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About Us

Where children learn to play, and play to learn.

WHERE CHILDREN LEARN TO PLAY & PLAY TO LEARN

Welcome to The Sandbox, where we’ve been successfully disguising learning as play since opening our doors in 2005. Through the generous support of our volunteers, donors and sponsors— The Sandbox has become one of Hilton Head Island’s premiere family destinations, having welcomed more than 390,000 neighbors and visitors over the years.

Designed to allow kids to play freely while discovering their surroundings—the museum is the ideal place to let your little one lead the way! While our outreach has expanded, our primary goal remains: positively impact the lives of young children through age-appropriate play and inspire memorable moments for children and families in the process. Our child-friendly environment is as safe as it is fun—a place where messes are evidence of creativity, where new friends are just around the corner and where exploring new things doesn’t feel quite so scary.

OUR MISSION

To provide inclusive and safe environments for children to learn and explore with their peers and caregivers through hands-on discovery and imaginative play that cultivates their physical, social and cognitive development.

In addition to our exhibits we seek to fulfill our mission through:

  • Community outreach activities like our Discover, Imagine, Grow (D.I.G.) Kindergarten Readiness Program, Sensory Inclusive Days, and others.
  • Participation in the Museums For All program.
  • Hosting a wide-variety of annual events for members and visitors
  • Offering weekly and summer programs for children of all ages.
  • Partnering with other local non-profit organizations throughout the year to foster the educational development of the children in our community. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more.
2023
The Board of Directors made the decision to close our Tanger 2 location effective March.
Early 2000s
A group of Lowcountry moms realized the need for community space to provide educational play for preschool- and elementary-aged children and their families. A focus group study confirmed the need and the support of the community.
2003
After demographic research and discovery, they determined a non-profit, interactive children’s museum was the best way to meet this need. With the support of the community and business leaders a Board of Directors was formed and The Sandbox’s non-profit status was received.
2004
The newly formed board created development, business and strategic plans and embarked on a capital campaign to make their dream a reality. By the end of 2004 they had secured a desirable location and were on their way to reaching their $255,000 fundraising goal.
2005
Renovation of the museum space began in the spring and by fall they’d reach their campaign goal! The museum was coming to life with design and development underway.
December 6, 2005
The Sandbox Children’s Museum opened its doors eager to serve the children, families and community of the Lowcountry!
2016
The Sandbox enters an agreement with the Town of Hilton Head for a new space at the newly planned Lowcountry Celebration Park. This is put on hold when Hurricane Matthew hits.
2019
The Sandbox begins a partnership with Tanger Outlets to have a satellite museum in the Tanger 2 outlets. This location opened July 1, 2019 and expanded exhibits and programming to children through age twelve.

This same year a capital campaign begins to raise funds for the new Hilton Head location at the town of Hilton Head’s new Lowcountry Celebration Park. Ground is broken for the new museum.
2020
In March a world wide pandemic hit and both locations closed for twelve weeks. During this time and through our networking with other museums worldwide we restructure what hands-on interactive exhibits looked like.
2021
On July 15th we opened our new location on Hilton Head to the public. This new space located at Lowcountry Celebration Park included dedicated outdoor exhibit space in addition to over 4000 square feet of indoor space.
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Where Kids Learn to Play & Play to Learn

About Us

The Sandbox exists to provide inclusive and safe environments for children to learn and explore with their peers and caregivers through hands-on discovery and imaginative play that cultivates their physical, social and cognitive development.

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