Planning a summer family vacation to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and looking for ways to keep your kids entertained outside of the beach? Look no further. Hilton Head Island is a paradise for family-friendly fun, offering a wide array of activities that cater to kids of all ages. From exploring the great outdoors to engaging in hands-on educational experiences, this beautiful island has something for everyone. We have selected our top 10 kid activities in Hilton Head Island, ensuring your family getaway is filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories.
1. Shelter Cove Harbourfest
Shelter Cove HarbourFest is Hilton Head Island's premier summer celebration, bringing together family fun, entertainment, and spectacular fireworks in a vibrant waterfront setting. Held annually at the picturesque Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, this festival runs Monday through Fridays from mid-June to mid-August and features a variety of exciting activities for all ages. Attendees can enjoy live music from Shannon Tanner (a family entertainer for more than 3 decades), arts and crafts, face painting, Cappy the Clown and Tuesday night fireworks. Tuesday night HarbourFest features fireworks, Shannon Tanner’s family show at 6:30 p.m. & 8 p.m., Cappy the Clown 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. as well as bounce houses and train rides around the marina (for an additional cost).
View HarbourFest schedule and Learn More
2. Tuesday Night Fireworks at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
The highlight of HarbourFest is the dazzling firework displays that light up the night sky every Tuesday, creating magical summer memories. Fireworks begin Tuesday, June 4, 2024 and occur every Tuesday evening (when the sky is dark) through August 20, 2024 plus a special show on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. Please note that there is no fireworks show on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
To view the full summer schedule of entertainment and fireworks at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, please visit ShelterCoveHarbourFest.com.
3. Junior Tennis Programs at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center
Palmetto Dunes offers exceptional junior tennis programs designed to develop young players' skills in a fun and supportive environment. Whether your child is a beginner or an advanced player, these programs provide comprehensive instruction from experienced professionals at one of the top-ranked tennis centers in the world. The junior programs include daily clinics for all skill levels that focus on improving technique, strategy, and overall game performance. Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center is the perfect place for kids to learn, grow, and enjoy the game of tennis on Hilton Head Island, SC.
View Junior Tennis Program schedule here
Reserve your Junior Tennis Lesson here
4. Family Pickleball Lessons at Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center
Experience the thrill of family pickleball lessons at the Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center, where fun and fitness come together in an engaging environment. Designed to accommodate all skill levels, these family-friendly lessons are perfect for both beginners and experienced players looking to refine their game. Under the guidance of professional instructors, families can learn the fundamentals of pickleball, develop new techniques, and enjoy friendly competition on state-of-the-art courts. Whether you're looking to get active together or just try something new, family pickleball lessons at Palmetto Dunes offer a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
5. Captain Kidd Sport Crabbing Adventure at Shelter Cove Harbour
Embark on a unique and exciting aquatic adventure with Captain Kidd Sport Crabbing at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Perfect for families and children, this hands-on experience offers the thrill of crabbing in the beautiful waters of Hilton Head Island, SC. Participants learn the techniques of crabbing and will then have the option of catching their own. With all equipment provided and no experience necessary, Captain Kidd Sport Crabbing is an ideal activity for families looking to enjoy a fun and educational day on the water. Whether you're hoping to catch your first crab or just looking to enjoy the scenic views, this tour promises a memorable and delightful adventure for all ages.
6. Ice Cream Trip & Souvenirs at the General Store
Experience the simple joys of an ice cream and shopping trip at the Palmetto Dunes General Store, a beloved gem located in the heart of Hilton Head Island’s Palmetto Dunes Resort. This charming store is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a delightful array of goods and treats and everything you need for that memorable Hilton Head Island vacation. Begin your visit by indulging in a delicious classic soft serve ice cream cone or one of three refreshing Icee flavors. Enjoy your sweet treat as you explore the store’s wide selection of souvenirs, beach essentials, groceries, and unique gifts. From coastal-themed apparel to handy vacation supplies, the Palmetto Dunes General Store has something for everyone.
Learn more and view menus here
7. Kids Bike Rentals at Hilton Head Outfitters
Explore Hilton Head Island on two wheels with kids' bike rentals from Hilton Head Outfitters, the go-to destination for family-friendly adventures. Conveniently located within the Palmetto Dunes Resort, Hilton Head Outfitters specializes in a wide variety of bike rentals and bicycling gear for your outdoor adventures. With miles of scenic paved bike paths winding through the island's lush landscapes and along its beautiful beaches, kids can enjoy an exciting and active way to see Hilton Head. Renting bikes from Hilton Head Outfitters is easy with online booking and free delivery and pick-up for 3+ day rentals.
Learn more and reserve your bikes online
8. Coastal Discovery Museum
Photo credit: Coastal Discovery Museum
Take your kids on an educational and fun-filled adventure to the Coastal Discovery Museum, a must-visit destination on Hilton Head Island that offers a unique blend of nature, history, and culture. Located on 68 picturesque acres, the museum provides interactive exhibits and engaging programs designed to captivate young minds. Children can explore the Honey Horn property, discovering its diverse habitats through guided nature walks, butterfly enclosures, and live animal presentations. The museum's hands-on exhibits allow kids to get up close and personal with the local marine life and learn about the island's rich history and ecology. Special family-friendly events and workshops ensure there is always something new and exciting to experience.
9. The Sandbox Children's Musuem
Photo credit: CH2 Magazine
Discover endless fun and learning at The Sandbox Children’s Museum, a vibrant and interactive play space located on Hilton Head Island designed to ignite curiosity and creativity in children of all ages. Kids can embark on imaginative adventures in areas like the Island Tire Garage, where they can design and build racecars, or the Flight Deck, which lets them explore the wonders of aviation. The museum also features a grocery corner, a construction zone, and an arts and crafts area, providing numerous opportunities for pretend play and artistic expression. This delightful children’s museum is the perfect place for families to learn, play, and grow together, making it a must-visit destination for those on Hilton Head Island. This is also the perfect spot to cool off for a bit or make the most of a rainy day.
10. Hilton Head Island Putt-Putt Courses
Photo credit: Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf
Enjoy a family-friendly day of fun and excitement at the Putt-Putt courses on Hilton Head Island. These courses are designed to provide an entertaining and challenging experience, featuring creative obstacles, water features, and lush landscaping that capture the island’s scenic charm. Popular spots like Pirate's Island Adventure Golf transport players into a pirate adventure with pirate-themed holes and arcades, while Legendary Golf offers two meticulously maintained courses that blend skillful play with stunning natural beauty. With their inviting atmospheres and captivating designs, these mini-golf courses are the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening.
As you plan your summer getaway to Hilton Head Island, make sure to include these top kid-friendly activities to create lasting memories and an unforgettable vacation filled with adventure, learning, and fun!
