Epic Ways to Celebrate Fun Holidays in July

The small, fun holidays in July are the perfect excuse to sneak in some crafts, surprise parties, and those little moments your kids will actually remember.

Sure, we’ve all heard of the biggies like the 4th of July or maybe a cozy Christmas in July down in the Southern Hemisphere. 

But what if I told you July is also home to silly, surprising, and downright delightful days like Gummi Worm Day and Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day? Yes, really. And yes, obviously, we are celebrating that.

Whether you’re in the thick of summer sunshine or snuggly winter, I’ve rounded up a joyful mix of fun holidays in July that are perfect for families, kids, and even the grown-ups (because it’s not always about the kids!).

From holiday crafts and party ideas to sweet little moments of connection, this list is your go-to July bucket list of all things weird, wonderful, and worth celebrating.

And if you’re a bit of a planner, you can also check out next month’s bucket list ideas with fun small holidays in August.

So save yourself the “what should we do today?” brain freeze – I’ve got the holiday fun sorted!

Why Celebrate These Weird July Holidays?

Because life’s too short not to party over pudding and gummi worms.

These July celebrations are perfect for parents who want to create memories without the mental load. 

Whether you’re a homeschooling hero, a teacher trying to fill classroom time, or a mom on a mission to beat school holiday boredom, this list is packed with holiday crafts for kids, quirky activities, and even a few cheeky ideas just for adults.

These small-but-mighty special days in July can:

• Spark creativity with low-prep crafts
• Break up your week with something different
• Offer little moments of joy and silliness
• Build traditions your kids will actually remember

Fun and Weird Holidays in July to Celebrate

July 1: International Joke Day

• Make a “joke jar” filled with silly jokes to pull out all month long
• A family joke-telling contest
• Add some joke cards to the family lunchboxes
• Create silly characters and write short comic strips.

July 2: World UFO Day

• Make flying saucers from paper plates and glitter paint
• Host a backyard “alien hunt” scavenger game (glow sticks + googly eyes = alien eggs!)
• Read space-themed books or watch a silly alien movie (Lilo & Stitch, anyone?)
• Stargazing date night with wine and blankets
• Host a space trivia night

July 3: Compliment Your Mirror Day (US)

• Make a DIY mirror frame with kind words and stickers
• Create “You’re Awesome” affirmation cards for siblings or friends.
• Set up a mirror photo booth with props and positivity signs
• Journal 5 things you love about yourself (self-love for kids or adults!)

July 7: World Chocolate Day 

• Throw a chocolate-dipping party – fruit, pretzels, or marshmallows
• Make chocolate-scented playdough or chocolate slime
• Wrap chocolate bars with homemade artwork or printable wrappers
• Bake & share your fave chocolate dish with friends.

July 6: International Kissing Day

• Craft a “kisses countdown” with paper lips & sweet notes inside
• Kids can make “blow a kiss” cards with handprint art
• Make Hershey’s kiss-themed treats or mini gift bags
• Enjoy a cheeky chocolate + wine pairing night once the kids are tucked in

July 10: Teddy Bears’ Picnic Day:

• Host a picnic (indoor or outdoors!) with your favorite plush friends
• Make DIY teddy bear masks or pawprint crafts
• Read We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and act it out together

July 11: Cheer Up the Lonely Day (US)

• Craft cheerful cards or drawings to deliver to neighbors, teachers, or elderly relatives
• Put together a “happy surprise bag” with chocolate, jokes, and notes for someone
• Create a “Smile Station” at home with kindness prompts for the week
• Call that friend you’ve been meaning to check in on, or drop off a coffee just because

July 14: Shark Awareness Day

• Shark-themed craft day (paper plate sharks, ocean slime, shark hats)
• Watch Finding Nemo or Shark Tale and make ocean snacks
• Set up a mini “under the sea” treasure hunt
• Host a beachy trivia night or themed dinner (shark cocktails, anyone?)

July 15: Gummi Worm Day (US)

• Make a mini “dirt cup” dessert with pudding, crushed cookies, and gummi worms
• DIY gummi worm slime (for brave souls only!)
• Create a squirmy worm obstacle race in the backyard
• Cocktail + candy tasting night with weird combos (sour worms and margaritas?)

July 17: World Emoji Day

• Emoji mask-making or playdough emoji faces
• Craft emoji bookmarks or painted rock emojis
• Create a “guess the emoji phrase” game
• Send out surprise happy mail with a note full of emoji clues

July 18: World Listening Day

• Go on a “sound scavenger hunt” outside – birds, wind, cars, etc
• Try a “quiet game” challenge or an emotion-listening game
• Practice mindfulness, listening to ambient sounds, or guided meditation

July 21: National Ice Cream Day (US)

• Ice cream sundae bar at home with toppings galore
• Craft paper ice cream cones or pretend play desserts
• Host a summer-style party with water play and frozen treats (boozy ones for the adults!).

July 24: Parents’ Day (US)

• Create a Family Thank-You jar with something everyone loves/appreciates about Mom and Dad
• Kids cook or help with a meal/snack for parents
• Create a scrapbook page with family photos
• Kids design certificates or trophies for parents.

July 27: Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day (US)

• Move plants to a new vibrant spot they’ll enjoy with new plant friends
• Craft plant markers with kids’ names and artwork
• Set up a pretend “plant parade” around the backyard with decorated pots
• Do a mini plant swap with friends or neighbors
• Finally, repot that one sad plant (you know the one…) and treat yourself to a new leafy friend

July 29: International Tiger Day

• Face painting or make tiger masks from paper plates
• Read The Tiger Who Came to Tea and host a tea party
• Create striped tiger art using paint and sponges
• Donate to wildlife orgs and start a declutter challenge to “clear the clutter, protect the wild”

July 30: International Day of Friendship

• Make friendship bracelets, kindness cards, or mini photo frames
• Host a mini “friendship party” with snacks and games
• Write and mail letters to friends and cousins far away
• Create a digital collage on Instagram using fun throwbacks.

July 31: Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day

• Make DIY instruments from recyclables (rain sticks, tambourines, shakers)
• Host a “weird music” jam session with pots, pans, and found sounds
• Create art inspired by unusual instruments around the world
• Try a new playlist with experimental or global music to shake it up

So Many Fun Holidays in July

There you have it, your guide to July celebrations, packed with weird holidays, fun crafts, and memory-making goodness. 

Whether you’re hosting a Teddy Bear Picnic, crafting alien saucers from paper plates, or celebrating your houseplants like the queens they are, I hope this inspires you to sprinkle a little magic into the everyday.

If you loved this, go ahead and bookmark it, pin it, or send it to your fellow fun-makers. And tell me – what’s your favorite weird July holiday? Did I miss one that your family celebrates?

Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @avisualmerriment with your holidays in July shenanigans – I’d love to see what you’re up to.