Top Hilton Head Attractions for Kids

Dawn Denning:  Fort Fremont is a historical landmark built by the Army Corp of Engineers for the Navy during the Spanish American War in the 1890s. Over the years, the land began to become neglected until 2004 when it was cleaned up and became a national landmark. Now your family can take a 2-hour tour of this historic American site to learn more about the Spanish American War and the history of Helena Island.

Dawn Denning:  Meander through this scenic 4-mile hike (rated easy by South Carolina Trails) to see a variety of birds, fox, deer, and maybe a wild turkey! Your family can spend the day disconnected from technology, getting exercise, and enjoying the low country natural habitat. The preserve does not have a store so be sure to bring everything you need including water bottles and bug spray, though restaurants are nearby.

Dawn Denning:  This beautiful nature refuge is a great place to visit with the family! It offers 14 miles of hiking and biking trails for your family to ride and wander. The refuge offers a saltwater marsh that is available for fishing, freshwater ponds which are home to alligators and birds along with maritime forests that are home to beautiful and interesting trees. The refuge is only accessible by foot or bicycle. There is no access to shelters, restrooms or water and bug spray is recommended.

Dawn Denning:  Located on 68 acres, the beautiful grounds of the Coastal Discovery Museum are aimed to teach the history, culture and art of Hilton Head. Enjoy trails, gardens and water experiences. Scheduled events include tours of the grounds and programs designed to introduce kids to local animal life. The museum hosts a Kid’s Zone which offers costumes, games and a resident crab and turtle. Temporary exhibits keep it new with every visit.

Dawn Denning:  One of the most unique Hilton Head Island attractions is offered from the sky. Multiple types of helicopter tours are available depending on what your family would like to see and your price range. All ages are welcome! Take a simple tour from the air of the beaches or the ocean and the lighthouses, or take a longer tour over a remote island which is home to Rhesus Monkeys! Some packages even land you on Daufuskie Island to go horseback riding.

Dawn Denning:  One of the best Hilton Head attractions to experience with kids is this boat tour company that takes your crew out to explore the island, nature and history of the area. Enjoy the Broad Creek salt marshes, soak in a sunset, view docile dolphins, etc! We highly recommend the Vanishing Island expedition as the best activity for kids and the whole family. This tour takes you to a secluded island during low tide where sand dollars and starfish are a plenty! Your kids will love this 3-hour boat adventure.

Dawn Denning:  Zipline adventures are fun Hilton Head attractions for the whole family. Take in the island from a unique perspective...high above over marshes, water and tree lines! The zip lines are from 12-75 feet above ground and feature bridges, nets, hoops and obstacle walls. If you are feeling adventurous, zip line through the night sky during Glowcountry. Each obstacle has a minimum age requirement.

Dawn Denning:  There are a lot of beaches to choose from, but Islanders Beach Park is a family favorite because of the amenities it provides for kids. Along with the beautiful white beach and clear blue water, the park has public restrooms on-site along with drinking fountains, covered picnic areas to get a break from the sun, and a nice playground.

Dawn Denning:  Experience the wildlife of Hilton Head while kayaking or taking a boat tour. Your family can even see dolphins up close via Kayak Hilton Head. There are also turtles and eagles in the area for your family to view. If you prefer boating, they offer a variety of different experiences too. Some of the tours include seeing the Vanishing Island, fireworks (summer only) or taking a relaxing sunset cruise. Reservations required.

Dawn Denning:  Set sail on the Black Sparrow for a pirate adventure promising water cannons, an encounter with Smelly Sam and a treasure! Your kiddo will start their adventure with face painting or tattoos, pirate wear and learning to talk like a pirate to get into character then set sail on a unique voyage of fun and laughs. The treasure hunt will last approximately 2 hours. Reservations required and one adult needs to be onboard per group of kids.

Dawn Denning:  On the northern end of the island is a hidden gem that is rarely busy, but has everything your family needs. Because it is a little harder to find, Driessen Beach can offer your family some peace and quiet on vacation. Surrounded by trees, there is a wooden walkway that doesn't appear to have ocean access at first glance until you discover the beauty at the end. The shoreline is wide, so there is ample space for running or sitting. The park also offers a playground, public restrooms, water fountains and outdoor showers.

Dawn Denning:  Outside Hilton Head charters many family-friendly adventures in Hilton Head Island, including shark fishing, tubing, surf camp, biking, kayaking, sailing, and more. These private and small group excursions come highly rated in the area.

Kristy Pepping:  If your kids are like mine, they love pizza! The issue is the rest of the family may want some other options while eating out. Giuseppi's is a great choice. Not only do they have tasty pizza, they also offer other Italian and American favorites if the adults are not in "a pizza mood." I have personally tried their homemade lasagna and the chicken caesar wrap and both were great! Giuseppi's has a small outside seating area and they offer carry out as well.

Dawn Denning:  Have a Disney experience at the Hilton Head Resort! The resort has villas that are inspired by 1940s fishing and hunting cabins. You can enjoy the 12 miles of beaches along with three different pools with waterslides. Kid friendly activities at the Hilton Head Resort include golf lessons, campfires, and bike rentals. The resort offers dining options for the family, along with a mercantile exchange.

Dawn Denning:  One of the best kid friendly activities in Hilton Head takes you back to when pirates ran the waters around the island. Captain Tanner will take your crew on a very family-friendly adventure to talk to mermaids, recapture Captain Tanner's boat from the Pirate Mad Marcus and speak with The Ghost Dolphin about a treasure stolen by Stinky Slimy Slim. Launch water cannons, see someone walk the plank and more during your pirate adventure! Chocolate and swords are also included on this awesome pirate cruise for all ages.