Things to do at the weekend in July

How to spend your July weekends

It’s officially summer, so it’s time to enjoy the long, warm days, head out on for summer trips and activities, and relax in the sun as much as possible. [looks out window at Scottish rain and grey skies… 😂]

Depending on where you live, school may or may not be finished for the summer. Here are some ideas for things you could do during the weekends or your time off in July.

Enjoying summer weekends

The schools are now out here in Scotland, so it’s proper summer holiday season. We’re excited to be heading off on holiday soon in search of some sun after a long winter and a spring with plenty of mixed weather.

When we get back we’ll be planning some fun summer weekends this July.

Making the most of July weekends

Summer weekends do feel special, and it’s good to make the most of the longer days and warm weather. I tend to chuck routine to the wayside in the summer holidays, and go with the flow a bit more. Another hour at the beach on a sunny day is more important than sticking to bedtime in my opinion.

If you’re looking for some easy ideas for July weekends, here’s a list of simple, low-key summer activities that are quintessential to this long-awaited time of year.

Things to do at the weekend in July

Whether you’re spending the summer at home, or getting away somewhere, here’s a list of easy ideas for things to do at the weekend in July.

1 Start by making a summer bucket list

Sit down with the kids or as a family at the start of July and plan out things that you want to do this summer. You probably won’t do them all and that’s completely fine, so make it a list of inspiration and ideas that you can refer back to for ideas over the coming summer weekends.

2 Go on a camping trip

Camping is the archetypal summer activity, and the beauty of it is that there’s a kind of camping to suit everyone. Whether you’re more of a glamper or prefer to be in a campervan, or you like to get as far away from civilisation as possible, they key elements are a beautiful spot and good company. Have these and you can’t go wrong (although packing a few essential home comforts won’t hurt either).

3 Eat s’mores round the campfire

While you’re on your camping trip, gather round the campfire to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. If you don’t come home with your clothes smelling of woodsmoke and everything sticky from melted marshmallows, then you’re doing it wrong.

(If you’ve never made s’mores, and you’re not from the US and don’t have a clue where to start, then here’s an easy UK Smore’s Recipe .)

4 Crack open the rosé

Summertime calls for summer drinks, and there’s nothing more summery than a bottle of perfectly-chilled and perfectly pink wine. I prefer the lightest of blushes with an ice cube dropped in. Pair with a good book and your feet up. Summer bliss.

5 Put together a summer playlist

A good playlist is a summer essential, particularly if you’re heading off on a road trip, or just for barbecues or kitchen discos. Keep playing it for your very own summer soundtrack.

6 Head to the beach

Spending time by the sea is the ultimate stress-buster, so head to the beach if you’re able this July. Pack a picnic blanket, some chairs, a windbreak, and an icebox of drinks and snacks, and make a day of it by the seaside. In Scotland we need to pack wetsuits alongside our buckets and spades, but it doesn’t spoil the enjoyment, especially as there are some amazing Scottish beaches.

7 Build sandcastles

Join in with the kids and build some epic sandcastles this summer. Its simple creativity is a relaxing and fun way to while away an hour at the beach.

8 Swim wherever you can

If you don’t live near a beach, find a local swimming spot where you can enjoy a dip in the open air, whether it’s a lake, outdoor pool or lido. Wild swimming has become hugely popular over the past few years and people swear by its mental and physical health benefits. (But remember, only swim where it’s safe to do so!)

9 Watch Wimbledon

During the first couple of weeks of July, enjoy all the action from SW19 in London where Wimbledon is back in full swing. Strawberries and cream are basically compulsory while you watch.

10 Get the paddling pool out

Kids love nothing better than a dip in the paddling pool, and larger ones have become so much more affordable, that it would be rude for the adults not to have a go too. My absolute BEST purchase last year was a universal tap adapter for the hose, which means I can fill the pool from an indoor tap with much warmer water than the freezing outdoor tap. Or for some food old fashioned fun, set the hose up and run through the sprinklers.

11 Go berry picking

July is peak soft fruit season: strawberries, raspberries and cherries are abundant now, and if you’re lucky enough to live near a Pick Your Own farm, it’s time to head into the fields and pick as many as you can. They never taste better than when they’re freshly picked and warm from the sun. We picked a huge amount this year and made strawberry milkshakes, strawberry ice cream, and the awesome jam below. Delicious.

12 Make raspberry jam

Raspberry jam is probably the easiest jam to make, and it tastes sooo good. Basically summer in a jar. If you’ve never made jam before, give it a go and you won’t be disappointed.

Believe me – when you’re sitting eating homemade raspberry jam on your breakfast toast on a dark November morning, you’ll be glad you tried it. Try this Easy Homemade Raspberry Jam Recipe.

I hope this post has given you some ideas of ways to spend the weekends this July. If you have any favourite activities for this time of year, let me know in the comments!