Hilton Head Island’s Best Playgrounds -A Local's Guide
- Hilton Head Nannies Staff
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
A Local’s Guide to Family Fun—Splash Pads, Pirate Ships & Treehouses Included!
Whether you're visiting Hilton Head Island for a sun-soaked family vacation or you're lucky enough to call it home, one thing is certain: this island knows how to do playgrounds right. From imaginative pirate ships to misty splash pads and oak-shaded tree forts, Hilton Head’s playgrounds are as charming and diverse as the island itself.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the top public playgrounds on Hilton Head Island, including one clear winner—and several honorable mentions that your kids (and your camera) will adore.
⚓ Lowcountry Celebration Park
📍 Address: 94 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Highlights: Ship-themed playground, wading pool, walking trails, art, fitness stations
Opened in December 2020, Lowcountry Celebration Park has quickly become the gold standard for family fun on Hilton Head Island. The crown jewel is the Adventure Playground, a sprawling, imaginative play space inspired by the ship of Captain William Hilton—the island’s namesake explorer.
Kids can climb through the reimagined vessel, explore ropes, tunnels, and platforms, and cool off in the adjacent wading splash pad during the warmer months. The park also includes fitness stations, wide sidewalks for scooters and strollers, picnic pavilions, and grassy lawns for open play.
Bonus: It's located next to The Sandbox Children's Museum, making this an all-day destination for families with young children.
🌊 Splash Pad Alert: Coligny Beach Park
📍 Address: 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Highlights: Splash pad, beach access, shaded seating, swings, restrooms
Coligny Beach Park is more than just a gateway to one of the island’s most popular beaches—it’s also home to a fun and refreshing splash pad that kids can’t resist.
Surrounded by shaded gazebos, modern swings, misting stations, and plenty of seating, this is a great spot for both active kids and relaxed parents. The nearby shops and restaurants of Coligny Plaza add convenience, making it a great pre- or post-beach stop.
🌳 Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground
📍 Address: 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (inside Sea Pines Resort)
Gate Fee: $9 per vehicle (as of 2025)
Tucked under the majestic canopy of centuries-old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, this whimsical playground in Harbour Town is one of the most magical on the island. Created in honor of the beloved local musician Gregg Russell—known for his summer sing-alongs under the Liberty Oak—it offers a peaceful, shaded setting for creative, nature-inspired play.
Wooden fort-style playground, complete with rope bridges and climbing towers
Swings, slides, and balance features for various ages
Natural setting and safe, fenced-in design with mulch flooring
Direct access to snacks, restrooms, shops, and the Harbour Town Lighthouse
Bonus: Stick around for the live music performances under the Liberty Oak. It turns a playground visit into a Hilton Head memory.
🛝Other Notable Public Playgrounds
🌲 Chaplin Community Park
📍 Address: Off William Hilton Pkwy near Burkes Beach Rd
Highlights: Shaded playground, dog park, athletic fields, trails
Chaplin Community Park is a massive 111-acre complex that includes a well-designed, shaded playground alongside tennis and basketball courts, walking trails, open fields, and the island’s only public dog park. Ideal for active families, this park is great for a half-day adventure or even a picnic.
🌊 Shelter Cove Community Park
📍 Address: 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Highlights: Climbing wall, bridge, tube slide, water views, pavilion, event lawn
This waterfront park combines picturesque views of Broad Creek with a fun and functional playground. The equipment includes a tube slide, climbing wall, and plenty of interactive play stations. The park also hosts concerts and festivals, giving families even more reason to stop by.
🐟 Jarvis Creek Park
📍 Address: 100 Jarvis Park Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Highlights: Playground, fishing dock, trails, picnic shelters, scenic pond
Jarvis Creek Park features a peaceful, nature-centered playground nestled next to a beautiful pond with a boardwalk and fishing pier. It’s great for families who want to mix in some quiet exploration, wildlife spotting, or a post-playground walk around the trails. Shelters with grills make it an excellent spot for a family picnic or birthday party.
🧺 Final Thoughts: Which Playground Wins?
While each playground has its own charm, Lowcountry Celebration Park takes the top prize for its size, creativity, modern features, and central location. It truly feels like a destination playground, with elements that entertain all ages.
However, don’t miss the charm of the Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground, especially if you’re already planning a visit to Harbour Town. With its whimsical treehouse vibe and live oak setting, it offers something unique and nostalgic that other playgrounds just can’t match.
🗺️ Map Tip:
Plan your playground tour with a map app and group visits based on location:
South End: Lowcountry Celebration Park, Coligny Beach, and Gregg Russell Playground
Mid-Island: Chaplin Park
North End: Jarvis Creek Park
Shelter Cove: Ideal mid-day stop with dining nearby
Pack your snacks, water bottles, swimsuits, bug spray and sunscreen—and let the adventures begin! Hilton Head Island's playgrounds are more than just places to play; they’re backdrops for some of your family’s favorite vacation memories.