Pristine beaches, nature activities, and even nighttime sing-a-longs made this beach town one of Parents’ top picks.
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1. Hit The Beach
You can’t really go wrong with any of Hilton Head’s 12-plus miles of white-sand beaches. “Driessen Beach and Islanders Beach parks are particularly good choices for families because they also have playgrounds and picnic shelters,” says Steve Riley, town manager.
Courtesy Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
2. Connect with Nature
You’ll probably spot tiny ocean critters, sea-turtle nests, or even dolphins at any of the beaches. Be sure to check out Driessen Beach’s wooden boardwalk because it actually takes you over a tidal marsh and sand dunes, so it’s home to the most creatures.
Courtesy Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
3. Climb the Lighthouse
Don’t miss the candy-striped lighthouse (it’s a manageable 114 steps to the top) in the Harbour Town area.
Courtesy The Sandbox
4. Play Make-Believe
Check out The Sandbox, a children’s museum with a pretend plane, bank, and supermarket café; it appeals most to kids 6 and under ($6 admission for kids and adults, free for babies under 1).
Courtesy Coastal Discovery Museum
5. See the Butterflies
School-age kids will have a blast at the Coastal Discovery Museum, which offers scavenger hunts, costumes, and a butterfly exhibit (free admission; hour-long guided tours, $10 for adults, $5 for children).
Courtesy Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
6. Kayak with the Kids
Oceanfront businesses and many resorts offer kayak rental. Dolphin sightings are common.
Courtesy Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
7. Have Supper & Sing
For dinner, try The Harbour Town Grill (its kids’ menu features everything from pizza to grilled salmon) and stay in that end of the island afterwards for Gregg Russell’s evening sing-alongs. “He plays guitar, teaches the crowd silly songs, and then the kids can volunteer to belt out their favorite tune,” says Allison Burns, of Atlanta, who has vacationed in Hilton Head with her husband and 6-year-old daughter for the last four years. “It’s a sweet way to end the night.”
Courtesy Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
8. Spend The Night
Many resorts have recently been renovated. You’ll get the most space for the money at Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, located in Palmetto Dunes, a quiet coastal area that doesn’t have a public-beach access point, so there’s plenty of space for hotel guests. At more than 530 square feet, Omni’s deluxe rooms are about one third larger than others on the island, and include a kitchen area with a mini fridge, a microwave, cabinets to store snacks, and a dining table. A new family pool starts at just a few inches deep, and The Ocean Tides spa features unique treatments, such as bamboo massage. (Rooms with two queen beds start at $169 per night; omnihotels.com.)
Courtesy Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
9. Do Disney
If you’re torn between staying at a resort or a renting a house, consider a villa at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, also in Palmetto Dunes. Each villa has a full kitchen, separate sleeping area for the kids, and many activities ranging from Goofy bingo to wildlife tours that are led by a naturalist. (Villas start at $261 per night; disneybeachresort.com.)
Courtesy The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
10. Enjoy Old-Fashioned Family Fun
To be close to Islanders Beach Park, stay at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Its jam-packed schedule of family events includes nature walks, potato-sack races, and poolside movies. (Rooms with two queen beds in the Sunsational Savings package start at $275 per night. The fourth night is free; westinhiltonheadisland.com.)
Copyright © 2013 Meredith Corporation.
This piece was accurate at publication time, but all prices, offerings and availabilities are subject to change. Please contact each hotel and attraction for up-to-date rates and information before taking your trip.
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