If you are looking for a family vacation on the east coast, then Hilton Head Island is one of the best places to visit. This South Carolina area is famous for beautiful white sand beaches and fun activities that are in abundance for the whole family.
There is plenty of time to relax and take in the views, as well as do something fun – this is what makes Hilton Head the perfect tourist destination. You will never be bored with what the area has to offer. From ziplines and adventure play parks to horse stables and fun museums, there is something for everybody.
If you are vacationing in the southeast with children, you may also be interested in our reviews of the Best Family Activities in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Asheville, Gatlinburg, and Orlando.
If the weather does not cooperate during your vacation, check out the 15 Best Family Indoor Activities To Do On Your Travels. Or how about trying these Staycation Ideas For Families in the US?
If you are intrigued as to what Hilton Head has to offer, then look no further. We have 17 of the best family activities in Hilton Head to do on your travels.
So, read on to find out more!
The Best Family Activities in Hilton Head, SC
1. Adventure Cove
The Adventure Cove at Hilton Head is the only entertainment center in the area. It offers the whole family lots to do with activities such as mini golf and arcade games.
If you are vacationing during the cooler months, check out the 15 Best Winter Family Activities To Do On Your Travels.
There are also chances to win some big prizes too. For example, your family can win a Playstation or an Xbox when they head to the redemption place. However, it isn’t just for kids – you will enjoy it too!
Where is it? 18 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
2. Lawton Stables
If you have a horse lover or two in the family, then they are going to enjoy Lawton Stables, which spans more than 600 acres of land.
You can ride a pony or a horse, meaning the whole family can saddle up and take in the scenery of Hilton Head.
For the little ones, there is an animal farm that includes pigs, donkeys, ponies, sheep, chickens, cows, alpacas, and goats.
Where is it? 190 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
3. Coastal Discovery Museum
The whole family will enjoy spending time in the Coastal Discovery Museum, founded in 1985. There are ancient buildings, 4,000-year-old trees, and wildlife on the 68 acres, as well as coastal walks and programs at the learning center.
However, there are a lot of things in this museum that is perfect for keeping your toddlers entertained while learning something new. They can dress up, enjoy puppet shows, do puzzles, and participate in scavenger hunts.
Where is it? 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
4. Mitchelville Beach
If you are looking for something quiet to do, then Mitchelville Beach is a good option. Here you can relax and enjoy the sounds of the sea and sand.
This is a secluded spot popular for beachcombing and wildlife observation. Good news for families – there are restrooms and outdoor showers at Mitchelville Beach.
However, there are no lifeguards present. So you may want to make sure your kids prefer spending time on the sand rather than in the water. Follow these guidelines, so you know how to avoid rip currents with kids.
Where is it? 124 Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
5. Driessen Beach Park
Another quiet area is Driessen Beach Park. It has miles upon miles of shoreline, and the scenes are very photogenic. There are many food places close by too.
Where is it? 64 Bradley Beach Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
6. Zipline And Aerial Adventures
Stated to be a two-hour-long attraction at the Broad Creek Marina Adventures, it boasts 50 challenges that are all based within trees.
There are six different ability-level courses, too, meaning that if you are a beginner, you can enjoy learning the ropes. However, if you are a pro at such a thing, you can give yourself more of a challenge.
The abilities also include age ranges too, as a younger child will enjoy it as well as an older person. However, children younger than five shouldn’t take part.
Where is it? 33 Broad Creek Marina Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
7. Arts Center Of Coastal Carolina
This 349-seat theater has plenty of events, performances, and festivals to check out. Every single day they often have something new to see and do.
They also often produce at least 5 of their own musicals, comedies, or dramas. And sometimes, they even have a celebrity host when they have an exhibition within the art gallery space.
Where is it? 14 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
8. Shelter Cove Harbor
Shelter Cove Harbor is a popular tourist attraction right in the heart of the area. It boasts a plethora of restaurants suitable for the whole family, as well as entertainment, shopping, water-based activities, and tours.
You can also fish for crabs, sail, and watch dolphins. This part of the island has plenty of activities that are perfect for all ages. However, always check beforehand, especially if you have very young children.
Where is it? 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
9. Shelter Cove Towne Center
You might be confused thinking that you are entering a residential space, however this is actually a man made place full of restaurants, entertainment and shops – and yes, there are residents living here too.
There are lots of family-friendly spots to picnic, great views, and events to see.
Where is it? 40 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head, SC 29928
10. Harbor Town Lighthouse
The red and white striped lighthouse on Hilton Head is located at the Harbor Town marina; it has 114 steps and is 90 feet high. There are amazing views at the top, so it’s worth the climb!
The lighthouse tour is informative, educational, and a fun experience for all, with a unique gift shop at the top. Children five and under receive free admission to this Hilton Head, SC, lighthouse.
While visiting Harbor Town Hilton Head island, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore and beautiful yachts to view in the marina.
Where is it? 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
11. Gregg Russell Family Concerts
Gregg Russell has been making music and performing for more than 40 years. He sings and plays his own music while standing by the Liberty Oak tree within Harbour Town.
It is a popular event too, and every summer, he attracts hundreds of people to the area to clap along and dance.
It is very family-friendly, and you will find a playground nearby that has been named after the singer. The kids will love playing there.
Where is it? Harbour Town 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
12. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hilton Head, then the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a good place to go.
Named after a man called General Charles Pinckney due to him acquiring the area in 1715, it has a forest and places to trek.
You can also fish, cycle or go hunting within this area. You may also come across a few reptiles! However, make sure to leave them be.
Where is it? Pinckney Wildlife Refuge Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
13. Sandbox Children’s Museum
When you have kids on vacation with you, you need plenty of things to do in order to stimulate their imagination. The Sandbox Children’s Museum does just that.
It has lots of great activities suitable for young children. There are 11 in total when it comes to interactive activities too.
They are fun but also educational, meaning they can learn as they play! However, they can also just have fun pretending they work at a grocery store or at a South State Bank.
Where is it? 18A Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
14. Station 300 Bowling Lanes
Having been opened for just over 20 years, the Station 300 bowling lanes are a firm favorite with families.
It features a 33,000 square foot space for entertainment. This includes bowling, gaming arcade machines, and even a sports bar.
There are also exciting features at the Station 300 bowling lane such as strobe lighting and bumpers which you can program to be used by individual players.
You can also enjoy food while bowling.
Where is it? 25 Innovation Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910
15. Coligny Plaza
The plaza boasts a plethora of things to do for both children and adults alike. From dining out to shopping and lots of entertainment.
There are more than 60 stores to choose from. These include the likes of bakeries, bars, clothing, restaurants, toys and even hardware.
You might also enjoy the theater which is open every day apart from Sunday.
Where is it? One North Forest Beach Drive, Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
16. Bristol Sports Arena
For those who like sport, then the Bristol Sports Arena is for them. This place includes the likes of a baseball field, a skate park, a basketball area, and a rink for multiple sporting activities.
There are also restrooms on-site, as well as a roller hockey game played by adults every single week.
Where is it? 4 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
17. Bike Riding on Hilton Head Island
When visiting Hilton Head, bike riding is a very popular family activity. On the 12-mile-long and five-mile-wide island, how many miles of bike trails on Hilton Head Island? There are 117 miles of shared-use pathways for cyclists and pedestrians.
There are many options for bike rental on Hilton Head Island. From beach and tandem bikes to tag-along bikes for youngsters, trailers, and baby seats for all family members. Many rental companies offer free bike delivery to your vacation rental property on Hilton Head.
Final Thoughts
Hilton Head is known as the perfect place to take a vacation on the east coast. It features some of the best family activities and is a great place to go if you are looking for things to do in one place.
There are many tourist attractions and family-friendly things to do. This makes it a perfect getaway for all the family, including the very little ones.
There are many obvious attractions, as well as the ones that aren’t so obvious. Fortunately, we have given you a list of 17 of the best family activities in Hilton Head so you can plan beforehand.
If you are planning a family beach vacation to the east coast, you may also be interested in our reviews of things to do in Duck, NC, and the most popular things to do in the Outer Banks with kids. Or how about learning more about the Best Family Activities in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Florida?
Hopefully, you have found some fun things to do in Hilton Head. Enjoy your family vacation to the east coast!
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