One of my biggest pet peeves about blogs that give advice on things to do with kids on beach vacations is when one of those things is to take them to the beach. Of course going to the beach is an option, that’s why you went in the first place. Everyday in Hilton Head, we took the kids to the beach, rode waves, built sandcastles, etc; I highly suggest it. That said, below is a list of great things to do in the Hilton Head area other than go to the beach.
10. Miniature Golf
- There are multiple great courses in the area. We spent our time at Adventure Cove Mini Golf & Arcade, which has two great courses, and, as advertised, an arcade. Our whole family went, and we actually played both courses.
9. Tennis
- The island offers multiple public courts, none of which require previous reservations.
- This is a really cool museum. It offers multiple programs for kids of various ages, and also has several boardwalks out into the marshes, offering a look into one of the island’s unique ecosystems.
7. Bike
- This might seem obvious, but we rented bikes on day one, and used them every day. You can ride to multiple nearby shopping and restaurant areas, and biking on the beach is a great evening activity.
6. Horseback Ride
- Lawton Stables offers guided horseback tours on the beach that are great for the outdoorsy kids.
5. Zip Line
- Zipline Hilton Head is perfect for the more adventurous kids, and is a great way to get a break from the beach.
4. Kayak Tours
- There are multiple guide services in the area that will take you through the intercoastal waters, which is a really great way to spend an afternoon. That said, it is pretty physically demanding, so be prepared.
3. Boat Tours
- Similar to the kayak tours, there are several providers who do guided boat tours, mostly in the intercoastal waters. We used Hilton Head Dolphin Tours, as they had availability at a time that worked for us, but there are a lot options.
2. Salty Dog Cafe
- This is a really cool area to go shopping. There are several souvenir shops, places to get custom t-shirts, places to get ice cream. The Salty Dog is one of the most iconic brands on Hilton Head.
1. Harbour Town
- It costs a few dollars just to get in, but the area is very cool. There is a lighthouse that you can climb, and multiple shops and restaurants. It is definitely a tourist trap, but if you are a tourist, it is worth the price of admission.