If you’re visiting Hilton Head Island in South Carolina with your kids or dogs, then adventure awaits!
This island is packed full of activities and things to do. With over 12 miles of beautiful white sand beaches, lively towns and incredible wildlife – you’ve almost got too much choice!
Here are some of the best things to do in Hilton Head Island with kids:
1. Take a Dolphin Boat Tour
Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Hilton Head Island is home to plenty of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. These mammals are great fun and love swimming right up to boats! They enjoy interacting with dolphin boat tour groups.
Imagine the look on your face when your kids are staring into the eyes of a beautiful smiling dolphin! Bring your dog too!
2. Enjoy The Super Fun HarbourFest
Shelter Cove’s HarbourFest is one of the best things to do in Hilton Head Island with kids.
From June to September every year, the island town comes alive to entertain families from near and far – with live music, live entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, food stalls and so much more.
It’s guaranteed to make your kids have a fun day out! Oh and… the fireworks!
3. See Fireworks!
Throughout the summer, HarbourFest has fireworks every Tuesday night. These exciting nights of celebration are perfect for families with kids of all ages.
Be warned though, Hilton Head Island is notorious for becoming chaotic on firework nights, with parking and traffic a nightmare.
The best way to see Hilton Head Island’s fireworks is to take a Hilton Head firework boat trip. There, you can sit back and relax with the best seat in the house!
You’ll also see stunning views of the harbor and wildlife. All ages love it, that’s why it’s one of the best things to do in Hilton Head Island with kids.
4. Visit The Elusive Disappearing Island
Disappearing Island is a famous sand bar out in the water hidden by the tide all day, except for 1.5 hours.
On those elusive sands, you and your kids can collect sand dollars and other shells that aren’t seen elsewhere in Hilton Head!
With stunning views and wildlife, the only way to reach the beach is on a Disappearing Island boat tour.
Why not bring your dog too? They’ll love it!
5. Go Crabbing!
Crabbing is one of the most popular things to do in Hilton Head Island with kids. The salt marshes are home to tonnes of crabs!
Your kids will learn all about the ecosystems that support marine life while having a crazy time pulling up a crab from the water.
There are plenty of hotspots for crabbing, mostly found in the calm inland waters on a Hilton Head crabbing boat tour.
6. See Harbour Town Lighthouse
Located within the vacation community of Sea Pines, Harbour Town lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on Hilton Head.
Built in the early 1800s, this red and white striped structure is at the heart of Harbour Town. From here, you can grab a bite to eat, take a boat tour or look at the boats.
7. Take a Trip to Savannah
Our Historic Savannah Cruises give you the chance to take the kids to the historic ports of Savannah without having to book accommodation there. Instead, we’ll take you there and back in one day!
You’ll see dolphins and sea birds on route before disembarking at the old riverstreet of Savannah. There you can explore important historic locations, shops, see giant container ships and more.
8. Build Sandcastles
The pristine, creamy white beaches of Hilton Head are perfect places for sunbathing and… Sandcastles!
Why not have a sandcastle competition with the family? Whoever builds the best gets to pick the next thing to do in Hilton Head Island!
9. Eat Fresh Seafood with a Coastal View
Hilton Head Island is home to plenty of super yummy restaurants, all with great views of the ports, Low Country waters or the Atlantic Ocean. You can enjoy fresh seafood (mmmm) while relaxing in style.
10. Watch the Beautiful Sunset
Finally, do not underestimate the beauty of a Southern sunset. As the sun fades over the horizon into the Atlantic, you’ll see shimmering, vibrant colors. Think gorgeous purples and glowing oranges.
Don’t worry, the kids won’t get bored – take a Sunset cruise boat tour and you’ll see dolphins, sea birds, harbor lights, stingrays and so much more. Let’s go!
Boat Tours in Hilton Head with Kids
If you’re interested in a Hilton Head boat tour, rest assured we cater to all ages. With safety a priority, we have all the gear from life jackets to crabbing equipment. So sit back and relax as we make memories that will live with the kids for a lifetime!
If you’re interested, CALL or TEXT: (843) 321-8075
