The island takes pride in its many beautiful parks and public spaces that allow visitors and locals to gather in the great outdoors. On your next vacation, take advantage of the closest park to your accommodations to stretch your legs, have a picnic, or let your kids play in a safe, outdoor space.
Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
One of the most impressive play structures on the island, Lowcountry Celebration Park is located just a short walk from Coligny Beach Park and has been the location of many festivals and events since its opening in 2020. Its 10-acres includes an outdoor pavilion, perimeter walk and fitness stations, restrooms, and of course, the playground.
The first thing you’ll notice about this Adventure Playground, is that the main structure is a ship with its sails set and water-misting cannons at the ready. It’s inspired by the Adventure, the ship that the island’s namesake, Captain William Hilton sailed during the voyage he discovered Hilton Head Island on. Surrounding the ship are spring riders and an additional play structure suitable for younger children.
If you’re looking for an indoor location to let your little ones play while learning about the area, head to The Sandbox Children’s Museum, a facility just across from The Adventure Playground that is focused on providing a safe and fun environment that lets children learn together through hands-on discovery in one of the many exhibits offered.
Coligny Plaza’s Playground
1 N Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Right across the street from Lowcountry Celebration Park, is Coligny Plaza, a shopping center that includes locally-owned and nationally known stores, as well a wide array of restaurants that offer many different types of cuisine. While you’re on the hunt for that perfect souvenir, an ice cream cone, or if you’ve just finished a tasty meal, it’s worth knowing that there’s a small playground tucked between the Earle of Sandwich Pub and the Shell Shop. Just in case your kiddos need to let out some extra energy, this play structure is also in the shape of a ship! While small, it’s still a ton of fun!
BONUS: Coligny Beach Park Splash Pad
1 Coligny Cir, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
This is technically not a play structure, but the splash pad at the entrance to Coligny Beach Park is definitely a fun time! A great way to stay cool on a hot summer day and a good midway stop from the parking lot to the actual water’s edge, your kiddos will definitely want to make a stop to splash some more on the return trip back to the car.
Chaplin Community Park
11 Castnet Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Located in the heart of Hilton Head right off of William Hilton Parkway, this park also connects both Burkes Beach and Singleton Beach. This public space includes an off-leash dog park, tennis courts, basketball and pickleball pad, various multi-use sports fields, picnic pavilions, and bathrooms. Enjoy free parking for both the park and those headed to the beach.
The playground itself is pretty big, with various structures that have different fun activities and features that’ll suit a wide range of ages. Chaplin Community Park has a bunch of trees throughout its 111-acres, so there’s a good chance that the playground area will be pretty shady—but if not, you may want to try again later since it gets hot in direct sunlight.
Driessen Beach Park
64 Bradley Beach Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
This playground is just off to the right of the facility housing the bathrooms, outdoor showers, as well as the payment kiosks. Yes, that’s right, there is paid parking at this location, but the good news is, that this beach is one of the lesser populated because of its secluded location as well as the ample parking for just locals alone. The play structure itself is pretty small, but has everything your kiddos will need to have some fun. Plus, it’ll be easier to keep track of your children as they’ll always be in sight. Head to the nearby covered picnic areas for a snack and some shade!
Islanders Beach Park
94 Folly Field Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Extremely similar to Driessen Beach Park, it’s almost as if whichever ones closer to your current location should be your park of choice. You’ve got the beach access, picnic pavilions, an overlook pavilion, restrooms, outdoor showers, and of course the playground itself. Pretty small but does include swings, your children will have plenty of fun before or after their beach day. The down side might be parking, especially if you’re visiting strictly for the playground, since there’s limited metered parking compared to Driessen or other parks.
Shelter Cove Community Park
39 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
If we had to compare this park to another on our list, we’d have to say it’s the most like Lowcountry Celebration Park. The main reason, is that it is the location for many festivals and events—especially in the summertime—and has plenty of areas to walk with easy access to restaurants, shopping, and a grocery store. Here, you’ll get gorgeous views of the marsh along Broad Creek.
Now let’s talk playground. Located to the far left of the park, the play structure sits atop a mix of sand and turf material, and is made up of a great mix of activities and features like slides, swings, and other opportunities for climbing. You’ll find plenty of parking as well as have access to bathrooms nearby.
Jarvis Creek Park
100 Jarvis Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Located on the north end of the island, Jarvis Creek goes under the radar for many people visiting Hilton Head Island. This park doesn’t have a beach access, but it does have a lake where you can fish and fitness trails to explore. Best known to be the start of seasonal 5K’s, Jarvis Creek is also known for its playground! The play structure is a pretty decent size, with lots of features and it does offer swings—you can’t forget about the swings! There’s a nearby picnic pavilion for when you want to take a break for a snack. This park does have bathrooms as well as free parking.
