Top 10 Getaway for Tiny Travelers - Wild Dunes Resort, South Carolina

FTF honored Wild Dunes Resort as a Top Golf and Tennis Resort in 2001 for reaching out to those caring for infants, toddlers and children under 5 years, as well as older siblings.  Each winner offers such superb childcare, exceptional recreational facilities, real value for money, and overall excellence, that they give proof to FTF's motto: Have Kids, Still Travel!  Here's a look at Wild Dunes today.

Located on a lush barrier island 20 minutes from Charleston, Wild Dunes is more like a cozy town of second homes than a resort.  This 1,600-acre property offers accommodations and recreation for every age group and price range. The AAA Four Diamond-rated Boardwalk Inn adjoins a picturesque Victorian boardwalk leading to a 2½-mile-long scenic beach along the chilly Atlantic. Guests may also opt to stay in spacious duplex condos or houses because free on-property transportation is provided.

Activities abound with something for every member of the family. Through Island Adventures, both children and adults enjoy everything from backyard beach games to a Caper's Island wildlife tour where guests share the habitat with local animals. Tennis enthusiasts play at the Wild Dunes Tennis Center, ranked as a "Top Ten Resort" by Tennis magazine, where there is complimentary court time daily.  Adults, and children 16 and under can take private tennis lessons ($60/HR) while Tiny Tots group classes teach ages 4-6 ($18/session). Wild Dunes also offers learning programs for older children with Junior Masters and Junior Masters Plus for ages 7-11 ($25/session), and Future Stars Clinic for ages 12-16 ($45/session). 

In summer, splash in the surf or the resort's three pools, rent bicycles (infant seats and helmets available) take complimentary aerobics classes or unwind at the day spa. Seaside golf is on two world-class Tom Fazio-designed golf courses. Junior Golf Instruction and Family Golf are also available on both courses. Whether guests want an "All in the Family" golf instruction session or kid-specific instruction, there is something for every aspiring Tiger.  The Junior Program is ideal for young golfers and offers 18-holes at a 9-hole rate. The First Swing Program, designed for children ages 9 and under, includes 30-minute instruction with child and parent. The Rising Star Junior Golf School, for juniors ages 8-16, lets kids improve their skills while having a blast playing golf ($115/person). Finally, there's Family Evening Golf when juniors ages 15 and under play free with full paying adults.

Kids can also participate in Wild Dune's Island Adventures program. Children can explore the natural environment of the Lowcountry in the Barrier Island Marine Bio-Camp or go on an Eco-Tour with their parents while teens can compete in the Teen Kayaking Challenge. Purchase an official Wild Dunes VIP Kids Club Pass and children will receive an extra day of kids camp, a week-long bike rental, a beach tote, free admission to all crafts and activities and unlimited ice cream during any week-long stay. Seasonal day camps are also available for kids ages 3 to 12.

Weekdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day only, children ages 2 to 4 can attend Toddler Time, located in a large, toy-filled conference center room within walking distance of the condos. Open from 9am-noon ($18/child), toddlers are entertained with storytime, arts 'n'crafts, beach walks, movies, trips to the Tot Lot playground, puppet shows and snacks. Supervised day and evening programs are available for ages 5-12 ($28/D or $18/½D).

Caregivers working under two supervisors trained in childhood recreation all have First Aid and CPR training (there is also an on-property ambulance for emergencies).  In summer, there are numerous complimentary family events like sandsculpting contests and scavenger hunts. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, and early reservations are highly suggested.