Ree Drummond’s Favorite Traditions for the Family Every Summer
Enjoy every moment with fireworks, camping, and homemade ice cream.
When the Oklahoma heat settles in and the sun stays out just a little longer, the season becomes all about the little moments that turn into family memories. For Ree Drummond, summer has always been about gathering people together: filling the table with good food, welcoming family back home, celebrating big occasions, and finding joy in the everyday rhythms of ranch life. And over the years, she’s shared the sweet summer traditions her family comes back to again and again.
Some of their favorite summer activities are big and festive, like gathering for a 4th of July celebration in Pawhuska, while others are wonderfully simple, like gardening, watching sunsets, or catching fireflies on a warm evening. These traditions may not be fancy, but that’s exactly the point. They’re fun, familiar, and full of all the small joys that come with summers spent over at Drummond Ranch.
Make the most of summer with these ideas:
Hosting a 4th of July Party
The Drummond annual 4th of July celebration in Pawhuska has become one of the family’s signature summer traditions. It brings everyone together in their small Oklahoma town for a night of food, fun, and fireworks (the latter being courtesy of Ladd). “It truly is a fun and small-town family event,” Ree says. “There’s a reason Pawhuska’s 4th of July has become a permanent summer tradition for so many.”
Serving Summer Meals
Summer is the perfect excuse to gather everyone around the table. “I suddenly feel compelled to drink all the lemonade and eat all the watermelon I can get my hands on," Ree says of the season. Of course, she also loves Ladd’s grilled tenderloin paired with delicious sides like potato salad and fresh corn casserole.
Getting Into Gardening
Here’s a slower summer tradition that Ree loves because it gives her a chance to enjoy the season at a gentler pace. Whether it’s tending flowers (her favorites are dahlias and sunflowers), growing fresh herbs like basil, or simply spending time outside, Ree's garden makes for a simple ritual that feels rewarding, grounding, and deeply tied to summer at home.
Chasing Ranch Sunsets
Summer sunsets are more than just a pretty view—they’re a chance to pause, gather with family, and appreciate the peaceful beauty of life on the ranch. Okay, it’s mostly peaceful. Ree once said, “I saw this sunset outside my kitchen window the other night, and as I’m wont to do whenever I see a dramatic sunset in progress, I dropped everything I was doing, grabbed my camera, and ran outside.”
Embarking on Roadtrips
Ree has shared many family travel moments over the years, from trips with her kids when they were younger to visits and reunions now that they’re grown. And now, Alex and the rest of the kids often embark on road trips to head home for the summer. For the Drummonds, these drives are less about the destination and more about the time spent together along the way.
Watching Fireflies
There’s something downright magical about stepping outside on a warm summer evening and watching fireflies put on a show. Ree captured this image during “peak firefly season.” Whether you’re sitting on the porch, wandering through the yard, or chasing after the kids with a jar, spotting fireflies is one of those simple summertime moments that feels like childhood all over again.
Continuing Ranch Work
Ranch work is a natural part of life for the Drummond family—yes, especially during summer. Paige especially loves a “cowgirl summer” on the ranch. It’s something that keeps the family connected to ranch life and to each other during the busy summer months.
Camping by the Creek
Longtime PW fans will remember these snippets of ranch life as shown on The Pioneer Woman cooking show. Ree says that camping by the creek is a special outing led by her mother-in-law, who would take the grandkids to a campsite near the house for fishing, campfire food, ghost stories, and a night under the stars.
Going on Evening Walks
When the summer sun starts to dip and the day finally cools off, there’s no better time to head outside for a peaceful evening stroll. A walk after dinner, a slow wander down a country road, or a few laps around the yard can turn into a favorite daily ritual. Ree sees walking as a simple way to enjoy summer’s slower pace. Of course, the ranch dogs love to join, too!
Eating Sweet Treats
Even Ree knows that no summer is complete without something sweet. “This is also the time, a few days before the 4th, when I start thinking about what flavors of ice cream I’m going to make for our big cookout.” One of her favorite homemade ice cream flavors is strawberry, but there are so many other summer desserts to try: cobblers, pies, you name it!
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