Planning a family getaway? Look no further than Hilton Head Island!
Situated 20 miles northeast of Savannah, Georgia and 95 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina, Hilton Head Island is part of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.
Often referred to simply as “Hilton Head”, this beautiful barrier island is known for its lovely beaches, world-class golf courses, and excellent dining options. But Hilton Head Island also offers lots of kid-friendly activities, making it a great destination for the whole family!
My parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece, boyfriend, and I traveled to Hilton Head Island for a week-long vacation late this winter and had a fun time exploring here. The rest of this blog post focuses on all of the things we did on Hilton Head Island, how to get to Hilton Head, where to stay on Hilton Head, Hilton Head weather, and more.
*P.S. this post contains some affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase.
How to Get to Hilton Head Island
The easiest way to reach Hilton Head Island is by flying into the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). From there, you can rent a car or take an Uber, Lyft, or shuttle to the island.
My boyfriend, Tim, and I flew from the William P. Hobby Airport to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and took an Uber to our vacation rental. The drive from the airport to Hilton Head Island took about an hour. The cost of our flights were around $330 each, and the cost of our Uber was around $100 one-way, including tip.
If you’re driving to Hilton Head, the island is accessible via U.S. Highway 278, which connects to Interstate 95. This is the option my parents, brother, sister-in-law, and niece went with, as they were able to make the drive from Maryland in less than 10 hours.
Where to Stay On Hilton Head Island
From beachfront resorts to homey vacation rentals, Hilton Head has accommodations to suit every family’s needs.
My parents graciously booked a vacation rental for the entire family through VRBO, and it was the perfect size and location for us. The home had 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a laundry room, a recreation room, a pool, and a hot tub, and was just a two-minute walk from Coligny Beach. Plus, nearby Coligny Plaza offered endless dining options and a grocery store to stock up on essentials for days we preferred to cook and to eat at home.
This option was perfect for a family of our size, but there are lots of resorts, like Sea Pines Resort, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, and the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, that offer other amenities, like ocean views, cabana rentals, spas, tennis and pickleball courts, golf courses, on-site dining and bars, etc., and may be more suitable for you and your family. It all just depends on what you’re looking for!
When to Visit Hilton Head Island
The best time to visit Hilton Head Island is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is warm but not too hot, and there are fewer crowds.
Hilton Head Island Weather
Hilton Head Island has a mild, coastal climate with warm summers with temperatures in the mid-80s to 90s, pleasant weather in the spring and fall with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and cool winters with temperatures in the 50s and 60s.
Rain showers are common but usually pass quickly, so keep an eye on the forecast before heading out each day, and remember to bring your rain jacket and some waterproof shoes just in case!
We visited the first week of March, and the weather was chilly (highs in the 50s or low 60s each day and lows in the 40s at night), and we had a couple rainy days. But, we were still able to get in some beach days and spent most of our trip exploring outside.
Things to Do on Hilton Head Island with Kids
Whether you’re planning to splash around in the ocean, hop on a bike and explore nature, or indulge in some of Hilton Head’s most delicious restaurants, Hilton Head Island offers something for everyone, including your kids!
Spend a Day at the Beach
No family vacation to Hilton Head Island is complete without a beach day (or two)!
Hilton Head Island has 12 miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront and several public beaches, like Coligny Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park, and Fish Haul Beach Park.
Our VRBO was just steps away from Coligny Beach, one of the most popular and family-friendly beaches on Hilton Head Island, so we took advantage of this as much as possible!
Coligny Beach has soft, white sand and gentle waves, which are perfect for kids to play and swim in safely. It also offers free parking (which some of the other beach parks don’t offer), easy access, clean restrooms, benches, gazebos, and a place to rinse off.
Since the sand is so hard-packed on Hilton Head Island, biking on Coligny Beach is a popular activity. Grab a towel, beach volleyball, frisbee, Kan Jam, and some beach toys, and enjoy a fun and relaxing morning or afternoon here!
A Broad Recommendation: Our vacation rental provided bicycles, sand toys, beach chairs, beach towels, etc. If your vacation rental or hotel doesn’t provide these, don’t forget to pack your own. Or, you can always just rent or purchase some from nearby Coligny Plaza when you arrive.
Explore the Coastal Discovery Museum
Perfect for nature-loving families (like ours!), the Coastal Discovery Museum offers interactive exhibits, butterfly gardens, walking trails, and more, and is one of the best things to do on Hilton Head Island with kids.
Here, kids can learn about the island’s history and wildlife, with hands-on experiences like meeting live animals and exploring the butterfly gardens, depending on the season.
Founded in 1985, the Coastal Discovery Museum is set across 68-acres on the Historic Honey Horn grounds and is home to a unique Lowcountry ecosystem.
Start your visit at the Discovery House, where you can pick up a map of the property and get information about current exhibits, walks, talks, guided tours, etc.
Inside, you can check out the museum, which offers regularly rotating exhibits, ranging from Civil War history to Modern Art, as well as everything in between. Little ones can take advantage of the “Discovery Zone,” an area dedicated to children that’s full of local wildlife, books, displays, videos, and more.
Next, head to one of the trails behind the museum. Along your journey, you’ll see magnificent, centuries-old live oaks and ancient cedars, including South Carolina’s largest Southern Red Cedar tree (which dates back to 1595—wow!), lots of salt marshes, and some of Hilton Head Island’s oldest certified buildings. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Marsh Tacky horses grazing in the fields too!
- Hours:
- Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Sundays from 11:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Call for holiday hours
- Cost: Free & free parking
Learn & Explore at The Sandbox Children’s Museum
Designed for younger kiddos between the ages of 1-8 years old, The Sandbox Children’s Museum is an interactive play center with hands-on exhibits, a play kitchen, a flight simulator, a pirate ship, lots of arts and crafts, and more. And, it’s a must-do, family-friendly activity on Hilton Head Island if you have small kids.
The space is designed to allow children to play freely and to discover their surroundings in a safe and fun environment, and it’s a great indoor option for a rainy day!
- Hours:
- Monday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm & 1:30 – 4:30 pm
- Sundays from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
- Closed on the July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Easter, & New Year’s Day
- Cost:
- General Admission: $12
- Seniors 65+ & Active Military: $10
- Members & children under the age of 1: Free
A Broad Recommendation: We tried to visit on a rainy day during our trip, but it was too crowded. Be sure to make a reservation in advance if this is something you’re interested in.
Climb & Play at Lowcountry Celebration Park
Opened in 2020, Lowcountry Celebration Park is one of the newest parks on Hilton Head Island and has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. And, it should definitely be on your Hilton Head Island with kids itinerary!
Situated on a 10-acre site near the Coligny Beach parking lot, Lowcountry Celebration Park offers lots of recreational activities and amenities, like The Sandbox Children’s Museum (mentioned in the previous section!), the Adventure Playground, several trails, an amphitheater, a huge lawn, exercise stations, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and free parking.
In addition to The Sandbox Children’s Museum, one of the highlights of Lowcountry Celebration Park is the Adventure Playground, which is great for families with young children.
Named after the ship that Captain William Hilton was on when he discovered Hilton Head Island, the Adventure Playground features a giant pirate ship, where kids can climb and explore, a large playground with lots of slides and swings, and a wading pool during the summer months.
The playground area is enclosed, and the surfaces are soft, providing a safe environment for children to run around and play freely. The park also has lots of large trees with shaded seating areas for families to sit and relax, while keeping an eye on their little ones.
Beyond the playground area, Lowcountry Celebration Park also has well-maintained walking paths that are nice for a stroll, jog, or bike ride, open lawns that are perfect for picnics, sunbathing, or lawn games, and a couple outdoor fitness stations with equipment for strength training, cardio exercises, etc.
The park also hosts various cultural events and performances throughout the year, including the popular Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade. Be sure to check the park’s calendar to see what’s going on during your visit!
- Hours: The Adventure Playground is open Monday – Sunday from sunrise to sunset; restroom facilities close at 10:00 pm
- Cost: Free
Visit Harbour Town at Sea Pines Resort
Located within Sea Pines Resort, Harbour Town is one of the most popular things to do on Hilton Head Island and offers endless family fun!
Harbour Town is known for its iconic, red-and-white striped lighthouse, picturesque marina, waterfront dining, and scenic views, and offers lots of family-friendly activities.
Here are some things that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Harbour Town:
- The Harbour Town Lighthouse is Hilton Head’s most famous landmark. Climb the 114 steps to the top for incredible, panoramic views of the island, the marina, and the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the lighthouse, you’ll also find exhibits about the island’s history, maritime heritage, and the famous lighthouse itself, including some interactive exhibits for kids.
- Harbour Town Marina is Hilton Head Island’s most famous and most-visited marina and a hub for luxury yachts, sailboats, and fishing boats. Walk along the docks, enjoy the view, or even take a dolphin-watching, pirate-themed, or scenic sunset boat tour from here.
- Walk onto the Harbour Town Pier and enjoy the sights and sounds, as boats sail by and dolphins play out in the water. Plus, the entrance sign is the perfect spot for a family photo!
- The Gregg Russell Playground is a spacious, shaded playground with swings, slides, seesaws, a treehouse, and more. It’s an awesome place for little ones to run around, climb, and play, and in the evenings, there’s live music and sing-alongs with Hilton Head legend Gregg Russel.
- Do some shopping at Harbour Town’s locally-owned boutiques, galleries, and gift shops.
- Walk or bike along one of Sea Pines’ scenic trails or, better yet, along the beach, but be sure to quickly remove any salt water from the bikes to avoid rust/damage.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants on Hilton Head, like The Crazy Crab, Harbour Town Grill, or The Quarterdeck, while overlooking the marina.
With so much to do in Harbour Town and at Sea Pines Resort, you could spend an entire day here (or more)!
- Hours: Hours vary by activity, so check online before your visit
- Cost: $9 per car to enter Sea Pines Resort; costs vary by activity, so check online before your visit
Walk Around Audubon Newhall Preserve
For a peaceful family hike, visit Audubon Newhall Preserve, another fun thing to do on Hilton Head Island with kids.
This serene spot offers a series of short, easy, interconnected walking trails through a 50-acre nature preserve that total to about a mile.
Audubon Newhall Preserve is home to some beautiful wildlife, including more than 140 recorded bird species; a wide variety of trees and plants, ranging from Florida scrub to pine flatwoods and native hardwoods; a freshwater pond; and a rare pocosin, a unique type of wetland that’s similar to a bog.
A visit here can be as short or long as you’d like, so it’s definitely worth adding to your Hilton Head Island with kids itinerary. Plus, there are excellent photo opportunities throughout the Preserve, and you might even run into an alligator sunbathing by the pond!
- Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
- Cost: Free, but donations are encouraged
A Broad Recommendation: Free guided tours of Audubon Newhall Preserve are held every Tuesday morning at 8:30 am and are led by a Master Birder or Naturalist. Reservations aren’t required, and water, binoculars, and insect repellant are recommended.
Have Fun at Jarvis Creek Park
Jarvis Creek Park is another well-maintained, clean, family-friendly park and another great place to visit with kids on Hilton Head Island.
The 53-acre area includes a large lake, fishing pier, open fields, three pavilions with picnic tables, two playgrounds, a one-mile walking trail, another trail with workout stations, i.e. the PRO Wellness Jarvis Creek Fitness Trail, and restroom facilities.
Here, kids (and adults) can fish off the dock, run around and play on one or more of the park’s playgrounds, or take a stroll around the lake.
Unfortunately, our time here was short-lived due to the rain. During our visit, we spotted another alligator, a hawk, some other birds, and squirrels and were able to admire the huge live oak tree that the entire park was designed around—how neat!
- Hours: Daily from 6:00 am – 9:00 pm & from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm when Daylights Savings Time Ends
- Cost: Free
Spot Some Wildlife at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Situated just outside of Hilton Head Island, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a family-friendly nature reserve that spans four islands and more than 4,000 acres. And, it’s another great spot to add to your Hilton Head Island with kids itinerary!
The refuge aims to preserve and protect endangered natural habitats and species in the area and is home to an abundance of wildlife, like white-tailed deer, American alligators, nine-banded armadillos, bobcats, and more than 250 species of birds, like ibises, egrets, and herons. It also attracts thousands of migratory birds each year.
This means that Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a prime spot for birdwatching, so be sure to bring along your camera and binoculars again for the best experience.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge also has more than 14 miles of hiking and biking trails and is stroller-friendly, offering lots of opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and to spot some animals in their natural habitat. We were lucky enough to see lots of birds and this baby armadillo during our walk!
Note that fishing in the refuge ponds is not permitted, though you can fish in the waters surrounding the refuge.
- Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset
- Cost: Free
A Broad Recommendation: Be sure to bring water and to use the restroom before heading to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, as there are no facilities on site.
Swim in the Pool
Photo sourced from: “Pool Area.” 1 Kingfisher- 5th Row Ocean (30 yards to the beach), Private Pool & Hot Tub, https://www.vrbo.com/624527?pwaThumbnailDialog=thumbnail-gallery.
Many vacation rentals and hotels on Hilton Head Island have pools, and this is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon as a family or some alone time while the little ones nap!
Our VRBO had a nice pool, lounge area, outdoor dining area, and hot tub, so we spent a lot of time out here enjoying the crisp, late-winter weather.
Bike Around the Island
With more than 60 miles of bike trails, renting bikes is one of the most popular things to do on Hilton Head Island. In fact, Hilton Head Island is one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the U.S.!
Many of the paths are scenic and run through shaded forests or along the coastline, and going for a ride is an easy and fun way to see the island.
Our VRBO provided four bikes and was well-located near Coligny Plaza, so we took advantage of the bike trails several times during our visit. We biked to get groceries, coffee, etc. and to just enjoy being out in nature at times.
Where to Eat on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head has lots of family-friendly restaurants with fresh seafood, Southern cuisine, and kid-friendly menus. Though we tried to check out as many of the best restaurants in Hilton Head as we could during our one week here, we still only scratched the surface.
Here are all of the places we tried during our time on Hilton Head Island.
Coffee & Sweets
Sweet Al’s
If you’re looking for some caffeine to start your day or for a little pick-me-up in the afternoon, head over to Sweet Al’s HHI. This charming, husband and wife-owned coffee shop and bakery is located in Coligny Plaza and offers coffee, tea, and espresso drinks, fresh-made pastries, baguettes, and breakfast sandwiches, and more.
We rode our bikes here one afternoon, grabbed some coffees, sat outside on their outdoor patio, and relaxed for a little bit before biking back. And, everything we tried was yummy!
- Hours: Daily from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Cost: $ (according to Google reviews)
The Frozen Moo
Located at award-winning Coligny Plaza, the Frozen Moo is a family-owned dessert parlor with more than 90 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet—the largest selection of flavors on the island.
Frozen Moo’s ice cream is custom-made in Florida, using all-natural processes to ensure the best quality, making this spot a must-visit for sweets lovers!
- Hours: Daily from 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $ (according to Google reviews)
Lunch
The Crazy Crab
Situated in the heart of Harbour Town in Sea Pines, The Crazy Crab Harbour Town is a yummy seafood restaurant with waterfront views and a kid-friendly menu.
The menu is derived from Lowcountry recipes, and their Alaskan Snow Crab Legs are the best on Hilton Head Island. Apparently, they’ve won local awards multiple times—wow!
A local favorite since 1986, The Crazy Crab also offers a cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating, which was perfect for us, since it was my niece’s very first time eating at a restaurant!
We had lunch here after strolling around Harbour Town all morning, and each of us enjoyed our meals, especially those of us who tried seafood dishes.
- Hours: Daily from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $$ (according to Google reviews)
Dinner
The Frosty Frog
Frosty Frog Cafe is a casual dining spot with a lively vibe that serves a wide variety of appetizers, pizza, salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more. It’s also known for its frozen drinks (for both kids and adults!).
Conveniently located in Coligny Plaza, it’s a great place to eat after a long day on the beach or exploring around Hilton Head Island.
My brother, Tim, and I tried the grouper, tuna, and shrimp tacos between the three of us, and they were all delicious. Everyone else enjoyed their meals too, but we can’t speak to the in-person dining experience, as we ordered takeout this time (and forgot to take any photos of our meals—whoops!).
- Hours:
- March – October: Daily from 11:00 am – 9:30 pm for food & drinks until midnight
- November – February: Call ahead for hours
- Cost: $$ (according to Google reviews)
The Sandbar
Also located in Coligny Plaza, The Sandbar is a laid-back restaurant that serves Southern and Caribbean comfort food and offers indoor and outdoor seating options with live music.
The service was good, but the food and drinks were nothing to write home about in my opinion. A visit here is more about the atmosphere than high-scale dining.
- Hours: Daily from 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Cost: $$ (according to Google reviews)
Nakama Sushi Bar & Grill
Nakama Sushi Bar & Grill is a casual Japanese restaurant that offers all-you-can-eat sushi, hibachi, and more. It’s conveniently located near Coligny Beach and offers a comfortable atmosphere and excellent (and fast!) service.
We ordered take out from here one night, and everything we had was delicious. If we had more time on Hilton Head Island, we definitely would’ve eaten here again.
- Hours: Daily from 11:30 am – 9:30 pm; closed Tuesdays
- Cost: $$ (according to Google reviews)
Fishcamp on Broad Creek
Situated in the restored original Simmons Fishing Camp building, Fishcamp on Broad Creek is a gorgeous, waterfront restaurant with lots of seafood dishes, salads, steaks, and more. And, it’s one of Hilton Head Island’s best family dining spots.
The restaurant has a fun, family-friendly vibe and great service, and offers incredible views of Broad Creek from its pet-friendly patio, as well as a fire pit, lawn games like bocce and corn hole, and live music. And, most importantly, all of the food was absolutely delicious.
We ate here on the last night of our trip and really enjoyed the experience. I can’t recommend Fishcamp on Broad Creek enough!
- Hours: Daily from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Cost: $$ (according to Google reviews)
Drinks
Side Hustle Brewing Company
Side Hustle Brewing Company at The Bank is a family-friendly brewery that blends traditional brewing techniques with bold and daring flavors.
The Bank is a 72,000 square-foot brewery, beer garden, and restaurant complex that offers indoor and outdoor seating, outdoor activities, including a family zone, and live entertainment, and it’s a great place to hang out, relax, and have a couple of drinks with friends or family.
There are also several dining options on-site in case you get hungry and want a snack! We tried a giant pretzel and some chips and guacamole, and both were pretty yummy.
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm & Friday – Saturday from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Cost: $$ (according to Google reviews)
Grocery Shopping on Hilton Head Island
If you choose to stay in a vacation rental like we did, the Piggly Wiggly at Coligny Plaza is a great place to stock up on groceries, snacks, and beach essentials. We stopped here several times during our trip and were able to find everything that we needed.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! Hilton Head Island is the perfect destination for a family getaway, and there’s plenty to do here with kids. Pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to make some memories that you’ll cherish for years to come!
Have any questions about planning your trip to Hilton Head Island with kids? Leave me a comment below, and I’ll get back to you.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
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