Hilton Head is an Atlantic barrier island with human habitation dating back over 10,000 years.
It’s also one of the most luxurious resort areas in the United States.
Hilton Head is known for its pristine beaches and world-class golf courses.
As with most resort areas, it’s also got a ton of shopping and delicious restaurants.
The island itself is less than 5 miles wide and 12 miles long, but it’s steeped in history and loaded with things to experience.
The first freedman’s town in the United States was formed on Hilton Head during the Civil War, by former slaves that were forced to work the plantations on the island.
Up until 1956, the only way to access Hilton Head was by boat.
Today, there is a bridge that will get you there in no time.
The island has only 40,000 year-round residents but sees about 2.5 million tourists year-round.
When people think of Hilton Head, the beach is usually the first thing to come to mind.
While there’s no doubt that’s a main attraction, there’s much more to see and do on the popular island.
Keep reading for some fun activities to do in Hilton Head with kids.
Contents
- 14 Things To Do In Hilton Head With Kids
- 1. Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 2. Coastal Discovery Museum – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 3. Shelter Cove Harbour And Marina – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 4. Driessen Beach Park – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 5. Harbour Town Lighthouse – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 6. Adventure Cove Hilton Head – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 7. Lawton Stables – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 8. Daufuskie Island – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 9. Pirate Ship Adventure – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 10. Mermaid Encounter – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 11. Bike Riding – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 12. Pickney Island – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 13. Sandbox Children’s Museum – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- 14. Eat At A Kid-Friendly Restaurant – Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Frequently Asked Questions
14 Things To Do In Hilton Head With Kids
1. Hilton Head Island Dolphin Boat Cruise – Hilton Head, South Carolina
This 90-minute dolphin cruise is the only one of its kind that reaches the headwaters of the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s also guaranteed that you will see dolphins or it’s free.
Watch the bottle-nosed cuties as they play, feed, and swim in their natural habitat.
Live narration from the captain adds to the fun.
Guests will also get to see the Harbour Town coastline, and 3 lighthouses, and encounter egrets, pelicans, and herons.
A snack bar is on board for refreshments.
2. Coastal Discovery Museum – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Kids (and adults) can explore the wonderful history of North Carolina in this delightful, interactive museum.
Start your tour inside the 2000 square foot space and explore the many artifacts including native pottery and turtle fossils.
Kids can hold an alligator in the Discovery lab, or play with puppets and read a book in the library section.
Go to the seashell table to learn all about the shells native to the state that you’ll find along the beach.
Then head outside to stroll around the gorgeous 68-acre property that includes a boardwalk over salt marshes, live Spanish moss, demonstrations, and historic buildings.
3. Shelter Cove Harbour And Marina – Hilton Head, South Carolina
If you’re in the mood for a day of water sports, then head over to Shelter Cove.
Here, families can rent a power boat, kayaks, paddle boards, water skis, tubes, and kneeboards.
Looking to fish?
They’ve got charters of all types that go out daily.
If someone in your family is more of a land lover, they can stay on shore and be pampered at the spa.
When everyone is done, stay for dinner at one of the great restaurants near the dock.
4. Driessen Beach Park – Hilton Head, South Carolina
One of the best family beaches in Hilton Head, that’s uncrowded and untouched by time.
The boardwalk will lead you through natural beauty down to the beach.
There is matting, so the area is accessible for wheelchairs and scooters.
The sand is pristine and the water is clear with waves that are just right for everyone.
There’s a playground, a picnic area with grills, and outdoor showers.
A lifeguard is on duty for most of the day.
Chair and umbrella rentals are available.
The park is open daily from 6 AM until 9 PM.
5. Harbour Town Lighthouse – Hilton Head, South Carolina
This landmark lighthouse serves as both a functional guide for boats in the yacht basin and as a museum.
Climb to the top and get spectacular views of the island and the ocean.
Explore the exhibits that amplify the history of Hilton Head, its people, and The Coast Guard.
A portion of all admission fees goes to charity.
6. Adventure Cove Hilton Head – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Head to Hilton Head’s best activity center for some family fun.
The huge arcade has games for everyone.
Collect tickets for every win, and then redeem them for great prizes at the reward booth.
Then head outside for 18 rounds of mini-golf on one of two beautiful courses.
You’ll play surrounded by stunning waterfalls, lagoons, and tropical plants.
Food and drinks are available at the concession counter.
7. Lawton Stables – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Horseback riding is an extremely popular activity in Hilton Head.
Lawton Stables has been called a “must do” while on the island.
The trails offer a true Lowcountry experience.
Your 1 hour guided ride will take you through forests, lakes, and more.
The ride is done at a walking pace to accommodate riders of all abilities.
Children under 7 can go for a pony ride, and everyone can visit the animal farm.
Kids can pet and feed pigs, goats, chickens, and cows.
Lawton Stable cares deeply for their horses and rotates them regularly so as not to overwork them.
8. Daufuskie Island – Hilton Head, South Carolina
This remote island lies just off Hilton Head and is only accessible by boat.
There are 3 miles of undeveloped, natural beach on the 2.5-mile wide island.
Relax in the sand, swim in the clear water, and build some sandcastles.
Visitors are also welcome to walk around and take in the rich history of the island, including that of the indigenous peoples, and the Gullah people (former slaves, who formed the first freedman’s community in the United States).
The island also has an eclectic art scene and restaurants with the freshest local ingredients.
9. Pirate Ship Adventure – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hop aboard Black Dagger, the first and only custom pirate ship on Hilton Head.
The kids will be transformed into part of the crew.
They’ll be given costumes, and pirate names, and learn how to speak pirate all before leaving port.
Then it’s on to find treasure.
They’ll battle Stinky Pete for his stolen booty (which they win and take a portion home).
There’s singing, dancing, face painting, and water cannons too.
This 90-minute adventure will be remembered forever.
10. Mermaid Encounter – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Based on the book, The Mermaid’s Friends, this 75-minute cruise is packed with fun and entertainment for all ages, even though 2 to 10-year-olds get to have most of the fun.
Kids will receive tattoos and name tags (that will grow flowers when planted).
Everyone gets a bubble wand to battle the evil Professor AIG.
Watch the mermaids swim and ask them questions about their magical life in the sea.
You may even see some dolphins at play.
11. Bike Riding – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Bike riding in Hilton Head is definitely one of the preferred modes of transportation.
With 12 miles of hard-packed sand, families can enjoy biking right on the beach.
Then there are the miles and miles of paths and trails that will take you everywhere from the ancient forests, through town, and even lesser-known areas filled with surprises.
It’s easy to rent a bike on the island, with shops all along the beach and in town.
12. Pickney Island – Hilton Head, South Carolina
This 4000 acre national wildlife refuge, has a history dating back over 8000 years.
The refuge welcomes over 250,000 visitors a year to bike, hike, and observe wildlife, and fish.
There are also over 100 historic sites that can be visited while there.
The refuge is home to large amounts of seabirds, alligators, and deer.
13. Sandbox Children’s Museum – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Though the museum caters to kids from 1 to 12 years of age, many adults have admitted to having a blast at the Sandbox as well.
Founded in 2005, the space has many age-appropriate interactive activities.
The exhibits allow children to develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
Hop into an airplane cockpit, aboard a shrimp boat, or visit the art studio.
Kids are allowed to roam freely, play, and touch all the exhibits.
14. Eat At A Kid-Friendly Restaurant – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Some kids find it difficult to go out to dinner, but Hilton Head has a ton of kid-friendly restaurants that not only offer free kid’s meals, but offer activities, prizes, and entertainment.
A few popular spots include The Lowcountry Backyard, Big Jim’s BBQ, Carolina Crab Company, and Fishcamp on Broad Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the beaches easy to access?
If you’re not staying at an oceanfront resort or hotel, chances are you’ll be no more than a 5-minute walk to some sand and surf.
All the beaches in Hilton Head are public and free.
Where can you go fishing in Hilton Head?
Hilton Head has several fishing charter boats that operate for people wishing to go out on the ocean and catch some big local fish.
What are some good rainy day activities in Hilton Head?
Hilton Head has a few movie theaters, a bowling alley, an arcade, museums, and a lot of shopping to keep you busy during a rainstorm.
Where are the best places to stay with kids in Hilton Head?
Though there are many great places to stay, families particularly rave about the Hilton Grand Resort, Inn & Club at Harbour Town, Oak Resort, and Sonesta Resort.
