Summer is here! That means time for fun in the sun, but don’t forget the sunscreen! July is a month for all your favorite outdoor activities. It is National Grilling Month, National Picnic Month, and National Ice Cream Month! Is it me, or does it seem like July is hoarding all the good stuff!? Maybe someone should teach it the value of sharing. Until then, let’s celebrate all the fun days this month has to offer.
1st International Chicken Wing Day - Variety is the name of the game! Spicy Buffalo, Sweet BBQ, Savory Dry Rubs. 99% of the population loves chicken wings. The rest are sad, lost souls who, hopefully, will one day see the light. If you reeeeeeeally love chicken wings, you are in luck! July 29th is National Chicken Wing Day! Two chances for yummy celebrations!
3rd National Compliment Your Mirror Day – Look yourself in the mirror and list the things you like best about yourself. It’s easy to dwell on our mistakes and shortcomings, but now and again, we should take a moment and remind ourselves what makes us so awesome. It may sound silly, but it can be very therapeutic to look yourself in the eye and say, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”
4th Independence Day - Of course, I highly encourage celebrating Independence Day in the traditional ways. Grilling with the family, catching a fireworks show, and watching 1776 the Musical. Oh, your traditions don’t include one of the greatest musicals of all time? Well, to each her own.
7th National Father-Daughter Take A Walk Day - Quality time spent with dad outside the house? Those are memories in the making. Taking a walk is not just good exercise but also an excellent way to bond. Maybe your household doesn’t meet the criteria to celebrate today- it should also be noted that today is International Chocolate Day, and that’s worth marking on the calendar too.
8th National Video Game Day – Video games can sometimes feel like the enemy when trying to get the kids to clean their rooms or take out the trash, but they can also be a fun group activity. Games engage the imagination, teach problem-solving skills, and can also tune those fine motor skills. Today have your child teach you how to play their favorite game or find a new game that the whole family can partake in. Here’s a pretty solid list of family-friendly games for all different consoles.
11th National 7-eleven Day/Free Slurpee Day – Yes! You read that right. It is Free Slurpee Day at 7-11 stores nationwide! What started as an ice house storefront in 1927 in the Dallas area quickly turned into a chain of stores selling milk, eggs, and bread under the name of “Tote’m Stores.” Today, 96 years later, the company celebrates its birthday by giving its iconic Slurpees away for free. Visit any participating 7-11 today and get a free Slurpee while supplies last!
15th National Gummi Worm Day – Did you know you can make your own gummi worms (and bears) at home? It is super easy; you just need the right mold. You can experiment with flavors. (I admit, I’ve attempted some pretty wacky flavors in the past, from boozy wine gummi bears to pickle-flavored gummi worms!) Here is a good gummi recipe; I recommend letting them dry out overnight (after you’ve removed them from the molds) for a more traditional consistency.
25th National Merry-go-round Day – This one might be a little harder than the rest to partake in, but worth a try for one of the oldest amusement rides still in existence. Originating as a medieval form of training for tilting matches in jousting tournaments, it wasn’t until the 17th Century that the carousel was used for entertainment purposes. Try Googling “Carousels near me,” if you are lucky, you can celebrate the day with a ride.
28th National Waterpark Day – It is HOT outside! It’s a perfect day to hit the water park (or, heck, anything with water will do) and cool off with fun in the sun! (It is also National Milk Chocolate Day, but I recommend enjoying your chocolate away from the summer sun.)
29th - Just a friendly reminder that today is National Chicken Wing Day. In case you missed it further up in the article. Is it obvious I love chicken wings?
Check out the article from last July and find more fun days July has to offer.