
Top Hilton Head Attractions for Kids
Beyond 12-miles of beautiful sandy beachfront, here is a list of the best Hilton Head attractions for kids and families to experience, too! From dolphins to pirates, bookmark these top island adventures in Hilton Head for kids, including day trips and kid friendly restaurants.
Hilton Head Island Portraits
A unique Hilton Head activity for the family could involve getting dressed up together and taking professional photos!
Kristy Pepping said: I highly recommend Hilton Head Island Portraits for family beach portraits. We bought a photo package for my mother-in-law as a gift and they did a great job taking photos of the whole family to treasure. They even sent an unexpected Christmas ornament of one of the photos in the mail as a “thanks for your business” gift.
Hilton Head Island, SCA Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant
Dawn Denning said: A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant is a local favorite and one of the best kid friendly restaurants in Hilton Head. Along with enjoying a beautiful day eating outside with live music, your kiddos can play while you await your food. The backyard has fun stuff for your kiddos to do and see while you enjoy your relaxing vacation. Their menu offers a wide variety of options for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Hilton Head Island, SCHeritage Library
Dawn Denning said: If your family loves history, Heritage Library & its properties are a must see. Your family can register to tour Fort Mitchel in Hilton Head Plantation, featuring ruins from the Civil War. Cemetery tours are available to view Zion Chapel of Ease & Baynard Mausoleum, home to war heroes from the Revolutionary War. Take a bike tour of historical sites on Squire Pope Road to learn more about the historic significance of its cemeteries & museum. Registration required. While at Heritage Library, research your family's ancestry, learn the history of Hilton Head & enjoy special events.
Hilton Head Island, SCSeasonal
The SeaPines Resort
Dawn Denning said: This award-winning resort offers something for the entire family to enjoy on the 5,000 acres of oceanfront land. The resort offers a variety of facilities including villas, condos and hotel accommodations. The resort features three different golf courses, access to tons of dining options, along with tennis instruction and facilities. Your family can also choose from different activities and events including access to stables, eco/forest tours, bike rentals and family planned events.
Hilton Head Island, SCThe Sandbox: An Interactive Children's Museum
Dawn Denning said: If you're at Hilton Head with for kids, check out The Sandbox: An Interactive Children's Museum for indoor fun. Geared for toddler and elementary school-aged children, the Sandbox offers hands-on activities and exhibits that promote play-based learning. The museum has the imagination hour events, fun family nights, and summer camps too. Exhibits include a plane simulator, international bazaar, construction site, state bank and more. If your visit to the Island falls on a birthday, too, you can celebrate any special occasion or have a birthday party in their rental facilities.
Hilton Head Island, SCFrozen Moo
Kristy Pepping said: Ice cream is a must on any beach vacation! I highly recommend Frozen Moo in Hilton Head Island! First of all, there is no way your kids will complain about the flavor choices. Why? There are over 90 flavors to choose from! Plus, there are also sugar-free and low-fat yogurts to fit different dietary restrictions. Plus, take your ice cream outside the shop and enjoy Coligny Plaza. There are often special events and shows going on in the evenings.
Hilton Head Island, SCColigny Beach Park
Dawn Denning said: A pergola with wooden swings is one of the reasons that you and your family will love this beach. As if that isn’t enough, the beach offers public restrooms, showers and other lounging options. For the family that loves the Internet, the beach offers free WiFi! When your family is done spending time on the beach, just cross the street to enjoy shopping, a splash pad, and restaurants at Coligny Plaza. Parking is free and bike racks are available for all the beach goers.
Hilton Head Island, SCGregg Russell Harbour Town Playground
Kristy Pepping said: This playground is always a big hit with my kids. It is right next to all the shops and restaurants in Harbour Town and offers a great way to run off some energy! There is a separate toddler section, plenty of swings and a wooden climbing structure.
Hilton Head Island, SCHarbour Town Lighthouse and Museum
Dawn Denning said: Harbour Town offers a beautiful red and white lighthouse situated on the coastline with breathtaking views and a museum on the ground level. Climb the lighthouse stairs and experience different sights and information from each level. In addition to the exciting views, visit the gift shop which includes artwork, apparel and more!
Hilton Head Island, SCThe Crazy Crab
Kristy Pepping said: The Crazy Crab is one of the best kid friendly restaurants in Hilton Head with two awesome locations! We prefer the Habour Town location - it offers scenic water views and has a large outdoor patio with live music on the weekends. If you are looking for fresh seafood, this is a great place to eat. For picky eaters, they do offer more traditional options like hot dogs and chicken fingers. Plus, the kids will love their kiddle cocktails like The Cinderella! After dinner, take a walk up the lighthouse, grab some ice cream or head to the nearby park with the family.
Hilton Head Island, SCDaufuskie Island
Dawn Denning said: Discover one of the best afternoon or day trips from Hilton Head in picturesque Daufuskie Island An hour ferry ride from Hilton Head will have you and your family there. The island features cruises, dolphin sightings, lovely beaches, kayaking, golf and hiking. Stroll into town to check out the restaurants, galleries and shops that offer unique gifts. Explore Daufuskie Island Community Farm, a volunteer-run farm that can get you up close and personal with the livestock- even a duck that thinks it is a chicken! If you would like to stay more than one day, accommodations are available on the Island.
Daufuskie Island, SCSalty Dog Cafe
Dawn Denning said: Salty Dog Cafe is one of the more popular Hilton Head attractions for tourists. This family-friendly restaurant is a must-see often featuring events, live music, face painters, etc. Its location on the water presents a party and all-around fun vibe near the docks. While you are there, pick up one of their famous t-shirts. A huge selection of t-shirts are available at Salty Dog T-shirt Factory.
Pinckney Island: National Wildlife Refuge
Dawn Denning said: This beautiful nature refuge is a great place to visit with the family! It offers 14 miles of hiking and biking trails for your family to ride and wander. The refuge offers a saltwater marsh that is available for fishing, freshwater ponds which are home to alligators and birds along with maritime forests that are home to beautiful and interesting trees. The refuge is only accessible by foot or bicycle. There is no access to shelters, restrooms or water and bug spray is recommended.
Hardeeville, SCSavannah, Georgia
Southern charm, historical elegance and a plethora of activities combine to make Savannah a lovely vacation spot for families. Wander the large exploratory maze at the Savannah Children's Museum, and enjoy the shaded playground and splash pad at Forsyth Park. Tybee Island is a short drive from downtown, where families can enjoy a day at the beach, take a dolphin tour, and visit the Tybee Island Marine Center.
Savannah, GAPrimary photo: Forest Simon on Unsplash
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