Hilton Head is a fun place for kids, all-year long. But did you know it’s also a great place to children to learn new things. Check out these six spots for studious kids and get excited about these educational destinations.
1. The Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum is one of the most memorable destinations on Hilton Head Island. Explore natural history and cultural heritage on the 68 acre Honey Horn property. The Museum’s trails, gardens, live oaks, butterfly enclosure, and horses are just a few of the fun experiences you will encounter during your visit. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (843) 689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.
2. Sea Pines Forest Preserve:
The preserve was first started back in 1959 by the founders and developers of Sea Pines, but the history of the land goes back more than 4,000 years ago when nomadic Native Americans first inhabited the area. A portion of their ruins still stand today! Since then, the area grew crops like rice, indigo and cotton. The first trails through the preserve were constructed in the 1970’s, but more have been added since then. www.seapines.com.
3. Mitchelville Freedom Park:
Before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, Hilton Head Island was home to the nation’s first freedman’s community, Mitchelville. Mitchelville Freedom Park’s 16 acres includes recognition of the town’s founder, Mitchelville’s first mayor, the first regiment of Colored Troops and Harriet Tubman. It also offers an interactive welcome center, exhibits, replica buildings and more. Kids will learn why the establishment of Mitchelville, the nation’s first self-governed, freed slave village and the reasons why it should be remembered. exploremitchelville.org.
4. The Sandbox Children’s Museum:
The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a non-profit children’s museum dedicated to the positive development of young children through play. The museum offers quality educational and family-oriented play centers and programs. It provides a stimulating, progressive setting for children and their caregivers to play and learn together. thesandbox.org.
5. Veterans Park in Shelter Cove Community Park:
When completed in 2005, using 30 tons of granite it was done so in time for the Veterans Day observance and when the next years Memorial Day came the first combined Military Veterans observance took place. This complete history can be seen on site where it is posted along with information about Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Facing Veterans Park to the left is a pathway to a walk which crosses the pond. This natural habitat is a quiet, peaceful place to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
6. Fort Howell:
Fort Howell is an earthworks fort built in 1864 during the American Civil War, located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Named in honor of Union Army Brigadier General Joshua B. Howell, its primary function was to protect Mitchelville, a Freedman’s town located to its east.
Address: 160 Beach City Rd.