What are the Best Things to do in Hilton Head with Kids?

Hilton Head Island is an absolute paradise for families, and if you’re visiting with kids, you’re in for a treat! The island offers a ton of outdoor adventures that will keep your kids active, entertained, and in awe of nature. From riding bikes through scenic trails to spotting dolphins in the wild, there’s something for everyone. In this article, a 20-year local resident and parent of two kids shares his expert POV on the Best Things to do in Hilton Head with Kids.

1. Best Things to do in Hilton Head with Kids – Bike Around the Island

Hilton Head is absolutely famous for its bike-friendly paths, so grab the kids and hop on a bike to explore.  We have over 60 miles of bike trails here on the island, which is perfect for families. The paths take you through beautiful nature preserves, past marshes, golf courses, parks, and along the beach. You can rent bikes for all ages, from little ones with training wheels to cool bikes for teens. One of our favorite rides is the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, which has shaded trails and chances to spot wildlife along the way!

Bicycle Adventures | Hilton Head Island

Pro tip: Additionally, when you are in Sea Pines, be sure to stop at the Harbour Town Lighthouse and climb to the top for an amazing view and a fun photo op. This iconic landmark is definitely at the top of everybody’s best things to do in Hilton Head with Kids list.

2. Best Things to do in Hilton Head with Kids – Dolphin Watching Tours

One of the best things to do in Hilton Head with Kids is taking a dolphin watching tour.  Hilton Head is one of the best places to see them in the wild. You can easily find and hop on a boat for a Hilton head dolphin cruise and keep your eyes peeled as our local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins swim alongside the boat. Not only is it fun, but also it is educational as well.

Check out this article for more – Top 25 Dolphin Questions with Captain Neil of Hilton Head Boat Charters › Hilton Head Boat Charters.

Also check us out online for your own private Hilton Head Dolphin Cruise.

Hilton Head Boat Charters – Premium Private Boat Charters

3. Best Things to do in Hilton Head with Kids – Beachcombing and Sandcastle Building

Year after year, Hilton Head Island is rated as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the US.  Our beaches are perfect for families. They are ideal for spending a day on the soft sand and building epic sandcastles or searching for seashells. Our beaches are wide (at low tide), safe, and calm—ideal for your kids to play and splash around.  Coligny Beach is a favorite for families, with plenty of space and easy access to shops, snacks and bathrooms.

Coligny Beach Park

4. Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge

This is one of our favorite spots on the island and one of the top things to do on the island with kids. If you are ready for a little adventure in the wild? The Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge has over 10 miles of trailes is an awesome spot for hiking, biking and wildlife spotting. With over 4,000 acres of marshes and forests, it’s a nature lover’s dream. Kids can watch for birds like herons and ospreys, and if you’re lucky, you might even see an alligator! Additionally there are easy, kid-friendly trails to follow, so even younger children can join in the fun.

Pro tip: Pack a backpack with sunscreen, refreshments, some snacks, and bug spray (just in case). There are no vending machines or food on the island – and you know what they say – “An army marches on its stomach”.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

5. Adventure Cove

Hands down this is our favorite miniature golf spot on the island.  They have to really fun miniature golf options with lots of obstacles to play around.  They also have an old school ticket arcade and prize counter that your kids will go nuts for.  The literal cherry on top os that they have a small ice cream shop inside the arcade.  The only challenge that you will have is trying to pull your kids out of Adventure Cove at the end of your stay because they are having so much fun.  Miniature golfing is a must when you are visiting and always appears on everybody’s list of best things to do in Hilton Head with kids.

Adventure Cove

6. Sea Pines Forest Preserve

For a peaceful outdoor adventure, there is no better place to take a walk than through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. This 605-acre preserve has beautiful trails and ponds, that make it perfect for families to explore together. Your kids will love the chance to spot turtles, frogs, and maybe even an alligator (but keep your distance, of course!). The preserve also has some easy trails that are perfect for younger kids who are new to hiking.

Forest Preserves at The Sea Pines Resort

7. Adventure Hilton Head

For the more adventurous families, the Adventure Hilton Head is at the top of the best things to do in Hilton Head with kids list.  This is an absolute must visit for kids and adults.  You will love zipping through the trees on ziplines and also navigating the ropes course high above the ground.  You feel like you are flying and climbing your way through a forest high above the ground. The park offers different levels of difficulty, so there’s something for every age and skill level.

Adventure Hilton Head | ZipLine & Aerial Adventures Hilton Head

Pro tip: There is also an outdoor go-cart track that is perfect for kids of all ages.  So plan to spend an extra half hour out there with the family.

8. Kayaking or Paddleboarding

If your kids love the water, why not try kayaking or paddleboarding on one of Hilton Head’s calm waterways? You can rent kayaks or paddleboards at places like Palmetto Bay Marina or Broad Creek Marina. While you glide through the water, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, like dolphins, birds, and maybe even a manatee! Kids love the challenge of paddling and balancing on a paddleboard, and it’s a fantastic way to see the island from a different perspective. Check out Island Head for a great time and pristine back water kayaking.

Guided Kayak Tour | Island Head

9. Horseback Riding at Lawton Stables

This fun activity is also located in Sea Pines.  Have you ever wanted to go horseback riding through nature?  This family-friendly stable offers guided horseback rides through scenic trails. It’s a fun and relaxing way to explore Hilton Head’s natural beauty. Your kids can even get up close and personal with horses before and after the ride.

Lawton Stables

Pro tip: Kids as young as 7 can enjoy a horseback ride, but if you have younger kids, they can meet the horses and feed them!

10. Shelter Cove Community Park

For a low-key outdoor day, head to Shelter Cove Community Park, which has a great playground, grassy areas for picnics, and beautiful views of Broad Creek. Families can relax while kids play on the swings, slides, and climbing structures. Plus, there’s often live music or outdoor events in the park, so it’s a fun spot to spend an afternoon.

Shelter Cove Community Park

Pro tip: Why not make a day of it?  There are plenty of shops at Shelter Cove where you can grab lunch, shop, or even grab an ice cream with the kids at Kilwins Hilton Head Island – Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop—

Best Things to do in Hilton Head with Kids – Final Thoughts

Whether your kids are thrill-seekers or nature lovers, there are an absolute ton of best things to do in Hilton Head with kids. From exploring beautiful parks and beaches to taking part in adventurous activities like ziplining and kayaking, there’s something for every family. So pack up the sunscreen, grab your bike helmets, and get ready for an adventure-filled family trip to Hilton Head!