Independence Day is one of our favorite holidays, and here are a few ideas to celebrate with your family.

Celebrate at The Sanctuary!

The Sanctuary is a perfect place to spend your 4^th of July, with three events going on. The ice cream social runs Thursday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night. You’ll create your own ice cream sundae with your choice of toppings. A small sundae is $9 and a large is $11.

On the fourth, the Young Adults Buffet takes place on Jasmine Porch from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Loggerhead Grill will have an all-day party with live music, clowns, and hair braiding. Terrace Lawn will feature children’s activities, food, drinks, and the All American Band.

The Independence Day Fireworks will start at 9:40 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.kiawahresort.com/.

8^th Annual Sizzling Southern Celebration

The Circa 1886 restaurant offers a Charleston 4^th of July celebration with a Southern picnic and drinks. You’ll listen to a live jazz soloist before you watch fireworks at the Wentworth Mansion. The price is $70 per person, which includes champagne. Visit the Circa 1886 website for more details.

Fourth of July Celebration at the South Carolina Aquarium

Join us on the Riverside Terrace of the Aquarium at 7 p.m. for a fun evening to include barbecue from Smoky Oak Taproom, beer from Holy City Brewing, a movie, music, and fireworks. Tickets are $55 for adult and $30 for children over the age of two.  If you’re an Aquarium member, take $5 off the price. Be sure to BYOC (bring your own chair).

July 4^th Cross-Country Run

For the sports minded, the fourth of July means a cross-country run on the dirt trails at Trophy Lakes on Johns Island. Early registration runs through June 27 and is $20 with a shirt and $15 without. Late registration is $25 with shirt and $20 without. Awards are given to the top three finishers by gender and age group.

Other celebrations include the Patriots Point 4^th of July Blast, Uncle Sam Jam at Mount Pleasant Pier, and the July 4^th Craft Brews Cruise on the Carolina Queen.