The Sandbox

Looking for a fun way to spend the day with kids? There’s no better place in the Lowcountry than The Sandbox, an interactive children’s museum. Conveniently located at 80 Nassau Street, Hilton Head Island, SC, this interactive learning and playing space is open seven days a week (closed on major holidays), providing a safe, entertaining environment to exercise active imaginations and energy-charged little ones.

The Sandbox is designed for kids up to age 12 featuring age-appropriate exhibits and space to explore. There are special events, seasonal camps, field trips, weekly staff-led programs and hands-on exhibits. The Sandbox has been successfully disguising learning as play since 2005.

Children age 5 and under can enjoy the weekly Imagination Hour. This activity features a staff chosen book and an arts and crafts project designed for parents and caregivers to enjoy one-on-one time with their children. Siblings and guests are always welcome to join in the fun.

D.I.G. The Discover, Imagine, Grow Empowerment through Play program is a weekly early learning series for children ages 3-5 years old. Through play and exploration, children develop and perfect skills needed for later success in learning and life. The focus of the preschool lessons is on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.). 

A variety of exhibits spark the imagination with hands on play:

The Sandcastle – reading area, play puppets theater, slide

The Kinetic Sand Tables – two sand tables – one with kinetic sand and the other a 3D holographic sand table

Interactive Lego wall – build wit Legos on a vertical wall 

Light table – blend colors, build 3D structures, explore translucent objects.

Shrimp Tales – inspired by an actual shrimp boat. Learn about shrimping in South Carolina. Dress in rain gear and boots and become a shrimper, at least for a little while

Flight Deck – become a pilot in this Sandbox cockpit with flight simulation. 

Island Tire Garage – design and build a racecar and then test it on the track

Build It – a construction zone with giant Legos, wooden blocks, cardboard blocks and more

Play in the Beaches Vet Clinic, Island Grocery, The Cafe and Family Kitchen

Bepaw and Mimi’s Dolphin Cove – designed for infants and toddlers

Outside Sandbox –pool noodle forest, music wall, sensory garden, chalkboard, paint easels

The Sandbox is a favorite of residents and visitors alike, so reservations are encouraged. For hours of operation and admission fees go to https://thesandbox.org/hours-admissions/