KIDS FIRST Kids Krew puts

MAKE IT A PLAY DAY

Big time fun and adventure for the young — and young at heart

Let the kids discover their own fun zone with Hilton Sandestin Beach’s Kids Krew.

Secret Agent Night, Pajama Party, Minions, Jurassic World, Luau Party, Carnival Time, Fiesta Party and Disney Night. Are these included on your vacation list of things to do? If not, bring your little travelers to Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, where fun is the first order of business for kids.

Not sure where to start to chart your course to fun? With 18 years’ experience running the resort’s recreation program, director of recreation Tiffany Howell has plenty of helpful suggestions for your visit to the Sunshine State, beginning simply with … “just get outside and play!”

For children ages 5 to 12, Kids Krew provides an exciting daily schedule of energetic and creative activities under the watchful eyes of the resort’s 20-member recreation staff. Creative arts and crafts, silly games and fun relays are also scheduled daily during the summer season.

“Kids are king here,” says recreation manager Caidan Cryar. They’re also cowboys and pirates and … well, you get the idea.

From a Wild West Showdown with pony express races to “mateys walking the plank” during Pirate Pandemonium, kids rule the roost from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “These kids love taking over during our themed parties,” Cryar says. “The only rule is to have as much fun as possible.” The program includes lunch and a Kids Krew keepsake T-shirt.

OUR MEMORIES

• For the past nine years, the Walton Education Foundation has put together an annual 5K and Fun Run to raise funds for schools in our community. The team members at Hilton Sandestin Beach have been an active part of these fundraising efforts. From the hotel sponsorship, to their team members signing up to run and even volunteering to help the WEF staff members with executing the event. We always look forward to having them join us and the rest of the community for a day of fundraising and a fun run!

The WEF has hosted a variety of events for the administration and educators in the Walton County School District at Hilton Sandestin Beach. All of our educators who have attended these events said they felt like they were treated as royalty and walked away inspired to teach.

The process with Hilton Sandestin Beach is always very smooth, whether you are staying the night in a guest room or not. The staff thinks of absolutely everything and provides event planners to assist you throughout the entire process. When working with the Hilton Sandestin Beach, you can expect excellent customer service, great food and a beautiful location. MH Carr, Executive Director, Walton Education Foundation

Young ones love a trip to the beach, but a host of non-sand-filled activities also await them.

Kids Night Out gives everyone the best of all worlds. Parents can enjoy a “date night,” while their children enjoy dinner, a souvenir T-shirt and themed games and activities.

Grown-up guests attending a group event can have a good time knowing little ones are having a big time in important mini meetings of their own.

“We have a ball with themed group events, some past favorites including Casino Night, Carnival, Toy Story and Super Heroes — we’ve even brought in Build-a-Bear creation station so kids could make their very own plush toys to take home,” Howell says. “Our staff really get into the themes, dressing up in costumes — it’s a lot of fun for everyone.”

After being cooped up must of the year, groups of all ages are ready to get outdoors. Beach Olympics is a fun teambuilding activity for grown-ups to enjoy. Scavenger hunts and curated team events like Holey Bucket Brigade, Car Wash Relay and Fire Hydrant are a great way to strengthen team ties, while having fun.

Rainy day? No problem. Come show off your PGA Tour bonafides and try your swing with our new golf simulator (must be booked in advance with a group contract).

But fun isn’t limited to private parties, and kids don’t have to part from their parents for a little diversion. If the Kids Krew team has learned anything from family pool parties, tie-dying and limbo contests, it’s that the best memories are made together.

TIFFANY’S TIPS

◆ To ensure you stake out a spot in the sand, reserve your Beach

Chair setup well in advance of your visit. Dial (850) 267-9500 when you make your hotel reservation and ask to speak with our recreation team to reserve your beach set. ◆ Before your day of play, be sure to hit the Beach Hut to gear up for a day of fun in the sun — including complimentary beach towels. Feel free to leave the beach chairs and noodles at home. ◆ Not up for a full day? No problem. Sign up for a half day of

Kids Krew after 1 p.m. ◆ Teens (14 and older) are welcome to climb aboard a standup paddleboard or sea kayak. Don’t have your “sea legs”?

No worries, a member of the beach crew will be happy to show you how. ◆ Reserve your beach set online at: HiltonSandestin.ipoolside.com