rush hour." This is when many people finish work or school and travel home. Roads can become very busy with cars, buses, and trains. This can make travel times longer.

How Light Changes

During the early afternoon, the sun is often at its brightest. As the afternoon goes on, the sun slowly moves lower in the sky. The light starts to change, becoming softer and warmer. This change in light is a sign that evening is approaching.

Afternoon Around the World

The idea of "afternoon" is similar in many cultures, but the exact times can vary. For example, in some countries, people might have a longer lunch break in the early afternoon and work later into the evening. This shows how daily routines can be different depending on where you are in the world.

See also

In Spanish: Tarde para niños

Images for kids

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  The Türkenschanzpark in Vienna during the early afternoon

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  Visitors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City during the late afternoon

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  Motor vehicle events, like this one in Poland, are common during the afternoon, especially during rush hour.