When July rolls around, two thoughts immediately come to mind. First, I mentally complain about how hot it already is. yuck. Second, I remember with amazement that we are already halfway through the year! In addition to reviewing our vision boards and intentions for 2023, the sun seekers among us are making the most of the longer days (when temperatures dip into double digits, of course). When it comes to creating a bucket list full of things to do in July, what resonates with one summer persona may not quite another. Some of us are beach bums, others are adventurers, and many of us simply enjoy a refreshing drink by the pool. But you’re in luck, this list of things to do in July has something for everyone.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
31 things to do in July to make every day count
Say it with me: I’m not going to let this summer go by without a dip in the pool. Or ocean. Or any body of water you can find. (Slips and slides count!) Hiking, biking, and lazing around—however you choose to relax, summer is the season to do it. And July is the time to set the tone for the rest of the year to come.
So take this month one day at a time with the wish list below. I have a feeling that by the time August rolls around, we’ll all be riding our summer groove.
July 1-8
1. Check your goals. Since we are six months away and have six months left in 2023, there is never a better time to reflect on the goals you set at the beginning of the year. What still resonates? Are there intentions that you can let go? Recast and reboot, and take this second half by storm.
2. Invite your friends to a blind taste test. Everyone knows we love a good blind taste test. We’ve tried everything from the best vanilla ice cream to pizza crusts and pancake mix. Now is your turn. Invite some friends bake some of your favorite treatsand have everyone vote for their favourites. You can also do a blind taste test between something store-bought and something homemade to see if you really can tell a difference.
3. Cook a meal entirely outdoors. Even if you’re not a grill master, you can still cook a delicious cookout dinner with these meals that were packed for a picnic. If you can stand the heat and the mosquitoes long enough, set a nice table and enjoy outdoor dining too.
4. Celebrate the Fourth of July. Take part in your town’s parade, invite your friends over for a casual (but celebratory) meal, or spend the day at the lake. Kick back, relax and enjoy your day off.
5. Try a new hairstyle. Summer is a great time to experiment with new looks. Try Camille’s easy hacks to perfect her cool, beachy waves.
6. Sleep. Take advantage of the month of July to catch up on rest before the end of summer. Try to take naps, try to get eight hours of sleep every night, and stock your fridge with these top foods for a good night’s sleep.
7. Have an intentional date night. While we love to put on a show and have a cozy night in with our SO, 2023 is all about experiencing more of what’s new. These 50 questions are designed to help you explore new questions and learn more about your partner.
8. Plan your outdoor space. Camille’s Mediterranean-style landscaping has inspired all of us to make the most of the backyard climate. She makes her Pinterest dreams come true with these tip-filled backyard landscaping ideas that fit any space.
July 9-15
9. Start your favorite book again. While my goal is to choose the best new read, sometimes there’s nothing more comforting than rereading your favorite books. There is no pressure to focus too much, no big commitments to make, just pure pleasure. Any book you can imagine curling up with for hours on end, that’s the one to read. Head over to the library, a bookstore, or your Libby app and make it happen.
10. Go swimming at night. Some of my favorite childhood memories are nighttime family swims in the lake. Take the leap (literally) and no night at home this July.
11. Take your steps. During the pandemic, my daily walks during the workday were my saving grace. Now that I know the simple beauty of a couple of daily walks, I just can’t get enough of it. Prioritize at least one walk in your neighborhood. Who knows, when the weather is nice, you might be tempted to push on.
12. Plan a road trip. The best part about road trips is that you hardly need to plan ahead, especially if you’re only going on a day trip, so you have no excuse not to. Follow these expert tips to plan the ultimate road trip.
14. Spruce up your garden (or start one). Gardening is a great way to spend some time in the sun. Plant something new if you already have a garden, or finally start one if you haven’t already. Camille has developed her green thumb and can’t get enough of it. She steals her gardening tips and she starts to grow!
15. Go strawberry picking. Take advantage of the strawberry season! There’s nothing better than getting up early, beating the crowds, and coming home with baskets of fresh fruit. and of course you you have to make a strawberry candy with your crops.
July 16-22
16. Celebrate National Ice Cream Day. What better way to cool off than with an ice cream? Have a few pints of the best vanilla ice creamstry one of these healthy ice cream recipesor just grab a spoon and bowl and celebrate alone.
17. Look at the stars. Go stargazing on vacation, while camping, or in your backyard. Download a free app like Sky View Lite to identify all the stars and constellations you find. Keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars too.
18. Read about the synchronization of cycles. I’ve just started learning about loop timing and I’m already impressed. Dive into the what and why of eating to support all phases of your cycle, Cycle Sync workouts, and how to harness the power of Cycle Sync for your skin.
19. Visit an aquarium. When it’s hot, I’m out on a lake or staying cool somewhere that has air conditioning. In the latter case, a museum or an aquarium will always win. If there isn’t one in your area, explore the depths of the sea with this scrollable illustration. It’s seriously addictive.
20. Have a picnic. Prepare and pack up your favorite picnic recipes, make a pitcher of iced tea, and choose a perfect place to stay for a while. Is there a better way to spend a summer Thursday night?
21. Go to an outdoor concert. Most larger cities and towns host outdoor music events throughout the summer. Do some research, come support local bands, and bring the aforementioned picnic.
22. Attend a block party. Bring some food and stop by. There is no better way to meet your neighbors.
July 23-31
23 Clean out your closet. If you’re looking for productive things to do in July, try cleaning out your closet. you probably feel like you fair Spring cleaning is over, but now is the perfect time to sell or donate the summer clothes from last season that you never ended up wearing. and you can always reorganize to make room for the next summer sales.
24. Take a family bike ride. My family just bought two electric bikes and I couldn’t be more excited to go home and try them out. pack a picnic and stop somewhere picturesque for lunch along the way. (That’s right, it’s all just an excuse for a picnic.)
25. Make a seasonal bouquet. Whether you’re heading to Trader Joe’s or visiting your favorite local florist, choose a few different flowers and put together an arrangement that will brighten your home. Bonus points if you make an extra one to share with a friend.
26. Find a local farmer’s market and cook dinner with what you buy. If you’re wondering what to do in July with the best summer meals, check out our guide to what’s in season. Support local vendors by visiting your nearest farmer’s market and making a meal out of what you find.
27. Go to a baseball game. Nothing screams summer like baseball and hot dogs. I just went to a Cubs game and while I wouldn’t call myself the biggest baseball fan, I had a great time getting out there and feeling the energy of the game.
28. Get in the water. Grab a paddle board, take a surf lesson, or head out on a boat. However, if you enjoy water, don’t be afraid to get your hair wet.
29 Having a 90s movie marathon when it’s too hot outside. Let’s face it: while summers are meant to be spent outdoors, sometimes it’s too hot. Invite your friends over or curl up on the bed and enjoy a 90s movie marathon to escape the heat and relax.
30. Go to a wine tasting. It’s the best day for the girls on Sunday. Gather some friends or invite other couples if you want to go with your partner. And if there are no wineries nearby, visit a local wine bar or brewery and keep your tasting close to home.
31. Reflect on the month and make new goals for August. Remember everything this month brought into your life. Did you meet new people? Experience new opportunities? Learn new things? In your journal, share what went well and what you wish would have happened differently this month. Then take that positive energy and channel it into an amazing August ahead.
This post was originally published on July 1, 2021 and has since been updated.
