Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, isn’t just a slice of paradise for golf lovers and beach bums—it’s also a top-tier playground for families traveling with kids. With a mix of outdoor adventures, interactive attractions, and drool-worthy food options, this island is the kind of place where memories are made (and meltdowns are few and far between… hopefully).
So, pack the sunscreen, grab those tiny shades, and let’s dive into the best things to do with kids on Hilton Head Island!
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Activities & Attractions on Hilton Head Island
1. The Mermaid of Hilton Head Tour
Let’s start with a little magic! The Mermaid of Hilton Head Tour is an interactive boat tour where kids get to meet a real-life mermaid, learn about ocean conservation, and even help defeat a villainous pirate. It’s educational, exciting, and totally Instagrammable.
2. Pirates of Hilton Head
Ahoy, mateys! This pirate ship adventure departs from Harbour Town and is hands-down a favorite with the littles. They’ll dress like pirates, search for treasure, and squirt water cannons to defend the ship from invading pirates. Fun and fantasy collide on this memorable cruise.
3. Coastal Discovery Museum
Perfect for curious minds, this free (yep, free!) museum features indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration trails. The butterfly enclosure and touch tanks are especially big hits with kids.
4. Coligny Beach Park
This family-friendly beach has clean restrooms, splash pads, outdoor showers, and even free Wi-Fi. Plus, it's just steps away from great shops and eats. Bring buckets, beach balls, and maybe a kite—you’ll be here for a while. Checkout the Lowcountry Celerbation Park right next to Coligny Park Parking lot.
5. Sandbox Children’s Museum
Got toddlers in tow? The Sandbox is a hands-on, interactive museum designed just for young kids. There are themed playrooms, pretend grocery stores, a spaceship area, and more. Bonus: it’s indoors, so it’s perfect for rainy days or heat waves.
6. Gregg Russell Playground at Harbour Town
Shaded by large oaks and conveniently located near the Harbour Town Lighthouse, this playground is great for letting the kids burn off steam while you sip a coffee or enjoy the breeze.
7. Lawton Stables Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
This small but sweet petting zoo lets kids meet goats, donkeys, and ponies—and even take pony rides. There are also scenic walking trails through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.
8. Bike the Trails
With over 60 miles of bike paths, Hilton Head is super bike-friendly. Rent a trailer or tandem bike and explore at your own pace. It’s a chill way to see the island, and kids love the freedom of the ride.
9. Adventure Cove Mini Golf & Arcade
Because who doesn’t love a little mini golf followed by some air hockey? Adventure Cove has two 18-hole courses surrounded by lagoons and waterfalls, and the arcade is full of kid-approved games.
10. Dolphin Watching Tour
Hop on a dolphin cruise and get ready to "ooh" and "ahh." Most tours guarantee sightings, and the boats are safe and family-friendly. Sunset tours are especially dreamy.
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Restaurants on Hilton Head
1. The Salty Dog Cafe
A Hilton Head icon. The kids’ menu is solid (chicken tenders, grilled cheese, mac 'n cheese—you know the drill), and the waterfront views are top-tier. There’s even a nearby playground.
2. Skull Creek Boathouse
Fun name, even better seafood. This place has outdoor seating, live music, and a kids’ play area. Parents, try the hush puppies and a frosty cocktail—you’ve earned it. If you are looking for an all you can eat buffet on Sunday this is the place!
3. Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta
Picky eater? No problem. Pizza is always a win, and Giuseppi’s has been doing it right for decades. Bonus: gluten-free options and outdoor seating.
4. Fishcamp on Broad Creek
This family-friendly spot mixes laid-back vibes with delicious seafood. The large outdoor area is perfect for fidgety kids, and there's usually live music in the evenings.
5. Local Legend Brewing Co.
A huge outdoor area with TV's, cornhole, and plenty of seating inside with arcade style games, darts, pingpong and more! The menu is kid friendly and atmosphere is just as enjoyable for the parents as it is for the kiddos.
Travel Tips for Visiting Hilton Head with Kids
Traveling with kids isn’t always smooth sailing, but a little planning goes a long way. Here are some quick tips to keep everyone happy:
- Pack for the beach – Think hats, rash guards, and plenty of sunscreen.
- Rent bikes with trailers – Makes it easier to explore without whining about walking.
- Book early – Tours like the Mermaid and Pirate cruises fill up fast.
- Nap time = recharge time – Schedule downtime so the whole family doesn’t burn out.
- Have snacks on hand – Always. Snacks are a parenting superpower.
- Go early – Beat the crowds (and heat) by visiting attractions in the morning.
- Use the Hilton Head Island app – For maps, event calendars, and beach access info.
Hilton Head Island isn’t just a destination—it’s a home away from home loaded with some of most memorable scenary and things to do. The perfect mix of sunshine, nature, kid-friendly attractions, and tasty food makes it a prime pick for family vacations. Whether your crew is into mermaids and pirates or beaches and bikes, there’s something here for every age (and attention span).
So load up the car (or hop on that flight), and get ready to make some memories. And hey—don’t forget to bring home a Salty Dog T-shirt. It’s basically a rite of passage.
