Hilton Head Island is very much a family-friendly community, one with something for most age groups and interests. If you are planning a family vacation to the area, you’ll want to explore some of the best things to do in Hilton Head with kids.
I grew up going to Hilton Head and spending 1-2 weeks there each summer from the age of 3 until today, as an adult.
You don’t have to spend a great deal to have a fantastic getaway. Even better, you could mix a bit of history and science into this trip, making it perfect for a mid-year break. Check out all of the fantastic experiences you can have (and don’t forget, there’s plenty of family fun to be had just by exploring the beaches).
1. Play on the Beaches
This is of course the most obvious answer but my favorite part about trips to the island have always been the beaches.
The sand is fantastic for building sand castles (especially drip castles) and running freely. The waves are just powerful enough for boogie boarding but not to be scared of. And there were always just enough vibrant shells to dig for to keep my cousins and me entertained.
If you have limited time on the island or know your kid will be like me and want as much time in the sand as possible, I highly recommend you spend as much time on the beaches as possible.
Many hotels and resorts have their own beach area but there are public entrances throughout the island if needed.
2. Dive into the Wildlife & Nature
Though Hilton Head Island is very much defined by beach fun and relaxation, it’s teaming with wildlife and natural habitats waiting to be explored. You’ll find unique experiences on every beach outing if you look at the bluffs or the swampy areas. But there’s so much more.
Spend time exploring the Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve, an undeveloped area that is a natural habitat for wildlife. The preserve includes over 600 acres of marshy areas, freshwater ponds, walking paths, and boardwalks.
For other fun things to do with local wildlife, check out these activities:
- Alligators? Go gator-watching on one of the wildlife tours
- Go horseback riding on the beach with Lawton Stables, where pony rides are available to most ages and experience levels
- Go dolphin watching on a chartered boat trip
- Take off on the bike trails to explore the local habitats at Sea Pines Resort
- Go kayaking with a travel guide through the coastal marshes
- Do local favorite activities such as crabbing or pier fishing
3. Play It Up with Kids-Focused Activities
Hilton Head is all about fun, and some activities are perfect for kids of all ages. Your entire family may find something to enjoy as a group, or you can explore some of the activities each person wants to do together.
A day at the beach is the simplest of activities that cost virtually nothing. The oceanfront is beautiful and clean, especially destinations like Folly Field Beach Park, Coligny Beach Park, and Burkes Beach. There’s not always a lifeguard on duty, but sand castle building is on the to-do list here.
As a family, you’ll certainly want to explore the region’s natural and exciting modern activities, but note that age limits may apply to some of our favorite activities in the area, including:
- Pirates of Hilton Head, which allows the kid to play the role of a pirate on this family-friendly cruise on a pirate ship
- Mini golf, with dozens of themes to explore, including a few favorites (Adventure Cove, Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, and Legendary Golf are some of the best)
- Indy Karting & Amusement for fun go-karting experiences
- The Sandbox Children’s Museum is the ideal place for indoor, semi-educational learning that’s super fun
4. Get Your History on in a Fun Way
Hilton Head and the South Carolina region have so much history that it’s critical to find a way to explore it. This type of experience can benefit the whole family. It’s especially interesting for older children who may no longer think the playground is the best place to spend their time.
Specifically, consider a visit to the Coastal Discovery Museum. This fantastic location offers outstanding insight into the surrounding area’s ecology and history. Its hands-on displays bring the region to life.
Depending on their age, the Harbour Town Lighthouse and the Stoney Baynard Ruins are also must-sees. Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park and the Forts on Hilton Head Island are also worth exploring for older children.
5. Explore the Parks
Hilton Head definitely has some fantastic playgrounds and parks, whether you like to spend time at the beach enjoying water sports or meeting new friends on the playground. If you’re looking for something for the whole family, check out Adventure Hilton Head for a zipline tour and a walk along the sky bridge.
If your kids enjoy more laid-back experiences on the ground, many of the golf courses in the area offer teen-friendly experiences. This is the perfect area to introduce your older kids to the rules of the fairway in such a beautiful destination. Palmetto Dunes is an excellent option.
Bike riding is a popular activity at many of the area’s parks. You can often book guided trail rides through the various charter services or get a bike rental and explore on your own.
Are you looking for more traditional park and playground experiences? Any of the following are worthy of a visit no matter the time of the year:
- Lowcountry Celebration Park with the Adventure Playground to explore
- Gregg Russell Playground (tip – get a coffee at the bakery and then let the kids play!)
- Jarvis Creek Park for turtle-finding, fishing piers, and picnic areas
- Champlin Community Park is ideal for get-the-energy-out playground fun
- Driessen Beach Park is a less tourism-centric area with a boardwalk, playground, and sandy beach to play in
6. Enjoy the Island’s Food
Now that you’ve filled your day with things to do and experience together, the next step is to create memories around meals. It’s hard to choose from the numerous restaurants, ice cream shops, cafes, and other locations for meals here. Some destinations are noted for their family-focused fun and meals that satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
For fun meals, consider destinations like Main Street Island Pub, where kids eat free in this fun, laid-back diner experience. The Salty Dog Café is also a must for families because there’s much more than just food here. They offer a range of kid’s activities, including photos with Jake the Salty Dog, face painting, magicians, and lots of entertainment.
Another all-around destination for great food and family fun is Fishcamp on Broad Creek. This destination offers everything from live music and oyster roasts perfect for older members of the family to simple but fun games.
Before your family fun day comes to an end, you’ll likely want a special treat. The good news is there are dozens of ice cream shops and special dessert locations around the region, and it’s hard to have a bad experience. To help you, here are some of the best destinations for good old-fashioned ice cream:
- Captain Jax has a fun atmosphere with excellent ice cream
- Nonna Marie’s Gelato & Coffee Bar, parents and older kids will appreciate this section
- Hilton Head Ice Cream is a low-cost, fun-flavored destination (my personal favorite)
- Frozen Moo, with its notably big portions and traditional menu flavors
- The Purple Cow, where customization of your treats is the name of the game
There’s Much to Love That’s Sure to Tire the Kids Out
Any of these fun activities can make exploring Hilton Head with the kids easy to do. Whether you’re coming from Bluffton, Savannah, Charleston, or even much further, Hilton Head is like a break from the business of days to focus on relaxing experiences and building memories with your family.
The hard part is getting everything into just one trip!