Hilton Head Island is a kid’s paradise—actually, it’s a paradise for all ages, but hear us out! Summer vacation and Hilton Head have almost become synonymous for some households across the country, but the island sees family vacations year-round. This laid-back, coastal town full of live oaks, sea pines, and beautiful marsh and ocean views is a safe and family-friendly destination. If you’re planning your first-ever trip, or you’re looking for something new for your family to do for your upcoming trip, here is a helpful list of the best activities for kids—other than going to beach, of course!
On the Water
Go on a Pirate Cruise with Pirates HHI
Seasonal
Recommended Ages: 3-10
Climb aboard the Black Sparrow to join a pirate crew in search of treasure. The fun includes face painting, pirate tattoos, and learning how to talk like a pirate! Face the infamous pirate, Smelly Sam, in a battle to see who gets the gold!
Cruise with the Mermaid of Hilton Head
Seasonal
Recommended Ages: 2-10
This 75-minute interactive tour is fun for the whole family, and is based on the children’s book, The Mermaid’s Friends. You’ll get to meet a real life mermaid and become an O’fish’al Ocean Ambassador. When you book your tour, $1 will be donated to a non-profit that helps the ocean!
Outdoor Fun
Zip Lines & Go Karts at Adventure Hilton Head
Open Seasonally
Activities for 3+ Years Available
Feeling adventurous? Try an aerial ropes course, go zip lining, or take a spin around the go kart track! Younger kids can ride along on your go kart or try a rope course! Older kids will love every activity, especially the zip line canopy tour. Click the link to learn more about age restrictions.
Go Mini Golfing
Open Year-Round
Great for All Ages!
There are plenty of options for going mini golfing on Hilton Head, and two of the best are Adventure Cove Mini Golf & Arcade and Legendary Golf. Each have themed and beautifully landscaped mini golf courses that have options for those just looking to have some fun, or want to challenge themselves!
Rent Bikes from Wheelz of Hilton Head
Year-Round Activity
Great for All Ages!
Whether your kiddos have been riding bikes for years, just learned how, or are still nervous about the whole idea, Wheelz has the bike or attachment for you! Beach cruises of all sizes, optional training wheels, and attachment bikes and carts will make sure everyone can join in on the bike ride.
Indoor Activities
Play Virtual Reality Games at Atomic Virtual Reality Arcade
Open Year-Round
Minimum Player Age is 10
Choose from many different kinds of virtual reality games and escape rooms with the option of playing with others from around the world! Not everyone in your group has to play. Sit back, relax, and watch everything unfold on the flat screens if you’d rather!
Paint a Masterpiece at The Art Cafe
Reservations Recommended
Great for All Ages!
A fun activity for the family who’s looking to escape the heat or rain, you’ll be able to remember your trip to Hilton Head Island with a customized piece of artwork. We recommend doing this activity early on in your vacation, so that there’s time for your piece to be glazed and fired.
Hands-On Learning
Explore the Coastal Discovery Museum
Open Year-Round with Seasonal Experiences & Activities
Great for All Ages!
Find amazing exhibits inside the museum, have some fun in the Kids’ Zone, walk the grounds, and find beautiful trails, a butterfly habitat, and horses in their pasture! Admission is free, but donations are always welcomed. The tours and education programs do have a fee.
Visit an The Sandbox Children’s Museum
Open Year-Round
For Kids (and Families) of All Ages!
This is a great way for your family to have some fun and learn through hands-on exhibits like the Flight Lab, S.T.E.M. Alley, Island Grocery, Build It!, and more. Toddlers have their own area for a chance to explore safely. Conveniently located in Lowcountry Celebration Park.
