It’s all Within Reach
With Coastal Discovery’s Hands-On Programs, the world is your oyster, from a day in the life of an underwater creature to a real-life Night At The Museum. Take a dive under the surface to discover the teeming waters along our shores. Begin your own Sweetgrass Basket, while your teacher weaves both craft and story, both passed down from a long line of ancestors. Whatever your interest, you don’t have to choose just one – experience every Hands-On opportunity the museum has to offer.
It’s all Within Reach
With Coastal Discovery’s Hands-On Programs, the world is your oyster, from a day in the life of an underwater creature to a real-life Night At The Museum. Take a dive under the surface to discover the teeming waters along our shores. Begin your own Sweetgrass Basket, while your teacher weaves both craft and story, both passed down from a long line of ancestors. Whatever your interest, you don’t have to choose just one – experience every Hands-On opportunity the museum has to offer.
BLUE CRAB
DISCOVERY TOUR
The blue crab achieves a great metamorphosis, beginning as one of millions of microscopic eggs and eventually developing into active predators with powerful claws. Discover the beauty and intriguing life of the Atlantic Blue Crab and the important role they play in the coastal ecosystem and in the history of Lowcountry civilization. Experience recreational harvesting, cooking, cleaning, and eating of the blue crab! (This is experience includes just a taste of blue crab meat). LEARN MORE about the blue crabs at Coastal Discovery Museum.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: $15 adult, $10 child
April, May, September, & October: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am.
June - August: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am.
November: Tuesdays at 9:30 am.
BLUE CRAB
DISCOVERY TOURThe blue crab achieves a great metamorphosis, beginning as one of millions of microscopic eggs and eventually developing into active predators with powerful claws. Discover the beauty and intriguing life of the Atlantic Blue Crab and the important role they play in the coastal ecosystem and in the history of Lowcountry civilization. Experience recreational harvesting, cooking, cleaning, and eating of the blue crab! (This is experience includes just a taste of blue crab meat). LEARN MORE about the blue crabs at Coastal Discovery Museum.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: $15 adult, $10 child
April, May, September, & October: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am.
June - August: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am.
November: Tuesdays at 9:30 am
INDIGO
TIE DYE
Join us to discover the history of an important plant in South Carolina: Indigo. In a very special HANDS ON experience at the Coastal Discovery Museum, come and learn how indigo dye is made from a plant and use it to create a tie dye t-shirt you can take home with you.
The Museum will provide you with one t-shirt (size Child M – Adult XL) to tie dye with indigo dye, made from what was once our area’s well-known “cash crop.” You are welcome to bring an additional cotton item to dye.
June - August: Mondays at 1:30 pm.
September - October: Thursdays at 4:30.
$12 adults, $7 child.
This family friendly program is designed for kids and adults. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
INDIGO
TIE DYE
Join us to discover the history of an important plant in South Carolina: Indigo. In a very special HANDS ON experience at the Coastal Discovery Museum, come and learn how indigo dye is made from a plant and use it to create a tie dye t-shirt you can take home with you.
The Museum will provide you with one t-shirt (size Child M – Adult XL) to tie dye with indigo dye, made from what was once our area’s well-known “cash crop.” You are welcome to bring an additional cotton item to dye.
June - August: Mondays at 1:30 pm.
September - October: Thursdays at 4:30.
$12 adults, $7 child.
This family friendly program is designed for kids and adults. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
SWEETGRASS
BASKET CLASS
World-famous but with origins right here in the Lowcountry, the Sweetgrass basket is one of the regions’s best known art forms and cultural icons. An important economic and artistic resource throughout the historic development of the Gullah people, you can learn about the making and the history personally from a local Gullah basket maker. You can even try your hand at starting a basket of your own using locally resourced natural materials.
Select Saturdays at 10:30am.
Please note: A minimum of 5 participants is required for this class to occur.
Reservations required: call 843-689-6767 ext. 223 or register online.
SWEETGRASS
BASKET CLASS
World-famous but with origins right here in the Lowcountry, the Sweetgrass basket is one of the regions’s best known art forms and cultural icons. An important economic and artistic resource throughout the historic development of the Gullah people, you can learn about the making and the history personally from a local Gullah basket maker. You can even try your hand at starting a basket of your own using locally resourced natural materials.
Select Saturdays at 10:30am.
Please note: A minimum of 5 participants is required for this class to occur.
Reservations required: call 843-689-6767 ext. 223 or register online.
WONDERFUL
WINGS
Bring the kids and let their “wonder” take flight, getting to know the most beautiful bug! From egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to adult, even little kids learn and make memories at the Karen Wertheimer Butterfly Habitat where a guide introduces butterfly types and life cycle. Plus, you can create a simple seed craft to take home and start your own butterfly garden, both enjoying and perpetuating the butterfly population. LEARN MORE about the butterflies you will encounter.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: $6 per person.
This family program is designed for the preschool and younger elementary kids in your family BUT the whole family will enjoy.
June - August: Tuesdays at 10:00 am and 11:00 am.
WONDERFUL
WINGSBring the kids and let their “wonder” take flight, getting to know the most beautiful bug! From egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to adult, even little kids learn and make memories at the Karen Wertheimer Butterfly Habitat where a guide introduces butterfly types and life cycle. Plus, you can create a simple seed craft to take home and start your own butterfly garden, both enjoying and perpetuating the butterfly population. LEARN MORE about the butterflies you will encounter.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: $6 per person.
This family program is designed for the preschool and younger elementary kids in your family BUT the whole family will enjoy.
June - August: Tuesdays at 10:00 am and 11:00 am.
MARINE
INVERTEBRATES
The water views are extraordinary anywhere you look throughout the South Carolina coast, but underneath that sparking blue ocean is an amazing world of marine life. Dive deep into the life of smaller marine creatures. Know the answer next time someone asks you, “what kind of shell is this?” Feed a horseshoe crab and watch it chew with its legs! (If that’s news to you, imagine how much more there is to uncover.)
FAMILY FRIENDLY program geared toward adults and upper elementary school aged children.
June - August: Fridays 2:00-3:00 pm
MARINE
INVERTEBRATES
The water views are extraordinary anywhere you look throughout the South Carolina coast, but underneath that sparking blue ocean is an amazing world of marine life. Dive deep into the life of smaller marine creatures. Know the answer next time someone asks you, “what kind of shell is this?” Feed a horseshoe crab and watch it chew with its legs! (If that’s news to you, imagine how much more there is to uncover.)
FAMILY FRIENDLY program geared toward adults and upper elementary school aged children.
June - August: Fridays 2:00-3:00 pm
DISCOVERY LAB
OPEN HOUSE
Explore the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Discovery Lab!! Visiting the lab is a fun educational experience for all ages. Get a closer look at some live Lowcountry animals like fish, horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, frogs, lizards, snakes, and alligators. Discover unique and fascinating stories about the Lowcountry’s history and environment through hands-on, interactive displays and games.
$2 per person ages 4 and up.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Everyone must have fun!!
DISCOVERY LAB
OPEN HOUSE
Explore the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Discovery Lab!! Visiting the lab is a fun educational experience for all ages. Get a closer look at some live Lowcountry animals like fish, horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, frogs, lizards, snakes, and alligators. Discover unique and fascinating stories about the Lowcountry’s history and environment through hands-on, interactive displays and games.
$2 per person ages 4 and up.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Everyone must have fun!!
REPTILES
FOR KIDS
Come and meet some of the coolest critters around…REPTILES! Meet and get to know some Lowcountry lizards, snakes, turtles, and alligators. Learn why these cold-blooded critters are important and examine the fun adaptions they have that help them survive in the wild.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: $6 per person / children under 3 free.
This indoor program is designed for the younger elementary kids in your family BUT the whole family will enjoy!
REPTILES
FOR KIDSCome and meet some of the coolest critters around…REPTILES! Meet and get to know some Lowcountry lizards, snakes, turtles, and alligators. Learn why these cold-blooded critters are important and examine the fun adaptions they have that help them survive in the wild.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: $6 per person / children under 3 free.
This indoor program is designed for the younger elementary kids in your family BUT the whole family will enjoy!
REPTILES
OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
Turtles, alligators, and even snakes, are local celebs in our area and it pays to know them. Learn about the habits, characteristics, contribution, and reputation of regional reptiles as well as how to protect these amazing creatures and safely enjoy sharing the lowcountry with them. Yes! You will see (and maybe even get to touch) live reptiles during this experience!
This FAMILY FRIENDLY indoor experience is also a nice escape from the afternoon heat or rain!
$12 per adult & $7 per child.
REPTILES
OF THE LOWCOUNTRYTurtles, alligators, and even snakes, are local celebs in our area and it pays to know them. Learn about the habits, characteristics, contribution, and reputation of regional reptiles as well as how to protect these amazing creatures and safely enjoy sharing the lowcountry with them. Yes! You will see (and maybe even get to touch) live reptiles during this experience!
This FAMILY FRIENDLY indoor experience is also a nice escape from the afternoon heat or rain!
$12 per adult & $7 per child.
MARSH
CRITTERS
The salt marsh is a rich and vital habitat that is full of life. The Coastal Discovery Museum is your easy-access opportunity to meet the marsh critters in person as your guide shares a fun short story about all the varieties you might encounter while spending a day in the salt marsh. Never see your local landscape the same way again after this meet-and-greet with its wild cast of characters.
This family program is designed for the preschool and younger elementary kids in your family BUT the whole family will enjoy.
June, July, August: Thursdays from 10:00-10:30 AND Thursdays from 11:00-11:30.
This is a FAMILY FRIENDLY outdoor experience.
MARSH
CRITTERSThe salt marsh is a rich and vital habitat that is full of life. The Coastal Discovery Museum is your easy-access opportunity to meet the marsh critters in person as your guide shares a fun short story about all the varieties you might encounter while spending a day in the salt marsh. Never see your local landscape the same way again after this meet-and-greet with its wild cast of characters.
This family program is designed for the preschool and younger elementary kids in your family BUT the whole family will enjoy.
June, July, August: Thursdays from 10:00-10:30 AND Thursdays from 11:00-11:30.
This is a FAMILY FRIENDLY outdoor experience.
DISCOVERY NIGHT
AT THE MUSEUM
There is something special happening AFTER HOURS at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in unique experiences on Thursday evenings. Programs will include hands-on art activities and demonstrations, special natural history programs, and presentations by museum staff and special guests. Check the online calendar to see what is coming. These programs are for ages 7 and older.
Register Now
DISCOVERY NIGHT
AT THE MUSEUM
There is something special happening AFTER HOURS at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in unique experiences on Thursday evenings. Programs will include hands-on art activities and demonstrations, special natural history programs, and presentations by museum staff and special guests. Check the online calendar to see what is coming. These programs are for ages 7 and older.
SEA CREATURES
FOR KIDS
Who lives in those shells? How does a horseshoe crab eat? What does a crab's exoskeleton feel like? Discover the answer to these questions and so much more. See, touch, feed, and learn about a few smaller marine creatures and their fascinating lives in the great big ocean.
FAMILY FRIENDLY program geared towards elementary aged children but the whole family will enjoy.
June - August: Fridays 1:00 - 1:30 pm.
SEA CREATURES
FOR KIDSWho lives in those shells? How does a horseshoe crab eat? What does a crab's exoskeleton feel like? Discover the answer to these questions and so much more. See, touch, feed, and learn about a few smaller marine creatures and their fascinating lives in the great big ocean.
FAMILY FRIENDLY program geared towards elementary aged children but the whole family will enjoy.
June - August: Fridays 1:00 - 1:30 pm.
CREATURE
CRAFT
The Lowcountry is full of amazing and unique animals. Each week during Creature Craft time you can create a different Lowcountry creature and maybe learn a few fun facts about the creature of the week as well. Drop in between 10-12 (please arrive by 11:40 so that you have time to complete your craft by 12). Crafts are geared towards elementary aged children, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No fee and no reservation required.
FAMILY FRIENDLY (indoor experience):
June - August: Mondays between 10 am and 12 pm.
CREATURE
CRAFT
The Lowcountry is full of amazing and unique animals. Each week during Creature Craft time you can create a different Lowcountry creature and maybe learn a few fun facts about the creature of the week as well. Drop in between 10-12 (please arrive by 11:40 so that you have time to complete your craft by 12). Crafts are geared towards elementary aged children, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No fee and no reservation required.
FAMILY FRIENDLY (indoor experience):
June - August: Mondays between 10 am and 12 pm.
CRITTER
MEET AND GREET
Drop by the Museum for this casual “Meet and Greet” to learn about the alligators, snakes, and a few other fun critters that share Hilton Head Island with us. Take this opportunity to see animals up close, gets hands-on and hold a critter or two, take pictures of or with your favorite critters, and learn more about these amazing animals and how to safely share the Lowcountry with them.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
June, July, and August: Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30am-12:30pm.
CRITTER
MEET AND GREETDrop by the Museum for this casual “Meet and Greet” to learn about the alligators, snakes, and a few other fun critters that share Hilton Head Island with us. Take this opportunity to see animals up close, gets hands-on and hold a critter or two, take pictures of or with your favorite critters, and learn more about these amazing animals and how to safely share the Lowcountry with them.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
June, July, and August: Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30am-12:30pm.
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YOUR EXPERIENCESON SOCIAL MEDIA
Use #coastaldiscoverymuseum and
your content could be featured here!