Summer Sun & Sparklers: 31 Ways to Savor July

July is a month that hums with possibility—the scent of sunscreen, the buzz of cicadas, the shimmer of sidewalk heat, and the way laughter seems to carry farther in the summer air. This is the season of barefoot days, late-night fireworks, and a little more freedom. Whether you’re dancing in your kitchen, chasing adventure, or finding rest in the shade, here’s your bucket list of simple joys and unforgettable moments to savor all month long.

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Stars, stripes, and summer nights.

July - the month for beaching and BBQs!

1. Get a Pretty Pink Gel Pedicure - Kick off sandal season with a glossy pink pedicure that makes you feel put-together even when you're barefoot in the grass. Go with a friend, doom scroll Pinterest, and treat yourself to that foot massage.

2. Try a State Park Tour - Load the car with camping gear and hit the trail! Plan a multi-day adventure through your favorite state parks—hike scenic overlooks, find secret swimming holes, cook over a fire, and fall asleep to the sound of rustling trees and loon calls.

3. Go All Out at Your County Fair - Grab cotton candy, ride the Tilt-a-Whirl, and say hello to every goat, sheep, and pig in the barn. Don’t leave without a bag of kettle corn and a souvenir from a local crafter.

4. Celebrate the 4th of July - Deck yourself in stars and stripes, put red and blue ribbons in your hair, grill something delicious, and stretch out on a blanket under a fireworks show that makes you feel like a kid again.

5. Go Berry Picking - Visit a U-pick farm and gather sun-warmed strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Come home and bake a pie, make freezer jam, or just eat them by the handful on the porch.

6. Try River Tubing - Gather your favorite float crew, bring drinks in a waterproof cooler, tie your tubes together, and drift under the summer sun with nowhere to be but the next bend in the river.

7. Create a Butterfly Garden - Plant nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, lavender, and zinnias. Add a shallow water dish with pebbles and watch the butterflies flutter in. Bonus: get the kids involved with painting garden markers or rocks.

8. Water Balloon Fight at the Playground - Fill a cooler or two with reusable water balloons, head to the nearest playground, and invite any kids and parents who want to join. Laughter guaranteed, and you’ll probably make some new friends too.

9. Set Up an Air Mattress in the Living Room - Create a cozy nest of pillows and blankets, put on comfort movies, nap, snack, read, and fully embrace a day of rest and reset. No chores allowed.

10. Barefoot Walk Through Nature (or the City!) - Take your shoes off and feel the world beneath you—grass, sand, maybe even warm pavement. Tune into your senses and let the earth remind you that you’re here, alive, and connected.

11. Movie at the Park - Find a community showing of a family-friendly classic, bring a picnic, cozy blankets, and enjoy a night under the stars with popcorn in hand.

12. Summer Concert - Let yourself be swept up in live music! Sway to the beat, sing out loud, and soak in the summer magic. If you can, see The Crane Wives—they’re sure to make your heart soar.

13. See the Tall Ships in Canal Park - Marvel at the masts, explore the decks, and chat with the captains. Take in the history and beauty of these majestic vessels. Bring binoculars and watch them come in across Lake Superior like ghosts of the past.

14. BBQ Gathering With Friends - Invite a handful of loved ones over for a casual cook-off. Assign everyone a category (meat, side, drink, dessert), then taste-test and enjoy. Add yard games and a playlist for full effect.

15. Climb a Tree and Hang Around - Find a sturdy limb and pull yourself up. Perch with a book, a journal, or just your thoughts. Let your inner child lead for a few minutes—or hours.

16. Fly a Kite - Wait for the wind to pick up, then head to a wide open space. Choose something bright and bold, run with abandon, and laugh like you're eight years old again.

17. Make Homemade Ice Cream - Churn up a batch in your favorite flavor—vanilla bean, strawberry basil, or chocolate fudge. Add toppings and host a mini sundae bar for your family or neighbors.

18. Explore an Adventure Park - Try a ropes course, alpine slide, or mountain coaster—Spirit Mountain is a favorite. Feel the wind in your hair, the adrenaline in your chest, and the joy of doing something just a little wild.

19. Create a Punk Rock, Protest, or All-American Playlist - Let the soundtrack of summer reflect your mood. Whether it's rage against injustice or celebration of freedom, create a playlist that pumps you up and play it loud on a drive with the windows down.

20. Compete in a Sand Sculpting Contest - Head to a beach with buckets and spatulas, then let your creativity take over. Make a mermaid, a sea creature, or a sculpture that tells a story. Bonus if there’s an actual contest—you just might win.

21. Paintball - Suit up in some old clothes and get your adrenaline fix with a few rounds of paintball. Make it a team effort and enjoy the thrill of competition with a splash of color.

22. Stand-Up Paddleboarding - Glide across a calm lake or lazy river. It’s peaceful, a little bit wobbly, and surprisingly meditative. Bonus: you might spot fish, loons, or even otters if you're lucky.

23. Create a Patriotic Dessert and Charcuterie Board - Layer red, white, and blue fruits with cheeses, crackers, and chocolate-dipped pretzels. Add sparklers or tiny flags for flair. Perfect for hosting or just a fancy family night in.

24. Carefully Try At-Home Fireworks - Light sparklers, smoke bombs, or fireworks in a wide open space. Always follow safety instructions and keep a hose nearby—but let the joy light up your night.

25. Christmas in July Gift Exchange - Invite friends for a lighthearted celebration with homemade gifts, iced cocoa, holiday music, and a silly white elephant-style swap. Add twinkle lights and a peppermint-scented candle for festive flair.

26. Photo Shoot Scavenger Hunt - Make a list of fun and quirky photo prompts—like “holding a rainbow snow cone” or “jumping mid-air in front of a mural.” Turn it into a game and see who captures the best moments.

27. Parents Day - Treat the Parents - Bring flowers, cook brunch, or write a heartfelt letter. Celebrate the parents in your life with love, laughter, and maybe a surprise visit or thoughtful gift.

28. Mini Golf Adventure - Pick a spot with colorful obstacles and fun themes. Make it a double date, a family outing, or a solo mission to beat your personal best. Winner buys snow cones!

29. Swim With Extended Family at Your Childhood Beach - Return to the beach of your youth. Bring the kids, the cousins, and the cooler. Share stories, take photos, and let time slow down in a place that once held your footprints.

30. Thrift a New Swimsuit or Two - Hit your favorite thrift shops for bold prints, retro cuts, or unexpected finds. Try everything on, do a little fashion show, and walk out feeling fresh without breaking the bank.

31. Full Moon Ceremony + Star Gaze + Moon Bath - Wrap up the month under the moonlight. Light candles, dance barefoot, journal your reflections, and soak in moonlight with intention. Breathe, release, and open up to what’s next.

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Here’s to a month of fireflies and freedom, sunburns and star baths, sweet ice cream drips and laughter that echoes. July invites you to play, to rest, to explore, and to celebrate life in full color. Make room for joy—and let your bucket list be the map to it.

Happy Independence Day!