Fourth of July
Every Independence Day, Kiawah Island Golf Resort celebrates the birth of our nation with a week-long itinerary of activities and events that are 100% red, white and…you!
Thursday, July 4th | 5pm – 9pm
$119 per adult, $59 per child (ages 4-10), inclusive of tax and gratuity Free admittance for children 3 and under
Join us for a celebration fit for The Sanctuary! Live music, open-air activities and fun for the whole family, including an obstacle course, soccer darts, and games for the kids. The festivities also include a buffet-style menu with all the cookout classics you can eat — burgers, hot dogs, and seafood options — plus your favorite sides. Close out the evening with a 10pm fireworks show! Pricing includes tax & gratuity. Alcoholic beverages not included, but available upon request.
6pm: Cookout Open
7pm: Annual Watermelon Eating Contest
9:15pm: Fireworks, Night Heron Soccer Field
The celebration in the park officially kicks off following the Annual Bike Parade at Night Heron Park with many attractions for family and friends to enjoy! Festivities include live music, carnival games, inflatables, cookout menu, a photo booth, and more!
Food and beverage tickets will be available for purchase starting at 4pm and will be served until 9 pm, featuring a delectable cookout menu including all of your traditional holiday favorites - menu item prices range from $5-$20. Night Heron Grill will close for food service at 4 pm; bar will be open until 9:30 pm.
This event, as well as gate access during this time, is limited to Kiawah Island guests and residents. Admission to the festival is complimentary. No reservations necessary. We ask that you leave pets at home during fireworks for their comfort and safety. The flying of drones in fireworks areas is prohibited. No coolers permitted at any 4th of July events.
Daily Events
Turtles’ Nest Art Studio: Open Studio
9am-4pm |Turtles Nest Art Studio, Night Heron Park
Our open studio offers an extensive selection of craft options suitable for families, adults and children. Unleash your imagination as you delve into pottery painting, shark tooth and shell necklace making, wood crafts, canvas painting, and much more.
Prices for each project will vary based on your chosen masterpiece(s). Kiln projects, such as pottery painting, are available for pick up 2-3 days after completion. Shipping is available. No reservations required. For more information, please call our Kiawah Recreation at 843.768.6001. Schedule subject to change.
Kayaking Tours
Discover the wonders of Kiawah Island’s rich biodiversity and saltwater marshes with the Kiawah Island Nature Program. Immerse yourself in our daily two-hour long kayaking tours, which offer the chance to discover Kiawah through the eyes of our naturalists. For our tour schedule, visit KiawahActivities.com. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
S U N D A Y, June 30th
Family Archery
12 – 1pm | Night Heron Park
Join us on the archery range to try your skills. Enjoy a staff-instructed lesson with various stationary targets and interactive games! Great for beginners.
$45/person. For ages 8 and up. Participants must be able to confidently pull a 15 lb bow string. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Family Game Night
2-4:30pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Calling all competitors, do you have what it takes to compete in Kiawah’s Family Game Night? Join us at the Night Heron Park stage to compete in a variety of individual and team games, hosted by DJ Trevor! Get ready to test your knowledge with various trivia questions, compete in a fierce game of balloon stomp, or sit back and enjoy interactive rounds of bingo! We can’t wait to see you all there!
This event is complimentary and no reservations required. A limited quantity of picnic table seating is available. Blankets or beach chairs recommended. Schedule subject to change.
Reptile Round-up
2:45-3:45pm
Do you know how to tell the difference between a male and female turtle or how many teeth alligators have? From snakes to gators to turtles, learn the simple facts about these age-old creatures and get a chance to touch/hold them. This is a great event for the entire family!
$15/per participant. Guests 6 years and older are welcome. Under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy. Subject to availability.
Family Craft: Funky Sunglasses
4-5pm | Night Heron Park
Join us in Night Heron Park for a family fun craft that is different every day! Create your own unique pair of sunglasses. Choose from our funky sunglass designs and decorate with different gems, beads, and other craft elements! $20/pair. No reservations are required. Schedule subject to change.
Wildlife in the Wetlands Bike tour
6:30-8:30pm
Join a Kiawah Island Naturalist on a 7-mile bike tour to discover the fascinating wildlife that inhabits Kiawah’s diverse ecosystems. As you enjoy a leisurely bike ride, you’ll gain a better understanding of the salt marsh, sand dunes, beach, maritime forest, and the ponds on our island. This is a must-do!
$40/participant. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and children with training wheels not recommended. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy. Subject to availability.
M O N D A Y, July 1st
Bird Walk at Mingo Point
8-9am
Mingo Point is a unique spot situated between gorgeous views of the salt marsh along the Kiawah River and the maritime forest of Kiawah Island. Join a naturalist on this 1-hour birding tour to get a taste of the great birds Kiawah Island has to offer all in one place, from flocks of singing red-wing blackbirds to wood storks and egrets wading in the pluff mud along the edge of the marsh.
$20/participant. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy. Subject to availability.
Private Bike Lesson
10:30-11am | Night Heron Park
Learn to ride a bike! One of our recreation staff members will teach you to ride a bike on your own. Bicycle and helmet provided. $30, recommended for ages 5+. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. Subject to availability.
Sidewalk Chalk Contest
11am-12pm | Night Heron Park
Get your Picasso on and join us for a family friendly Sidewalk Chalk contest! Each family will have 1 hour to draw your most patriotic sidewalk chalk creation! Prizes will be rewarded at the end based on both creativity and 4th of July themed.
This event is complimentary, no reservations required. Chalk will be provided.
Ocean Seining
11am-12pm
Have you ever been puzzled over something you found on the beach? Do you wonder what critters are in the water swimming with you? Discover marine life firsthand as we comb the beach and pull our seine net through the surf. Don’t forget your bathing suit as we pull the net together!
$20/participant. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy. Subject to availability. For a complete list of Nature Program tours, KiawahActivities.com.
Youth Archery Lesson
1-2pm | Night Heron Park
Join us on the archery range to try your skills. Enjoy a staff instructed lesson with various stationary targets and interactive games! Great for beginners.
$45/person. For ages 8-12. Participants must be able to confidently pull a 15 lb bow string. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Pool Party
2-3pm | Night Heron Pool
Float into an afternoon full of USA celebrations with music, games, and FUN! Join us on the Night Heron Pool Deck to join the party!
Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. Please note that Kiawah Island Golf Resort Pool usage is exclusive to Resort Guests and Governor’s Club Members.
Escape Box Experience: Lowcountry Investigator
3-4:15pm | Night Heron Park Stage
If you’re looking for a program you can really sink your teeth into, sign up for our tabletop escape experience! You will be tasked with using fun and factual information about alligators posted around the room to solve a series of clues provided at your team table. Do you have what it takes to chomp down on the solution that will get you into the naturalist’s locked case before time is up?
Admission is $65/ family. Minimum of 3 teams to run the event and a maximum of 6 players per team. Advanced reservations required, call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Ages 8+ recommended. Schedule subject to change.
Glass Fusing 101
5-6pm | Turtles’ Nest Art Studio, Night Heron Park
Learn to cut, layer, and design glass pieces to create your artwork. Choose from a wide variety of color options to make a design that is uniquely yours. Class includes a 3×3 tile with upgrade choices available. Precut pieces are available for children.
$45/person. For ages 5+. Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
3v3 Basketball Tournament
5:30pm Youth and 6:30pm Adult | Night Heron Basketball Court
Join us at the Night Heron Park Basketball Court for a 3v3 Basketball Tournament! Come alone or with a team to play the island’s best basketball. We’ll get the crowd; you call the fouls! Youth games begin at 6pm. Adult games begin at 6:30pm. Prizes awarded to the winning team in each category.
Youth tournament is open to ages 12 and under. Those 13 and over will be required to play in the adult tournament. Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. Please arrive ten minutes early to register your team as tournament play begins promptly at 7pm. Schedule subject to change.
T U E S D A Y, July 2nd
Bird Walk at the Ocean Course
7:30-10am
The Ocean Course is home to some of the richest bird habitats on Kiawah Island. Freshwater ponds, salt marshes, and the beach come together to create an incredibly diverse habitat for shorebirds, wading birds, and songbirds, among many others. Join a naturalist on this unique birdwatching tour to learn about the bird species that make Kiawah Island such a special place.
$40/participant. Recommended ages 14 and up, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy. Subject to availability.
Private Bike Lesson
10:30-11am | Night Heron Park
Learn to ride a bike! One of our recreation staff members will teach you to ride a bike on your own. Bicycle and helmet provided. $30, recommended for ages 5+. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. Subject to availability.
Kiawah Surf Camp
10:30am-1:30pm
Participants will learn the technique to surfing, how to pop up, how to maintain and wax the boards, as well as, how to paddle and catch your own waves! Meets at the Sanctuary Beach Access. A pizza lunch, snack and water are provided (participant should bring their own water bottle).
Great for all skill levels, ages 8-15 years. Reservations required, 843.768.6001. 24 hour cancellation policy applies. Schedule subject to change.
Lego Building Competition
11am-12pm | Night Heron Park
Come bring your design skills and creativity to build the most creative and patriotic Lego design! The winner of this competition will receive a prize.
Admission is complimentary, no reservations required.
Adult Archery
1-2pm | Night Heron Park
Join us on the archery range to try your skills. Enjoy a staff instructed lesson with various stationary targets and competition games! Great for beginner to intermediate.
$45/person. For ages 13 and up. Participants must be able to confidently pull a 15lb bow string. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Group Surf Lesson
2-3pm | Sanctuary Beach Access
Kiawah is the perfect beach to learn the fundamentals of surfing. Join us as your seasoned instructors help you gain the confidence to surf independently.
Sessions are available throughout the summer. Participants should be confident swimmers. Suitable for ages 8 and above. Reservations are required, 843.768.6001, 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
Corn Hole Tournament
2-4pm | Night Heron Park Stage
A 4th of July favorite! Come show us who is the best in Kiawah at an iconic and classic backyard competition of Cornhole. Teams of two. Bracket(s) will be created and teams will compete to win the entire tournament!
Event is complimentary, no reservations required. Concessions will be available for purchase. Please note there is a 2:10pm deadline to enter the bracket.
Snow Cone Party
3-4pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Come enjoy a red, white, and blue snow cone or cool off with one of our other flavors!
Snow cones are available for purchase. Reusable cups will be available for purchase to receive a discounted rate on snow cones later in the week. No reservation is required.
Alligator Adventure
4-6pm
From tiny hatchlings to imposing adults, Kiawah is in no short supply of the American Alligator. This Naturalist guided van tour is a fantastic way to safely observe and learn about these amazing, and often misunderstood animals in their natural habitat. Equipped with binoculars, you and your family will disembark from Night Heron Park and travel to our favorite alligator hang outs. While we will spend some time in the van, walking will be involved at each location.
$40/participant. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy. Subject to availability. For a complete list of Nature Program tours, KiawahActivities.com.
Duck Derby
4:30-5:30pm | West Beach Pool
Slide on down to West Beach Pool for our duck derby. Choose and customize your favorite patriotic racer, come up with your most creative name and enter the bracket style tournament to watch them go head to head down the water slide.
Please note that Kiawah Island Golf Resort Pool usage and Duck Derby is exclusive to resort guests and Governor’s Club Members. Event is complimentary.
Candle Making
5-6pm | Turtles’ Nest Art Studio
Our artist will help you step by step in the candle-making process. You can choose from over 80+ scents, either picking out one scent or combining scents to make it your own. Design your candle label or even decorate your jar! Projects will be available 1 day after completion.
$40/person. For ages 5+. Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Rick Hubbard and the Kazoobie Kazoo Show: Red, White, and Blue Show
7-8:30pm | Night Heron Park Stage
Our fan favorite, Rick Hubbard, is back for his famous summer concerts on the Night Heron Park Stage! Join in on the fun and participate in the finale with your very own kazoo!
Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. A limited amount of picnic table seating available. Blankets and beach chairs recommended. Schedule subject to change.
Teen Night: Beach Party
7-8:30pm | Beach at Boardwalk 18 (adjacent to Night Heron Park)
Meet us at Boardwalk 18 Beach Access for an awesome night of music, games, sports, crafts, and more! From spike ball, to bocce, to charm necklace making, there is something for every teen to enjoy. The perfect way to meet other teens on Kiawah and enjoy a fun-filled night at the beach!
This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. Ages 13+. Schedule subject to change.
W E D N E S D A Y, July 3rd
Birding for Beginners
8-9:30am
Just beginning your bird watching endeavor? Look no further! This walking tour is just what you need to learn the birding basics. An experienced Naturalist will lead you through the varied habitats of our beautiful Night Heron Park, where you’ll learn skills like active listening, tracking, and spotting – all while finding some of the gorgeous birds Kiawah has to offer. Trust us, there is no better way to begin your own birding adventure!
$20/participant. Recommended ages 8 and up, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy. Subject to availability.
Private Bike Lesson
10:30-11am | Night Heron Park
Learn to ride a bike! One of our recreation staff members will teach you to ride a bike on your own. Bicycle and helmet provided. $30, recommended for ages 5+. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. Subject to availability.
Youth Archery Lesson
1-2pm | Night Heron Park
Join us on the archery range to try your skills. Enjoy a staff instructed lesson with various stationary targets and interactive games! Great for beginners.
$45/ person. For ages 8-12. Participants must be able to confidently pull a 15lb bow string. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
West Beach Pool Party
2:30-3:30pm | West Beach Pool
Float into an afternoon full of USA themed music, games, and FUN! Join us on the West Beach Pool Deck to join the July 4th party! Don’t forget to wear your red, white, and blue swimsuit and/or clothes.
Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. Please note that Kiawah Island Golf Resort Pool usage is exclusive to Resort Guests and Governor’s Club Members.
Lowcountry Investigator: Escape Box Experience
3-4:15pm | Night Heron Park Stage
If you’re looking for a program you can really sink your teeth into, sign up for our tabletop escape experience! You will be tasked with using fun and factual information about alligators posted around the room to solve a series of clues provided at your team table. Do you have what it takes to chomp down on the solution that will get you into the naturalist’s locked case before time is up?
Admission is $65/ family. Minimum of 3 teams to run the event and a maximum of 6 players per team. Advanced reservations required, call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Ages 8+ recommended. Schedule subject to change.
Music Bingo and S’mores
6-8pm | Night Heron Park
Join us in the park for a few rounds of music bingo! Try your luck in various rounds of bingo and mini games. While you listen and play, enjoy a sweet treat of S’mores. Fun for the whole family!
This event is complimentary and no reservations are required. S’mores are available for purchase. A limited amount of picnic table seating is available. Blankets or beach chairs recommended. Schedule subject to change.
Night Beach Walk
8-9pm
This is surely a tour the whole family will enjoy! Join an experienced Naturalist on an evening beach stroll to learn all about the native wildlife on Kiawah. From our gorgeous maritime forests to our stunning beach dunes, there is so much to see! Once the sun sets, a new world opens up for us to explore, and the nocturnal creatures of Kiawah begin to awaken. Together you and your Naturalist will listen for insect and owl calls in the forest, talk about our wonderful sea turtle and beach ecology, and maybe even find a shell or two!
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Live turtle nesting begins in May but is unlikely to seen. For reservations, call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
T H U R S D A Y, July 4th
Tie-Dye T-Shirts & Ribbon Flag Making
11am-12pm | Night Heron Park Turtles Nest Studio
Celebrate America with red, white, and blues. A Kiawah Island Golf Resort t-shirt is the perfect way to commemorate the festivities! Or design your own American flag using ribbons and denim for July 4th!
$20+/shirt. $25+/flag, or bundle for $40. Child and adult sizes available while supplies last. No reservations required. Schedule subject to change.
Pool Party
12-1:30pm | Night Heron Pool
Float into an afternoon full of USA themed music, games, and FUN! Join us on the Night Heron Pool Deck to get the 4th of July celebration started! Wear your most patriotic themed bathing suit!
Please note that Kiawah Island Golf Resort Pool usage is exclusive to Resort Guests and Governor’s Club Members. Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. Schedule subject to change.
Sand Sculpting Contest
1-2:30pm | Sanctuary Beach Access
Grab your shovels and head to the beach for our annual 4th of July Sand Sculpting Contest! Join in on the fun and channel your inner artist to create your best American themed sculpture. Not an artist? Come enjoy your afternoon on the beach and vote for your favorite sculpture!
Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. A limited amount of shovels and buckets are available on a first come first serve basis. Per town ordinance, metal shovels are not permitted. Schedule subject to change.
Admission is complimentary, no reservations required. Parade begins promptly at 5:45pm. Schedule subject to change.
This event, as well as gate access during this time, is limited to Kiawah Island guests and residents.
F R I D A Y, July 5th
Private Bike Lesson
10:30-11am | Night Heron Park
Learn to ride a bike! One of our recreation staff members will teach you to ride a bike on your own. Bicycle and helmet provided. $30, recommended for ages 5+. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. Subject to availability.
Snow Cone Party
11am-12pm | Night Heron Park
Snow cones are the perfect treat for a hot holiday like the 4th of July! Come join us as we cool off and party with patriotic snow cones!
Snow cones are available for purchase. Reusable cups will be available for purchase to receive a discounted rate on snow cones later in the week. No reservation is required.
Family Archery
1-2pm | Night Heron Park
Join us on the archery range to try your skills. Enjoy a staff instructed lesson with various stationary targets and competition games! Great for beginner to intermediate.
$45/ person. For ages 8 and up. Participants must be able to confidently pull a 15 lb bow string. Reservations required, please call 843.768.6001. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Subject to availability.
Family Survivor
2-4pm | Night Heron Park Stage
2 hours. 8 families. 1 survivor. Can you outwit, out-play, and out-last to come out on top? Join us at the Night Heron Park Stage to test your family’s strengths, smarts, and teamwork in a fast paced showdown. The tribe has spoken. Game on!
Admission is $40/ family. Minimum of 4 players and maximum of 6 players per team. Parties of 7 or more, please purchase an additional team spot. Dress accordingly, water games are included! Advanced reservations required, call 843.768.6001. 24-hour cancellation policy applies. Ages 8+ recommended. Schedule subject to change.
Family Craft: Stuffed Animal Factory
4:30-5:30pm
Select and stuff your own furry friend to remind you of your time spent on Kiawah Island. A great companion for long car rides or flights home!
$20/animal. No reservation required. Schedule subject to change.
Island Idol
6-8pm
Island Idol is here to showcase all of Kiawah’s amazing talent. Meet us at the Night Heron Park Stage to wow the crowd and sing your hearts out! From Disney Favorites to Karaoke classics, we have thousands of songs to choose from!
This event is complimentary, no reservations required. A limited amount of picnic table seating available. Blankets and beach chairs recommended. Schedule subject to change.