Hilton Head Island offers the family vacation of a lifetime for both the young and the young at heart. Families simply love the Island’s 12 miles of uninterrupted white sand beaches and over 100 miles of well-maintained bike trails, walking trails, parks and nature preserves. When kept indoors, Hilton Head’s family-friendly restaurants know how to keep everybody’s rumbling tummies satisfied, and the interactive museums will keep young minds growing. Here are some of our favorite family activities on Hilton Head Island.
Biking
The Island has more than 100 miles of paths to explore and miles of sand-packed beaches allow delightful bike rides along the Atlantic Ocean. Bike rentals are readily available and can be delivered to your home or villa during your stay.
View Hilton Head Bike Pathway System
Golfing
With more than one million rounds of golf played each year on the Lowcountry’s 36-plus courses, Hilton Head Island has become one of the most renowned golf destinations in the world.
Tennis and Pickleball
Whether you prefer to play on hard, grass, or clay, you will find it on Hilton Head. High quality instruction, including group clinics and private lessons, is available at all tennis centers on the island.
View Tennis and Pickleball Courts
Fishing and More
Fishing is a popular pastime on Hilton Head, and there are many ways to enjoy the sport. You can surf cast from the shore, dig for clams, gather oysters, toss a shrimp net, drop a crab line, or charter a boat for fly-fishing.
Pleasure Boating
Sailing, kayaking and jet skiing are popular activities in Hilton Head’s many marinas and harbors. After making a reservation, you will receive our Guest Services Directory, which includes great information and recommendations about the area.
Dolphin-Watching
Explore Broad Creek and the surrounding waters with tours and boat rentals. See dolphins in their habitat, learn about crabbing, shrimping, harvesting oysters and more. Plan your visit and enjoy some of the finest marinas the South has to offer.
Parasailing and Wave Runners
For the more extreme water sports enthusiast, parasailing and wave runners are available to make your vacation a thrilling and memorable one. For parasailing and other water sports check out H2O Sports.
View Parasailing & Wave Sport Rentals
Paddleboarding
This surface water sport is a popular Hilton Head Island activity, allowing you to stand, glide and explore the ocean and creeks on a large surfboard. See new views from the water with a workout that’s fun and rewarding.
Family Beach Portraits
Capture your vacation memories with professional portraits and remember your vacation for years to come. With all of the stunning beaches and venues Hilton Head has to offer, you’ll have the beauty of the island as your backdrop.
The Sandbox
The Sandbox is a hands-on interactive museum that makes learning fun for the whole family. Filled with entertaining and educational play areas to explore, this is an incredible place to interact and let your imagination run wild.
Lawton Stables & Petting Zoo
Located at Sea Pines, Lawton Stables offers one-hour western-style trail rides. Each trail ride will take you through the 603-acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve at a leisurely pace, giving you time to truly experience the natural beauty of Hilton Head.
Adventure Cove
The Adventure Cove family fun center offers fun and games for visiting families. There are two mini golf courses, each with 18-holes and a challenging Caribbean-style design. Find more fun and games here at HIlton Head Island’s largest arcade.
Culture and the Arts
Hilton Head has a network of art galleries, featuring artists from the Lowcountry and around the world. It’s also home to The Art Center of Coastal Carolina, offering locals and visitors the perfect venue to enjoy captivating musicals and plays.
Visit the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
The Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum is full of interesting and valuable information on the natural history of Hilton Head Island, along with the cultural heritage of the Lowcountry. An educational and fun-filled experience for the whole family.
Visit Coastal Discovery Museum
Shopping
A favorite for both locals and visitors alike are the Tanger Outlets Hilton Head. There are over 300 shops of every imaginable variety available to choose from on the Island, including numerous waterfront boutiques and peaceful plazas.
Dining Out
Hilton Head has over 200 restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. Treat yourself to the famous local seafood dishes such as succulent shrimp, sweet blue crab, oysters, pit-cooked BBQ, prime steaks and home-style Southern specialties.
Nightlife
Live bands and entertainers can keep you and your family smiling every night of your vacation. See dazzling firework displays in the summer at Shelter Cove Marina. In Harbour Town, find nighttime family-friendly shows and live bands for adults.
Segway Tours
Whether you are interested in history, nature, culture, or just having a fun ride, a Segway tour is fun for the whole family. Kids and grandkids 12 and up (and even 10+ on some tours), parents, and grandparents can all enjoy this activity together.
Ziplining
The ziplines of Adventure Hilton Head is a wonderful experience for the entire family. Join them for an exhilarating 2 hour eco-adventure that will have you soaring through the trees surrounded by stunning views of Broad Creek.
Family Reunions
Hilton Head Island is the perfect destination for a memorable and fun family reunion for all generations. Pick a vacation rental for your family to reserve with Island Getaway and plan a family event on Hilton Head to be remembered for decades.