Age, kids and pet policy: who can stay and special rules
Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn is an all-ages resort: guests must be at least 18 to check in, families with children are welcome once an adult has checked in, and the property maintains separate adults-only spaces such as the Boardwalk Inn pool. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the grounds (minimum $400 fee for violations), but service animals are welcome and exempt from the pet ban.
In this guide
Who can check in and ID requirements
A registered guest must be at least 18 years old to check in at Sweetgrass Inn, Boardwalk Inn, and the Residences at Sweetgrass. For vacation homes/condos the minimum to check in is 21 per resort rules.
The resort typically requires a government-issued photo ID and a credit or debit card (or cash deposit) at check-in to cover incidental charges. Early check-in or late check-out can be requested but is subject to availability and may incur a fee.
- Minimum age to check in: 18 (21 for vacation homes/condos).
- ID: government-issued photo ID usually required at check-in.
- Payment: credit/debit card or cash deposit may be requested for incidentals.
| Item | Standard Policy |
|---|---|
| Check-in time | 4:00 PM (guests may arrive up to midnight) |
| Check-out time | 11:00 AM |
| Minimum check-in age | 18 years (21 for vacation homes/condos) |
Children and family rules
Wild Dunes is family-friendly: the resort lists multiple pools including a children's pool, seasonal family programming (Island Adventures / Turtle Cove Family Center), and kid-focused services at the salon (Little Starfish manicure/pedicure for children 10 and under, accompanied by an adult).
Families may stay together once a qualifying adult has checked in; note that some guest rooms include balconies, patios, or terraces that the resort says may not be suitable for young children and recommends contacting the property in advance if that is a concern.
- Children welcome across most restaurants and public spaces.
- Children’s pool available as part of the multiple outdoor pools.
- Seasonal kids’ activities and recreation programs are offered.
| Family feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Children’s pool | Available on property |
| Kids’ salon services | Little Starfish manicure/pedicure for ages 10 and under (adult required) |
| Kids’ program | Seasonal Island Adventures / Turtle Cove Family Center |
Adults-only spaces and pool rules
The Boardwalk Inn Pool is reserved for adults only during specific hours each day; the resort’s current guidance lists adult-only hours for the Boardwalk Inn Pool. Other outdoor pools on property are open to all ages, though some pools may require reservations at peak times.
Pool access hours across the resort generally run from early morning through late evening, and guests should check current on-site signage or the front desk for any seasonal or daily adjustments.
- Boardwalk Inn Pool: adults-only during posted daily hours.
- Other pools (including the Palm Cove and Swim Center complexes) are family-friendly.
- Some pools may require reservations—confirm with the front desk or concierge.
| Pool | Access |
|---|---|
| Boardwalk Inn Pool | Adults-only during posted hours (check current schedule) |
| Other resort pools | Open to all ages; some may require reservations |
| Pool hours (general) | Typically 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (subject to change) |
Pet policy: service animals and rules
Pets are not allowed anywhere on Wild Dunes Resort grounds, including Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn. The resort enforces this strictly and assesses a minimum $400 fee for violations.
Service animals are welcome and exempt from the pet ban. If you plan to travel with a service animal, notify the resort in advance and be prepared to follow any documentation or behavior guidelines the property requests at check-in.
- No pets allowed anywhere on property.
- Minimum $400 fee assessed for policy violations.
- Service animals are permitted and exempt from the pet ban—contact the resort in advance if you are arriving with one.
| Animal type | Allowed on property |
|---|---|
| Pets (dogs, cats, other companion animals) | Not allowed |
| Service animals | Allowed (exempt from pet policy) |
| Policy enforcement | $400 minimum fee for violations |
Room-specific notes (balconies, extra beds, and room names)
Some guest rooms and suites include balconies, patios, or terraces; the resort warns these outdoor spaces may not be suitable for young children and asks families to contact the property ahead of arrival if they have safety concerns. Rollaway beds and cribs (infant beds) are not available at the property.
When booking, pick the room type that fits your party. Examples of room names to look for include Room (Boardwalk Inn), Room (Sweetgrass Inn), Junior Suite (Boardwalk Inn), The Boardwalk Suite Ocean View, Boardwalk Inn, Premium Room (Sweetgrass Inn), and Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweetgrass Inn).
- No rollaway beds or cribs available—plan sleeping arrangements accordingly.
- Room names are exact on the resort inventory; verify bedding when you book (for example: Room, 2 Queen Beds, Pool View (Boardwalk Inn)).
- Contact the resort if you need a ground-floor room or have safety concerns about balconies.
| Room example | Notes |
|---|---|
| Room (Boardwalk Inn) | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds; Boardwalk Inn building |
| Junior Suite (Boardwalk Inn) | 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed |
| Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweetgrass Inn) | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
Practical items tied to age, kids and pet rules
The resort enforces a cashless policy at resort-operated outlets—payment is by major credit/debit cards or mobile pay methods—so bring the card you used to book or one accepted at check-in. A valid card may also be used for incidentals and security holds.
If you are traveling with minors, remember the registered adult must be present at check-in and that certain venues (for example, The Nest rooftop bar) are 21+ or restricted by age—check venue rules before planning an evening out.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID for the adult checking in.
- The Nest rooftop bar is for guests 21+ when open seasonally.
- Confirm any venue age rules or pool schedules with the front desk on arrival.
| Topic | Practical tip |
|---|---|
| Check-in with children | Adult (18+) holding reservation must be present |
| Payment | Property is cashless—major cards and mobile pay accepted |
| Special venue ages | Some venues (e.g., The Nest) are 21+ |
