A Family's Guide to Summer on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is home to 12 miles of pristine white sand beaches, making a day at the beach an absolute must when visiting. Kids, and kids at heart, will love playing in the sand, searching for treasures, and splashing in the warm Atlantic waters. There are plenty of locations on the island to rent beach equipment such as chairs, umbrellas, and sand toys, or shop for any beach essentials you may have left at home, like extra sunscreen or towels.

One of the best ways to discover Hilton Head Island is by bicycle! You’ll love pedaling along shady trails and zipping from your favorite restaurant to the tennis court with ease. And, with 70+ miles of leisure pathways, almost 30 bike rental shops, and nearly 15,000 bicycles available to rent, it’ll be a breeze to get the whole family on the most comfortable set of wheels.

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t once dreamed of owning or riding a horse. Try in on for size at Lawton Stables, who offer trail rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve for people aged eight to 80. For younger children, Shetland pony rides and a petting farm make for a perfect afternoon out!

Add a little eco-adventure to your vacation with Island Skiff Adventure Tours, where you can take a spin around Bull Island, spotting marine birds and wildlife, like jumping stingrays, sea turtles, bald eagles, and dolphins. Or, rent a SUP from Hilton Head Outfitters and take the adventure into your own hands as you explore our gorgeous waterways. 

When rain does come to Hilton Head Island, it’s usually not for long. Wait 15 minutes, and it’s almost a certainty it’ll pass. On the rare occasions it does stick around there are many fun indoor activities to choose from.

Kids will love visiting The Sandbox. With 2,500 square feet of hands-on exhibits and interactive activities, this fun and colorful children’s museum is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon.

You can get crafty at The Art Café, where everyone in the family can paint a piece of pottery with a custom design, or sign up for a family art class at Hilton Head Pottery and sculpt your own souvenir.

Looking for a challenge? Immerse yourself at HHI Escape — a family-friendly entertainment option with fun puzzle-solving adventure rooms. Then, move on to Adventure Cove for some mini-putt or arcade games.

Vacations are the best when you feel comfortable and welcomed, which is why we are so proud of our hotels, resorts, and villa offerings that make your family the priority. Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is an AAA-approved, Four Diamond family-friendly hotel that offers the unique Just Us Kids Club and ‘Dive-In’ movies on Saturday nights, where families can watch flicks poolside. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort might be best known for its understated elegance and top-tier service, but its family pools, splash zone, and playground make it a top choice for groups traveling with children. Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa offers three swimming pools, beach access, golf, and tennis. Younger guests will love spending time at the Westin Family Kids Club, where they can participate in hands-on activities, projects, beach Olympics, five senses scouting, and relaxing yoga.

There’s always something fun happening on America’s Favorite Island®, especially in the summer! Our event calendar is jam-packed with fun things for the whole family to do. Try The Palmetto Dunes 5K Turtle Trot, which gives everyone the chance to be active and achieve their goals, even while on vacation. Or, cozy up for a Outdoor Movie Night, which is back in Shelter Cove playing new and classic family favorites under a blanket of stars. 

What are you waiting for? Check out our best special offers for family fun, or request your copy of the Hilton Head Island vacation planner and start planning your summer getaway in a family’s paradise.