Have you been to The Sandbox? Hilton Head has an interactive children’s museum that sits in the heart of the island and is the perfect destination for a rainy day or if you’re looking for something indoors to let that sunburn heal up. Here’s why you should visit The Sandbox if you’re in Hilton Head!
Tickets were provided for this review, but the opinions are solely those of the author.
After asking our readers for recommendations on the best things to do on Hilton Head Island, The Sandbox came up as a favorite activity so we just had to check them out. To say we had fun here would be a vast understatement. The building is unassuming and hidden away from the main roads but once inside, there is no shortage of things to do, most of which are beach-themed and are designed to encourage imagination and creativity.
Hands-On Exhibits at The Sandbox
The Sandbox consists of over 15 hands-on exhibits, including a kinetic sand table, STEM island, The Sandcastle, Island Grocery, Beaches Vet Clinic, Bubbles & Lights, Island Tire Garage, and so many more!
The museum opened in 2005 as a place for learning and where kids can play freely in the Lowcountry and has become a favorite family activity ever since. The facility is designed for children ages 12 and under but I saw plenty of older kids who were having just as much fun as the younger ones.
There is a separate area set aside for children ages two and under that has a small climbing structure and age-appropriate toys. Bepaws and Mimi’s Dolphin Cove was created specifically for infants and toddlers to safely explore and crawl around.
Every exhibit invites kids to explore, learn, and let their imaginations run wild. My kids loved the grocery checkout line and the indoor sandcastle play structure. It was so cute and thoughtful. The kinetic sand was a hit as well. I’m convinced my youngest is going to be some kind of doctor after examining stuffed animals at the vet stations and looking at X-rays.
Special Events
The Sandbox offers several fun events throughout the year. Be sure to check their events calendar.
Summer Camps & Educational Programs
Dig Imagine Grow Program
This new program is for kids ages 3-5. This learning program is free. It focuses on using play to teach lifelong skills.
Summer Camp
The Sandbox also offers Summer Camp, including half-day and full-day options for ages 4 – 12 years old. Camps are Monday through Friday from June to July. These camps really cater to families who come to enjoy Hilton Head but want to give their kids something unique to do while they can have some time to relax outside of kid responsibilities. Cost for non-members range from $225-$390 weekly.
Shows With Mr. Puppet
You can catch Mr. Puppet at The Sandbox throughout the month. This interactive puppet show is fun, engaging, and a must-see while at the museum. Check the events calendar for his next show time.
Admission, Membership, & Location
Like the children’s museum in Greenville, The Sandbox offers yearly memberships, perfect for families to come to Hilton Head more often or just bigger families who may be able to save money versus individual tickets for everyone. This is also a great experience gift!
Tickets to The Sandbox are $12 for adults and kids. Ages 0-12 months are free. They do offer EBT discounts for $3 per person.
Hours:
Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Yearly family memberships are $150 and a Grandparent’s membership is $175.
No food or drinks are allowed inside The Sandbox and strollers must be left on the porch. There really isn’t room inside the museum. If the museum has a waiting crowd, there is a waitlist for entrance. We went mid-week in the later afternoon in July and it wasn’t too overwhelming. The Sandbox encourages people to call ahead during the busier summer months to see if there is a waitlist. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours there since there are a lot of things to do and explore.
The Sandbox Website
80 Nassau Street, Hilton Head Island
843.842.7645
Have you visited The Sandbox?
Looking for more things to do while visiting Hilton Head Island? Check out our KA Guide to 20+ Family-Friendly Things to Do at Hilton Head!
Visit The Sandbox: A hidden children’s museum in Hilton Head, SC!
