July Writing Prompts

The month of July brings much inspiration to writers of all ages and backgrounds. Use these creative writing category prompts, designed specifically for the month of July, to generate original responses about summer sports, holidays, nature, and food. Responses to these prompts can vary in genre. Writers are encouraged to use rich detail and language, as well as all steps of the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, revising, and polishing), as best suited for their goals as a writer. Keep in mind that some prompts may demand contextualization depending on the learner’s age and needs.

July Writing Prompts

Category 1: Independence Day

One of America’s favorite early summer holidays is the Fourth of July. On this day, Americans celebrate at parades, barbecues, and other gatherings. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, draw pictures, and make summer plans.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a family celebrating the Fourth of July, including details about a barbecue, fireworks, and yard games they play.
2. Draw a picture of a plate of your favorite summer foods. Write about why you love each.
3. Write about a Fourth of July parade you’d like to have in your town. What will be included in the parade? What will people see? Who and what will be celebrated?

Grades 3+:

1. Write a persuasive essay about the significance of Independence Day as it relates to freedom and independence in our lives.
2. Research another country’s Independence Day. When is their Independence Day and how do they celebrate in their culture?
3. Write a journal entry on the meaning of patriotism and the different ways in which people express their love and loyalty to their country.

Category 2: Summer Sports

During the month of July, many people enjoy summer sports of many varieties. These sports sometimes keep us on land, but others get us into the water (or even the air). This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, draw pictures, and make summer plans.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a day of outdoor sports and games, including details about playing soccer, swimming, and having fun with friends.
2. Invent a new summer game that you can play with your friends. Explain the rules and include any equipment you and your friends will need.
3. Create an invitation for your classmates to join you for a game of kickball at a nearby park. Be sure to include the time, location, and other information about what they should bring to the game.

Grades 3+:

1. Write an article about staying safe when engaged in physical activity during summer weather. Include information about sun safety and hydration.
2. Write a story about a character’s preparation for an annual water balloon fight at their summer camp.
3. Design a social media graphic that encourages young people to get outside, learn a new sport, and try an outdoor activity such as parasailing.

Category 3: Summer Travel

July can be a very busy month for travel. Whether it be a vacation or a “stay-cation,” people have time to enjoy the summer weather and make special memories. This set of creative July writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, draw pictures, write poems, essays, and adventure!

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a family road trip to a fun summer destination; include some details about their stop at a roadside attraction.
2. Draw a picture of your view out the window during a road trip. What do you see?
3. Write a short poem about the excitement of summer travel and the anticipation of new adventures.

Grades 3+:

1. Write a persuasive essay advocating for the value of travel and the benefits of experiencing different cultures, places, and perspectives.
2. Write a story about a family that travels across the United States in a camper. Where do they stop? What do they see?
3. Create an advertisement for a students-only travel company that tours different areas in Europe. Choose countries within close proximity and advertise with maps, graphics, and other information student travelers might need.

Category 4: Summer Nature

As nature blooms in full, summer brings a new view of nature. Colors are more vivid, days are brighter, and the hours feel longer. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, draw pictures, and explore nature through the lens of summer.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a day spent in a treehouse. What would you do all day?
2. Write a story about a crab named Bob who enjoys swimming in waves at the beach.
3. Write about a summer nature activity, such as gardening, berry picking, rock collecting, fishing, or bird watching.

Grades 3+:

1. Write a story from the perspective of a pair of sunglasses that keeps getting lost and picked up by different tourists. Write a detailed log about what the sunglasses see!
2. Write a story about a character who discovers a massive waterfall during a summer hike.
3. Create an advertisement for a local park or nature center that hosts summer learning opportunities. Add contact information and photos to encourage visitors.

Category 5: Ice Cream Day

We all scream for ice cream! Whether you prefer vanilla, chocolate, or something else, use this set of creative writing prompts to craft stories, draw pictures, recipes, poems, and silly scenarios. Add the cherry on top by using rich details and descriptors.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a magical ice cream truck that travels to different planets and serves ice cream flavors that are out of this world.
2. Write a recipe for your favorite ice cream sundae. Include a list of toppings.
3. Write a story about a kitten who discovers its food dish has been filled with ice cream instead of milk.

Grades 3+:

1. Create an advertisement for a brand new ice cream flavor.
2. Write an essay about traditional ice cream alternatives and cold treats that are just as cooling, tasty, and satisfying.
3. Write a short story about a small child who will only eat the toppings for ice cream, but never the ice cream itself.

Category 6: Watermelon

A popular treat during the summer is watermelon. You can slice it, dice it, or even put it in a drink and enjoy! This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, draw pictures, and explore nature with this delicious pink and green fruit in mind. Yum!

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a talking watermelon who wins a “World’s Biggest Watermelon” Competition.
2. Write a letter to a farmer, asking them questions about how watermelons grow and sharing your excitement for enjoying watermelon during the summer.
3. Draw a picture of a watermelon patch and write a sentence or two about what you would do if you had your own watermelon farm.

Grades 3+:

1. Write a poem that describes the taste and texture of biting into a very juicy watermelon on a hot summer day.
2. Create a short play story about two rival characters who have a watermelon eating contest at a summer barbecue.
3. Write a recipe for a delicious watermelon punch you can serve at a summer party. Include all ingredients, the recipe, and a clever name for your watermelon punch.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our July writing prompts!