Most people think of the holiday season as a winter thing. Christmas lights, cozy nights, and Santa on his way. But summer has a holiday lineup all its own, and it is every bit as worth celebrating.
From patriotic parties to quirky national days that give you a great excuse to eat ice cream for dinner, here are the summer holidays your family should have on the calendar.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial start of summer and is one of the most widely celebrated holidays of the season. It is a day to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military, and it is also a time for families to come together.
Ways to celebrate Memorial Day:
- Attend a local parade or memorial ceremony
- Host a backyard barbecue with family and friends
- Visit a national cemetery or war memorial
- Fly the American flag outside your home
- Watch classic patriotic movies as a family
Memorial Day weekend also marks the traditional start of summer activities — think pool openings, road trips, and the first cookout of the season.
Father's Day (Third Sunday in June)
Father's Day is one of the most heartwarming holidays of the summer. It is a chance to celebrate the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and father figures who make a difference in our lives every single day.
Whether you plan a backyard adventure, cook dad's favorite meal, or let the kids take over breakfast, Father's Day is all about making him feel appreciated.
Looking for gift ideas? Check out our Father's Day gift guide for every type of dad.
Independence Day / 4th of July (July 4)
The 4th of July is one of the biggest summer holidays of the year and a favorite for families across the country. Fireworks, flags, food, and festivities, it does not get more American than that.
Fun ways to celebrate the 4th of July:
- Watch a local fireworks display
- Host a red, white, and blue themed cookout
- Decorate bikes and wagons for a neighborhood parade
- Make patriotic desserts like flag cake or star-shaped watermelon
- Play backyard games like cornhole, water balloons, and relay races
The 4th of July is also a great time to talk to kids about American history and what independence means — in an age-appropriate and fun way, of course.
National Ice Cream Day (Third Sunday in July)
Yes, this is a real holiday, and yes, it absolutely counts. National Ice Cream Day was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, and Americans have been happily celebrating it ever since.
How to celebrate National Ice Cream Day:
- Visit your favorite local ice cream shop
- Set up a DIY ice cream sundae bar at home
- Try making homemade ice cream with the kids
- Host an ice cream social for neighbors and friends
There are no rules on National Ice Cream Day. Every flavor is the right flavor.
Back to School Season (Late July / August)
Okay, back to school is not technically a holiday, but in many families, it has become one. New backpacks, new supplies, first-day-of-school photos, and the excitement of a fresh start all make it a moment worth marking.
Ways to make back to school feel special:
- Take a first-day-of-school photo with a fun sign
- Let kids pick out a special first-day outfit
- Plan a back-to-school celebration dinner
- Start a tradition of writing down goals for the new school year
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and is a great excuse for one last family celebration before the season wraps up. It honors the American labor movement and gives everyone a long weekend to enjoy.
Make the most of Labor Day weekend:
- Take one last summer road trip
- Host a season-ending backyard cookout
- Visit a state fair or outdoor festival
- Spend the day at a lake, beach, or park
- Start getting excited for the fall holidays just around the corner
Don't Let Summer Pass Without Celebrating
Summer is full of holidays big and small, and every single one is a chance to make a memory with the people you love. Whether you go all out for the 4th of July or simply pause to enjoy a scoop of ice cream on National Ice Cream Day, the most important thing is that you celebrate together.
And if you are already thinking about Christmas, you are in the right place. Santa may be busy this summer, but the magic never really stops!
Looking for more holiday inspiration year-round? Explore the Where Is Santa blog for seasonal activities, gift guides, and family traditions for every holiday on the calendar.
