Ready? Let's go.
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Kids (Aged 3-12)
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1) Patriotic Story Time
Why it works: Beyond simple entertainment, structured storytelling creates a multi-sensory learning experience that helps children connect with American history and values in an age-appropriate way. Stories activate children's imagination while building community and shared experience. Not to mention, it may give them a chance for some AC and a time to rest.
Implementation details:
- Select books that blend entertainment with light educational content about American symbols, history, or values
- Create a reading schedule with 20-minute sessions throughout the day, allowing families to drop in when convenient
- Add interactive elements like having children raise mini flags during key moments or respond to simple questions
- Include diverse stories that showcase different American experiences and perspectives
- When all else fails, reward them with candy, bubbles, or USA necklaces :)
Member benefit: As a parent myself, parents will appreciate some structured activities that combine entertainment with light educational value, especially ones that create natural breaks from high-energy activities.
2) Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
Why it works: This activity taps into children's natural creativity while providing a physical artifact the club can showcase throughout the day. The freedom-themed prompt encourages reflection while keeping the activity patriotic without being overly prescriptive.
Implementation details:
- Pre-section areas with painter's tape to clearly define spaces
- Provide premium chalk in various colors (not just red, white, and blue)
- Create categories for different age groups to ensure fair competition
- Photograph entries and create a digital gallery on the club's social media
- Put out some chairs out for parents to sit back and watch
Member benefit: Children feel a sense of ownership and pride in contributing to the club's holiday atmosphere, while parents appreciate the creative outlet that keeps kids engaged in between the pool, the range, lunch/dinner, and other activities.
3. Mini Golf with a Twist
Why it works: This reimagines a familiar activity with a festive theme, creating novelty without requiring children to learn complex rules. It also accommodates different skill levels and allows for both individual play and family participation.
Implementation details:
- Offer a Patriotic Punch beverage to serve the kids before/after
- Name each hole with American history themes (Liberty Bell hole, Mount Rushmore)
- Create simple scorecards with fun facts about American history or traditions that align with the hole
- Award commemorative golf red, white, blue balls or tees as keepsakes
Member benefit: Provides a structured activity that families can enjoy together across generations, with built-in tie-ins to the USA.
4. Glow Stick Parade
Why it works: This brilliantly fills the awkward transition time before fireworks when energy might wane. It's when the kids start showing cracks that they are getting tired. Now you have a magical visual experience that children control, giving them agency during an often adult-centered holiday.
Implementation details:
- Distribute different glow items based on age (bracelets for younger kids, more complex designs for older ones)
- Create a simple marching route that passes key club areas
- Teach a simple marching chant or song before starting
- Have staff with light-up batons lead different sections
- Position photographers at key spots to capture the spectacle
Member benefit: Gives children a starring role in the celebration while providing a structured wind-down activity before the evening fireworks. The communal experience builds club identity and creates annual traditions families look forward to.
5. Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Why it works: This combines physical activity with problem-solving, allowing children to explore the club grounds in a controlled way. It's adaptable to different ages and intelligence types, making it inclusive for all abilities. You can make teams with kids in different age groups as well, making the older kids serve as "leaders".
Implementation details:
- Create tiered clue difficulties for different age groups (or mix them together)
- Hide items in locations that showcase club amenities parents or kids might not be aware of
- Include club history facts in some clues to build institutional knowledge
- End the hunt at a refreshment station where kids can enjoy a special treat
Member benefit: Parents appreciate the structured activity that keeps kids engaged while they socialize into the night.
For the Teens (Ages 13-18)​
For the record, I understand this age group may be the most difficult to engage, but here's a few ideas to get you started.
1) Instagrammable Backdrop Booth
Why it works: This acknowledges teens' digital social lives rather than fighting against them. It creates a designated space where teens can freely engage with social media while still participating in club activities.
Implementation details:
- Design multiple backdrop options to accommodate different aesthetic preferences
- Include subtle club branding that isn't obtrusive in photos
- Provide both patriotic and trendy props that align with current social media trends
- Create a club-specific hashtag that helps track participation and builds online community
- Staff the area with a younger team member who understands current photo trends
Member benefit: Teens feel their interests are respected while the club gains organic social media exposure. Parents appreciate that teens remain engaged with the event rather than isolating themselves.
2) Tye-Die Stations
Why it works: This activity appeals to teens' desire for self-expression and the current trend of customized apparel. It creates a tangible memento of the event while building club identity through shared experience.
Implementation details:
- Pre-soak shirts in soda ash to ensure vibrant colors
- Create stencils for club logos or Fourth of July designs for those wanting guidance
- Offer multiple dyeing techniques (spiral, bullseye, stripes) with simple instruction cards
- Set up a drying station where items can be claimed later
- Hire a local artist to provide guidance on advanced techniques
Member benefit: Teens engage in creative expression while creating a wearable souvenir. The activity also builds anticipation (waiting for the reveal) and extends engagement beyond the initial activity.
3) Mocktail Mix Off
Why it works: This acknowledges teens' desire for sophistication and adult-like experiences while respecting age-appropriate boundaries. It empowers teens with creative control and decision-making authority.
Implementation details:
- Partner with the bar staff to create base mixes that ensure all combinations taste good
- Provide professional garnishing tools and techniques
- Create recipe cards where teens can write down their creations
- Have a staff member (GM, Member Coordinator, or Club's beverage director) serve as judge for an official contest
- Feature winning mocktail on the club's menu for the remainder of summer
Member benefit: Teens experience a taste of adult club life in an appropriate context. The competitive element adds excitement while teaching creativity and presentation skills.
4) Tik Tok Dance Off
Why it works: This leverages teens' existing interests and platforms rather than trying to pull them away from technology. It transforms individual phone use into a social, collaborative activity that spreads cool-factor for the club within their age group.
Implementation details:
- Research current trending dances beforehand to stay relevant
- Create a club-specific dance challenge incorporating signature elements or locations
- Designate a staff member familiar with the platform to assist with technical aspects
- Offer lighting enhancements and portable fans for hair effects
- Create a club TikTok account to feature compilation highlights (or just share as reels on IG or Facebook).
- Offer pro shop or snack shack credit for best dances
Member benefit: Teens gain recognition for skills they already value while socializing with peers. The club benefits from authentic digital content created by its younger members.
5) Capture the Flag: Glow Edition
Why it works: This reimagines a classic game with elements that appeal specifically to teens—competition, teamwork, and slightly edgy nighttime play. It provides physical activity disguised as entertainment.
Implementation details:
- Design team identification using different colored glow necklaces
- Create clear boundaries with LED rope lights
- Establish safety protocols including designated supervisors and break areas
- Use digital scorekeeping that players can monitor on smartphones
- Incorporate strategic elements like special roles or power-ups
Member benefit: Teens engage in physical activity without it feeling like exercise. The nighttime setting creates memorable experiences distinct from daytime club activities.
FOR THE ADULTS 🥂
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1) Lawn Games & Lemonade
Why it works: This creates a relaxed social environment that encourages mingling beyond established social circles. Games provide natural conversation starters and shared experiences that build community among members.
Implementation details:
- Elevate traditional games with premium equipment and professional setup
- Create tournament brackets or Leaderboards for those wanting structured competition
- Offer game tutorials from staff for newcomers
- Station beverage service directly adjacent to game areas
- Include shade structures and seating for spectators
Member benefit: Members engage in light competition that builds camaraderie while enjoying sophisticated refreshments. The format allows for both active participation and casual observation.
2) Photo Booth with Props
Why it works: It's been done before, but this creates shareable content that extends the club experience beyond the event itself. It acknowledges adults' desire for nostalgic fun while providing social media content that markets the club organically.
Implementation details:
- Hire a professional photographer rather than using an automated booth
- Create custom digital frames with subtle club branding
- Establish a system for immediate digital delivery of images
- Include elegant props that elevate beyond typical photo booth fare
- Position the booth near event entrances to capture members at their freshest
Member benefit: Members receive professional-quality images that commemorate the experience while showing off club amenities in the background—perfect for social sharing.
3) Patriotic Cooking Demo
Why it works: This transforms passive consumption into an educational experience that members can replicate at home. It showcases staff expertise of cooking the 4th of July foods you're serving that day while creating perceived additional value without significant operational changes. Adults just need to walk up and watch!
Implementation details:
- Use the Chef (or local food truck) to showcase on techniques of the food you are about to serve
- Get a microphone and speaker
- Provide recipe cards to hand out to those interested (with wine pairing suggestions)
- Incorporate club history or traditions into the presentation
- Offer small samples of demonstrated items throughout the presentation
Member benefit: Members gain insider knowledge from professional staff while enjoying an entertaining, sensory experience. Something that breaks up the pool music during hte day!
4) Red, White, and Brew Festival
Why it works: This may not be for clubs, and more for Grow Golf subscribers who operate golf simulators and driving ranges, but a themed event during the lunch time hour may driving business on a busy day. This type of event creates a premium tasting experience that feels exclusive while supporting local businesses. The format encourages exploration and conversation among customer who might not otherwise interact while practicing.
Implementation details:
- Partner with craft producers within a 50-mile radius to emphasize local connections
- Include food pairings specifically designed for each beverage
- Provide tasting notes and producer stories at each station
- For those that purchase beer or food from a vendor, provide them a discount on their next outing.
Member benefit: It's the little things. Customers want to go and feel part of something. Hitting a bucket of balls can be boring at times. Turn a quick holiday practice time into a lively, social event - even if they quickly just enjoy a cold beer or some street tacos.
5) Green-side Firework Dinner
Why it works: This transforms a common experience (watching fireworks) into an exclusive, premium event through thoughtful service and exceptional viewing locations. It creates a flagship experience that members associate with club value.
Implementation details:
- Create a special menu featuring symbolic American ingredients with modern preparation
- Time service carefully to ensure clean plates before fireworks begin
- Position tables to maximize viewing angles while maintaining conversation ability
- Include take-home commemorative items like engraved champagne flutes
- Offer childcare, but have the childcare viewing option be situated far away from parents :)
Member benefit: Members enjoy the pinnacle of club service while experiencing an unmatched vantage point for traditional celebrations—the perfect combination of patriotism and privilege.
CONSIDERATIONS
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Let's talk practicality. To get the most out of your 4th of July events, you need to pick a mix of activities that:
- Flow naturally from day to night - nobody likes awkward downtime when members start checking their watches
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- Mix up the energy throughout the day - go from high-energy games to chill lounging to keep people from burning out too early
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- Spread things around the club - this prevents bottlenecks and gives members a chance to see parts of the property they might not usually visit
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- Offer both drop-in and scheduled stuff - some members plan every minute, others decide on the fly, so cater to both styles
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- Create some all-ages moments - the magic happens when grandparents, parents and kids all find something they enjoy together
Pick the right mix for your club's vibe and you'll create a Fourth that members will talk about (and post about) long after the fireworks fade.
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Good luck. We'll see you next week. Now, let's get out there and Grow Golf.
-Rich
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