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Family-Friendly Activities on Hilton Head

Stand Up Paddleboard Rental with One HHI

Welcome to Hilton Head, the perfect destination for families looking for an adventure! As a tour operator, we’re here to make your family vacation unforgettable. Our dolphin tours are a must-do activity for families visiting Hilton Head. Imagine seeing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat and creating unforgettable memories with your family. Aside from our dolphin tours and water sports rentals, there are many other family-friendly activities to enjoy on Hilton Head. Your family can visit the Hilton Head Island Nature Center and explore its habitats and animal exhibits, or check out the Coastal Discovery Museum and learn about the local ecosystem and history of the island.

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing vacation spot. There are so many things to do as a family on Hilton Head! We have put together our favorite Hilton Head activities for families that are sure to win make everyone happy on your next family trip to the island.

Free Hilton Head Family Activities

  • Self-guided tour of Mitchelville Freedom Park
    • Mitchelville, originally a military mission, transformed into a self-governed community that celebrated the customs and cultures of native islanders and those brought from a variety of places. At its peak, the vibrant community boasted 1,500 to 3,000 residents, providing African Americans with freedom and opportunity. Local Tip:  Bring Bug Spray and sit on Maya Angelou’s bench.
  • Fishing & Crabbing with Ben Green
    • Help your little ones experience fishing and crabbing on Hilton Head Island! Mr. Ben and the community provides all equipment and bait free of charge while teaching proper techniques to safely handle your catch
    • Saturdays 4-7
  • Coligny Beach children finding sand dollars on the beach
    • Head to Coligny Beach for free family fun on Hilton Head Island. With free parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards, volleyball courts, porch swings, and a splash pad, this beach has everything your family needs for a great day out.
  • Burke’s Beach
    • Burke’s Beach is a beloved local spot on Hilton Head Island. Park for free at Chaplin soccer field and walk just two minutes to the beach. Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful stretch of sand that’s less crowded than other beaches on the island.
  • Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
    • Discover a family-friendly outdoor adventure at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hilton Head Island. With over 4,000 acres of open water views and native landscapes, this pre-historic refuge is perfect for hiking, biking, and observing wildlife.
    • Local Tip:  Bring Water.  There isn’t much on this island but beautiful nature.
  • Fort Mitchel
    • Hilton Head Island’s small size and vacation homes may deceive new visitors, but during the Civil War, the island was home to four military forts. Although the forts are mostly gone, you can still take a peaceful stroll through Fort Mitchel and appreciate the island’s fascinating past and natural beauty.
  • Free Concert (during the summer) at Shelter Cove Harbour
    • Looking for a fun way to enjoy summer evenings with your family? Head over to Shelter Cove Harbour for a free concert series, taking place on weeknights during the summer season. Tuesday nights are especially exciting, with fireworks lighting up the sky over the harbor. 
  • Hilton Head Island Audubon Newhall Preserve 
    • Admire over 140 bird species that call the Hilton Head Island Audubon Newhall Preserve home with your family. Explore 50 acres of habitats and observe animals thriving in their natural environment. Don’t forget to bring binoculars for a closer look.

A little goes a long way for your next Hilton Head Family Activity

  • Dolphin Tour
    • A dolphin tour is a must-do activity for families visiting Hilton Head Island. You’ll have the opportunity to witness these friendly and playful creatures in their natural habitat as you sail through the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This is an adventure that everyone in the family will enjoy, from children to grandparents. The tours are designed for all ages, and the boats are comfortable and safe for families to enjoy together.
  • Kayak the Lowcountry
    • Rent a kayak and explore the island’s waterways at your own pace, discovering hidden coves, pristine beaches, and a diverse array of wildlife along the way. With plenty of places to stop and explore, like remote beaches and tidal creeks, a kayaking adventure is an experience that your family will never forget. So pack a picnic and hit the water to create some unforgettable memories on your Hilton Head Island vacation.
      family kayaking in hilton head spotting a dolphin behind them
  • Pirates of Hilton Head
    • Rated the island’s top attraction, this pirate cruise is an action-packed experience from start to finish. Your little ones will be transformed into bona fide pirates.
  • Bicycle Rentals
    • Renting bikes is a great activity for a family vacation on Hilton Head Island. It’s an enjoyable and healthy way to explore the island’s scenic trails and beautiful beaches while spending quality time together. Plus, with so many bike rental options available, it’s easy to find bikes that fit the whole family. 
  • Sea Pines Resort
    • Sea Pines is a great family activity on Hilton Head Island, with diverse fun activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and shopping. Kids will enjoy exploring the forest preserve and petting zoo, and there’s a red and white lighthouse and the famous Salty Dog Cafe to visit. Admission is just $9 for access to all attractions in the 5,000-acre community.
  • Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf
    • Mini-golf at Pirate’s Island on Hilton Head Island is an exciting adventure for all ages, featuring a pirate-themed course that takes you through caves, mountains, and seaside villages, complete with waterfalls, streams, and bridges, offering an enjoyable experience for the entire family.
  • Stoney Baynard Plantation Ruins
    • Experience the hauntingly beautiful ruins of a grand antebellum plantation house, slave quarters, and more that once overlooked the Calibogue Sound. Hear legendary tales of Captain Jack Stoney and William Baynard, who once owned the estate, and imagine life in the 18th and 19th centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good ghost story, this is an unforgettable adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
  • Hilton Head Island Sandbox Children’s Museum 
    • The museum offers hands-on exhibits that allow children to learn through play. The museum is designed to help children develop skills in math, science, engineering, and art while they have fun!

Hilton Head Family Activities that are Worth the Investment

  • Watersports Rentalstwo family members riding a creek cat rental for a family friendly activity on vacation in hilton head
  • Parasailing Adventure
    • Soar above the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and enjoy panoramic views of the island from a birds-eye perspective. Parasailing is an excellent way to create unforgettable memories with family and friends while enjoying the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island.
  • Zip Lining with Adventure Hilton Head
    • This high-flying adventure takes place in a beautiful and natural setting and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Zip lining is a great way to get outside and have some fun while creating memories with your loved ones.
  • Sailing Boat Rental
    • Sailing is a great activity for families on Hilton Head Island, allowing you to explore the beautiful coastal waters and enjoy the sea breeze while spending quality time with your loved ones. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the wind in your hair and the sound of the waves under the boat. It’s an experience that the whole family will cherish.
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