indoor day on hilton head island

Stop #1

Everything other than the remarkably bland architecture of the building seems designed to delight younger children. Spanning the entire length of one deli case, conveinently at kid-eye level, are racks filled with the fat and sugar laden gooey goodies the South seems to do so well. And if the cookies, fudge pecan pie, cinnamon buns themselves are not enough to inspire a tantrum, each bears a colorful hand drawn label that might as well say "If your parents don't let you have one of these, they are just plain bad parents."

Despair not, oh Whole Food parents, sitting right next to the gluttony are an equal number of healthy options including fresh soups, salads, and sandwiches. Even the Kid's Waffle (pictured here) is mostly whole wheat (shh! don't tell) and accompanied by plenty of freshly cut seasonal fruit.

Stop #2

Plagued by lack of funding and a wish to help all, this outstanding museum is practically bursting. Every square inch of this small house is filled with a well-thought out activity. Of the highlights, there's a rock climbing wall, sand table, well stocked and organized arts & crafts room, "bank" with play money and post office box, pirate galleon ship, kitchen, an actual Gulfstream cockpit, and gated toddler-only playspace.

Unfortunately cramped quarters also mean a waiting list on overcast days, so arrive early or expect a wait.

Stop #3

Don't get on my case yet: this isn't just an outlet store for the tourist trap Salty Dog Cafe.

It's also a menagerie for Skipper, a parrot who greets the children outside, three cats, Greenbean, another parrot and Remy, yet another bird.