One of the best ways to get out and have a vacation without blowing your budget through the roof is to make your holiday destination a little closer to home. Local vacations are becoming more popular with families who need a fun time away from home, and Hilton Head is one of the best places you can go for an all-around, fun, family-friendly vacation.
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Here are some of the best things to do in Hilton Head with kids, including the best kid-friendly dining options and local Hilton Head attractions.
Is Hilton Head a Good Place to Go with Kids?
Hilton Head can be one of the best places to go with kids or teenagers.
If you know about some of the best places to visit, you can turn a getaway to Hilton Head into a favorite vacation for everyone in the family.
Hilton Head is a unique historical place in the country’s history, and that’s why you can find many great museums and parks throughout the city.
If you’re here for the dining experience, there’s no shortage of great restaurants for you and the kids. Most restaurants have a family-friendly menu with dining options that even fussy-eating kids will love.
The crime rate in Hilton Head is low, even when compared to the national average. Almost regardless of where in Hilton Head you go, you and the family are guaranteed safe — even in high-traffic areas frequented by tourists.
Things to Do in Hilton Head This Weekend with Kids
Sea Pines Forest Preserve
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The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is one of the most well-known natural attractions in all of Hilton Head, and it’s a must-see for anyone in the family who can be called a nature lover. Nature walks exist for older kids and adults, and there are plenty of attractions and restaurants inside the Forest to keep everyone occupied.
Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruises
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If you want to give the kids an experience they’ll never forget, one of the best experiences you can give them is an outing to the water with Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruises. The cruise is great for kids of all ages, and you will see dolphins having fun in their natural habitat — sometimes, they even pop up to say hi.
The Hilton Head Treasure Hunt
While in Hilton Head, the Treasure Hunt is one of the most unique attractions you could hope to see. Out on the beach with a pirate theme and fully interactive for busy children, the Treasure Hunt is designed to be just as much fun for adults.
Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum is all about the natural world, and you can see some of the best exhibits that will tell you more about how this great area of the United States was formed. Most days have guided tours, or you can make your way through the museum at your own pace if you and the kids want a quiet day out.
Unusual Things to Do in Hilton Head with Kids
Daufuskie Island
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Daufuskie Island is one of the attractions located around Hilton Head, where some of the incredible beauty of nature can be seen. This is one of the sights you’ll want to remember to take pictures of.
The Stoney Baynard Plantation Ruins
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If you want to walk through American history, you must visit the Stoney Baynard Plantation Ruins. A lot of notable history happened in this spot, and many visitors to Hilton Head mention this as one of their most memorable stops on the trip.
Adventure Cove (Mini Golf)
Visit Adventure Cove if you and the kids want to make your way through a friendly game of mini golf. Even though the rest of the area is known for larger golf courses, you don’t have to be Tiger Woods to have some fun.
Fort Howell
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Fort Howell is one of the greatest notable historic attractions in town, remembering the defense of Mitchelville during the Civil War.
Free Things to Do in Hilton Head with Kids
Coligny Beach Park
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If you don’t have a massive budget to spend on your day out, there’s no need to worry (and there’s just as much to do in Hilton Head if you happen to have a reduced budget). The entrance to Coligny Beach Park is free, and you can have a whole day out for nothing.
Barnes & Noble on Hilton Head Island
Even though bookstores aren’t a traditional holiday stop, the Barnes & Noble on Hilton Head Island is one of the best places for activities and reading. Sometimes, you can even catch an author in the flesh if you’re there on the right day.
Hilton Head Island Bike Trails
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If you and the kids are more active and have access to a bike, biking trails are one of the most exciting things you can do together. While the entrance is free, you might have to spend money on bike rental if you don’t show up with your own wheels.
The Lighthouse
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If you’re going through Hilton Head, you’ll almost certainly hear a thing or two about the Lighthouse from the locals. One of the famous attractions in the city, the Lighthouse, offers a great view with restaurants surrounding it.
Fun Things to Do in Hilton Head with Kids
Coco’s on the Beach
If you want a great experience on the beach with the kids at a restaurant and bar that has something for everyone, Coco’s on the Beach is one of the first places that comes recommended by the locals. Their kids’ menu section should have everyone in the family happy.
Visit the Beach
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While you’re in Hilton Head, you have to make a stop at the beach. It has a great view, and the beach in Hilton Head is surrounded by some of the best restaurants anywhere in town — and as one of the best things about it, entrance to the beach is completely free.
Coastal Discovery Museum
The Coastal Discovery Museum is all about the coast and how it came to be, and a guided tour is enough to tell you and the children a lot more about the area you’re in. Entrance is affordable, though you might want to set a budget before you let the kids loose in the gift store.
Where Should I Eat with Kids in Hilton Head?
Salty Dog Café
The Salty Dog is one of the top-rated restaurants in Hilton Head, and their menu isn’t just ocean-themed but has something great for everyone in the family. Special dietary needs like vegetarians are fully covered, and kids can choose from their great selection of kid-friendly menu items or fun, great milkshakes.
One Hot Mama’s
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If you would like a great restaurant that can brag about an atmosphere as nice as the food, stop at One Hot Mama’s. Here you’ll find traditional cuisine that fits everyone in the family, with a special menu that caters to kids.
Skull Creek Boathouse
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While the name is super creepy, the Skull Creek Boathouse is a great attraction for anyone who would like a fun day out at the beach — and the food isn’t all shaped like skulls, in case you wondered, but think comfort food for the whole family.
What is There to Do in Hilton Head at Night with Kids?
Duck Donuts
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One of the best attractions you can find in Hilton Head for kids nearing the end of the day is a great restaurant. Duck Donuts is one of the most famous attractions in the entire town, known for being the only place around that allows people to mix and match their donut topping combination.
Hotel Entertainment
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If you’re stuck for something to do and the night has already settled in Hilton Head, don’t forget that many hotels and suites around the beachfront have extra activity programs that cater to kids and young adults. If you aren’t sure what to do for the rest of the day, phone the front desk and ask what the hotel offers.
Things to Do in Hilton Head in December with Kids
Shelter Cove Harbor
Shelter Cove Harbor is one of the must-see attractions in Hilton Head, and it gets especially dressed up for the December period when there’s a holiday theme at most retail locations in town.
Sandbox Children’s Museum
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The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a quirky collection of all that kids find interesting, including more information about natural history and local art.
