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20 BEST Things To Do in Hilton Head With Kids (From a Local Parent!)

Explore the top 20 kid-friendly activities in Hilton Head, SC, from pirate adventures to wildlife refuges, perfect for family fun. Ideal guide for traveling parents!

Tobi Miles

September 27, 2022

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20 BEST Things To Do in Hilton Head With Kids (From a Local Parent!)

The stunning beaches and the world-class golf courses on Hilton Head Island are two of the island's most well-known attractions. It is routinely ranked among the best places in the world to spend a holiday.

Hilton Head Island is a wonderful place to spend a vacation. The kind atmosphere of Hilton Head Island is welcoming to families. Hilton Head is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and an abundance of golf courses that are among the best in the world. Visit Hilton Head Island if you're looking for a vacation destination that's perfect for the whole family.

There is something for every member of your family to enjoy in the Lowcountry, from breathtaking beaches and one-of-a-kind wildlife to fascinating sites and scrumptious dishes from local restaurants. According to Go Koala's Family-Friendly Go Guide 2021, Hilton Head Island is the sixth greatest vacation place in the United States for families with young children. This ranking was based on the number of kid-friendly activities available on the island.

1. Pirates of Hilton Head

The best kid-friendly activity on Hilton Head! Come along with the pirates as they set out on a treasure search along the banks of stunning Broad Creek.

Kids are prepared for a sea adventure on Hilton Head's waters with pirate costumes and lectures on treasure hunting from the crew. Embark on a sea voyage on the Black Dagger pirate ship, which turns children into young pirates for a treasure hunt on Hilton Head's waters.

Before sailing sail in search of treasure, the crew gives kids pirate attire and lessons. This family-friendly cruise offers a variety of morning and afternoon departure times, making it simple to accommodate into your calendar.

For a pirate adventure, board the Black Dagger. As you sail about Hilton Head, start a treasure search. Children receive lessons and a pirate outfit. Available at various departure times to accommodate your schedule

2. The Sandbox Children’s Museum

In order to bring kids and grownups together around enjoyable themes and holidays, the Sandbox Children's Museum hosts monthly and yearly activities.

Members and guests can explore the museum while taking part in themed crafts and annual and monthly events. The Sandbox Children's Museum's aim includes giving kids inclusive and secure spaces. Here they may learn and explore alongside their friends and caregivers.

This museum is the perfect spot to let your little one take the lead. The Sandbox was created to allow kids to play freely while exploring their environment! You'll find that the museum provides top-notch educational play areas and family-friendly events for kids up to age twelve.

Related Read: Best Time to Visit Hilton Head Island, SC

3. Coastal Discovery Museum

CDM is a learning center with nature-based programs and hikes. The museum is located on 68 coastal acres with old buildings, trees, and wildlife. Come enjoy one of Hilton Head Island's most iconic attractions, the Coastal Discovery Museum.

It's a great place to stop if you're interested in learning about Hilton Head Island's past and natural wildlife. The Coast Discovery Museum was made for all ages to experience wonder and exploration.

Put together a puzzle, put on a puppet performance, or read a book from the children's section. You can examine replicas of artifacts such as a loggerhead sea turtle's skeleton and pottery from the Native Americans. Dig up shells from the beaches of Hilton Head.

For 35 years, the Coastal Discovery Museum has served as Hilton Head Island's epicenter for preservation, education, and celebration. Guests can enjoy the museum's extraordinary Honey Horn campus at their leisure.

You can even reserve the museum for a special event of their own. Simply visiting the museum just once will reacquaint you with the past three centuries and kindle your passion for everything that it has to offer.

4. Lowcountry Celebration Park

Lowcountry Celebration Park is situated on the lovely island of Hilton Head. This is a great vacation spot for families any time of year. Families that reside nearby and those visiting the Lowcountry while on vacation will find this park to have a lot to offer.

This location is a must-see whether you're on Hilton Head hunting for alligators and turtles or seeking for a way to let your kids burn off some energy in a secure setting. Children of all ages can let off some steam at Adventure Playground in a secure, guarded environment.

When you visit, bring a football and use the empty field. Two fitness stations are also available, which are excellent for people who like to exercise outside.

5. Zipline & Aerial Adventures

This family-friendly excursion gives an amazing vacation activity with thrills for all ages. Check out our Hilton Head ZipLine adventures right away.

On the ZipLine Tour, you can connect with nature and take in Hilton Head Island's natural splendor as you soar into the air.

Highlights of a ZipLine Tour include a sky bridge that swings and a spiral staircase. The staircase is embedded into a tree. On the zipline, you’ll reach the highest view in Hilton Head. The twin racing zip finale is 900 feet long.

6. Vanishing Island Dolphin Tour

One of our most well-loved tours is this two-hour dolphin cruise. This tour takes place right off the coast of Hilton Head Island. Learn about the ecosystem in the area. On Hilton Head Island, Island Explorer is the only tour company that offers solely Premium Private Tours on all excursions.

The tides control every aspect of life in the salt marsh. This is taken into consideration when planning tours and trips, therefore the itinerary varies every day according to the tides.

Your family's distinct interests will be the main focus of this special event. These excursions are focused on what you want to experience, learn, and see.

The Master Captain naturalists who are licensed by the US Coast Guard will offer a secure, thrilling, and instructive trip.

7. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Association

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is an important link in the chain of wildlife refuges that run along the Atlantic Flyway. This refuge is home to a population of migrating birds that numbers in the thousands each year.

In addition, the refuge provides colonial wading species like ibises, egrets, and herons. Within the refuge are rookeries, which are nesting areas for the birds' young.

Every day from sunrise to sunset, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a range of chances for outdoor exploration and enjoyment.

Activities that depend on wildlife, like hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing, are available to visitors. The hammock of shade provided by the trees in this marsh hiking area is fantastic. Best of all, it is free. Crabs are everywhere, and there are birds of every type to see and investigate!

Related Read: 60 BEST Things To Do in South Carolina

8. Shelter Cove Towne Centre

Shelter Cove Towne Centre is a unique lifestyle neighborhood that overlooks the beautiful Broad Creek. It features 290,000 square feet of an area dedicated to retail, dining, and entertainment. The area is flanked on all sides by natural attractions and luxurious houses.

Shelter Cove Towne Centre, is the right combination of retail, restaurants, and houses. This makes for a dynamic attraction for both the residents of Hilton Head Island and the 2.5 million tourists that visit the island each year.

9. Adventure Cove Mini Golf and Arcade

Players of any age will find excitement in Adventure Cove's 36 challenging holes of adventure golf. The mini golf attraction is spread out over two Caribbean-themed courses.

While you explore the caverns and lagoons hidden among the lush gardens, you may take in the sights and sounds of heaven.

Come on in to have a go at the most extensive arcade that the island has to offer. Collecting tickets at our redemption center will put you in the running for some amazing prizes.

Make "The Cove" the theme of your upcoming celebration for your child's birthday or another important event.

10. Mermaid of Hilton Head Boat Tour

Are you looking for fun things to do in the Hilton Head area with your children? Put an end to your search and follow Pinky Plankton and Sailor Scruffy as they guide you through the waters off of Hilton Head and take you on a journey to discover Mermaid Nina.

This is an event that will appeal to people of all ages because it is both exhilarating and enjoyable.

This tour was recognized as the best children's activity in South Carolina by the LUX Life Family & Visitor Attraction Awards in both 2019 and 2021. The awards were given out under the category of Best Marine Wildlife Experience in South Carolina.

11. Coligny Plaza

Coligny Plaza is enjoyable for everyone in the family. It is not difficult to get there on foot or by bicycle. Coligny, which is located on Hilton Head Island and is often regarded as the island's "Downtown". It’s home to an impressive assortment of the island's finest eateries, retail establishments, and entertainment venues.

Over the course of many years, people from all over the world have made their way to this location. In pursuit of fantastic music, outstanding seafood, and an almost infinite selection of unique boutique shops you’ll always find an adventure at Coligny.

And despite the fact that Coligny has firmly established itself as Hilton Head Island's premier location for dining, entertainment, and shopping, one of its most unexpected beauties is its extensive historical past.

12. Lawton Stables

Lawton Stables, a provider of horseback riding and other activities, is located smack dab in the middle of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina's most beautiful resort island.

The Lowcountry's trail rides are often regarded as among the very finest methods to gain a genuine understanding of the region's native ecosystems. Explore the gorgeous roads, trees, and lakes that are spread out over more than 600 acres of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Their equines are well-loved and proudly cared for, and they can be counted on to be a loyal companion on your journey. Everyone is welcome to visit the animal farm, which is home to a cute collection of cuddly creatures that can be fed and enjoyed.

Pony rides are available for children younger than the age of seven. A wide variety of goods having to do with horses can be found in a gift shop.

13. Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground

The illustrious Gregg Russell inspired the naming of this natural-themed playground. He entertained crowds with his musical performances under Harbour Town's world-famous Liberty Oak for the better part of four decades.

The playground features an incredible tree house that wraps around a magnificent live oak. There are also a number of play areas that provide countless hours of amusement.

Due to the playground's close location to the main parking lot of Harbour Town, you are not far from convenience. Nearby you will find a wonderful selection of businesses and restaurants. You will be able to quickly grab a bite to eat or relax with a rocking chair and an ice cream cone after your time at the playground.

14. Bluewater Adventure Boat Tours

You won't want to miss this unique aquatic experience! You can take one of the special two-seater catamaran cruises to discover Hilton Head Island's waterways.

Need a bigger boat? Along with pontoons, they also have fishing boats. You will get the chance to observe dolphins, manatees, and other animals at Hilton Head Island regardless of the type of watercraft you use.

Reserve your amazing tour online! Visit Bluewater Adventure for a tour of Hilton Head Island.

While their guide navigates a different catamaran to take you around the waterways, you operate your own catamaran.

The whole family will have a blast on the brand-new jet skis! View dolphins and other wildlife up close as you travel through the waterways of Hilton Head and Bluffton.

15. Hilton Head Ice Cream

If you and your family are in need of some relief from the heat, make your way to Hilton Head Ice Cream. There is a huge selection of flavors that are available! The homemade ice cream shop in the Fountain Center is sure to have something that will appeal to your entire family.

Cookie Monster and Superman are two tastes that are sure to be favorites among children. Adults may gravitate toward Kaluha Chip and Cayenne Chocolate.

16. Skull Creek Boat House

The restaurant's prime waterfront location guarantees that your children will be amused by the constant passing of boats while you enjoy a delicious seafood feast in peace.

Skull Creek Boathouse serves a wide variety of seafood dishes, including traditional Lowcountry Boils, Salt & Vinegar Crab Cakes, and even sushi. Sunset Supper deals are offered every day from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

17. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

There is a wide variety of family-friendly and kid-friendly things to do at the Disney Resort on Hilton Head Island. A water slide and multiple pools are available. Frog-fight with water-spitting amphibians and cool down in the pool at the water's edge!

Visit Disney's Beach House and maybe even pick up a few golf tips while you're there. Don't miss out on guided walks, bike rentals, and other fun things to do in the great outdoors!

There is a tennis court and several different programs to choose from. The Dolphin and Nature Discovery is also a must-see.

18. The Art Cafe Pottery Painting Studio

Credit: The Art Cafe Pottery Painting Studio

Family and friends can paint ceramics at Hilton Head's top art venue, The Art Cafe. The Art Cafe is also a pottery painting studio! There are hundreds of options available.

Additionally, they produce unique ceramic gifts. They have been chosen as Hilton Head Island's "Best Kids' Activity" and "Best Rainy Day Activity" and are a "FuN" pottery painting studio! Find more about their "Kids Night Out"! One hour before the store closes, they take the last painters of the day.

19. Bristol Sports Arena

At the Bristol Sports Arena, you'll find a large outdoor skate park. In addition there is also a hybrid in-line hockey rink and basketball courts. The park may be reached from Arrow Road by way of Helmsman Way. Despite its proximity to Crossings Park, it stands on its own as a separate entity.

20. Pirate Island Golf Adventure

Miniature golfers play on this elaborate course, which features waterfalls and a pirate's treasure guarded by skeletons. Come on out to Pirate's Island for a fun family outing. Enjoy a round of golf on one of the two manicured greens.

Discover the lost treasure hidden in the pirate's cave as you stroll across bridges and past waterfalls. Make your way around streams while learning about the legends of the pirates.

The band of buccaneers is comprised of the nicest buccaneers you'll meet. More than two decades later, Pirate's Island Adventure Golf is still providing happy memories to families.

Tobi Miles

Article updated:

March 28, 2024

A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.

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