RIDE THE SURF, EXPLORE THE TURF
Do you like to body surf, play volleyball or collect sea creatures? You’re in the right place because Hilton Head has at least 12 miles of oceanfront beach. The sand is firm for playing or packing and the waves can send you for a decent ride, via body or board, on windy days. With every breaker, comes a huge assortment of souvenirs from the sea. Shell collecting is exciting from the Beach Club, Tower and South Beaches of Sea Pines to the North Island Coast, including Singleton, Burke’s and Dreissen Beaches. Be sure to bring along that exploring gear, like magnifying glasses and nets, so you can get a closer look at the awesome marine life, aboard all kinds of dolphin-watch expeditions. There are yacht-size dolphin voyages or get more up-close and personal, on the Kodiak style adventures, where you can practically touch Flipper and friends!

In case you’re planning on tasting some of that marimenagerie, grab your fishing rod or climb on board one of the island’s many fishing cruises and let the experts reel-in the catch. Talk about variety.. in the salty waters surrounding Hilton Head, you’ll find all kinds of fish, from grouper, snapper and mackerel to cobia, swordfish and shark. Some of the island’s boating outfitters actually let kids do the trawling with their commercial nets. Their catch can be pretty impressive…shrimp and crabs and other seafood favorites are the “net gain”.

Maybe you’re more of a thrill-seeker and the only hooks you want to deal with are those that keep your wind-surfer sails in place…you’re in luck, because there are a number of water sports outfitters on Hilton Head who can equip you with everything from sailing and windsurfing equipment to skidoos, hang gliders and scuba gear. Don’t miss out on the kayaking craze, either. There are several companies that not only supply vessel and paddles. They offer regular guided tours to some of the area’s most incredible wildlife habitats. No excuses to bored around here!!

PEDAL, PUTT, PLAY…
If you’re feeling the pain of your sunburn or just need a break from the beach scene, there is a whole other side of the island that is higher, dryer, and you can go by tire, that is! Hilton Head is famous for its neat network of bike paths, so why not try them out, all 40 miles of them (that’s just an estimate)? Sea Pines, Shipyard, and Palmetto Dunes Plantations have connected bike routes. You’ll find similar trails along Pope Avenue, North and South Forest Beach Drives and even along Highway 278, bike trails stretch from Sea Pines Circle to as far north as Hilton Head Plantation.

You say you didn’t bring along your bike…hel-looh! You wouldn’t believe how many bike rental shops are standing by with the perfect size and style of bike for you and your buddies…trail bikes, tandems, even tiny tikes for your little brother or sis. You can rent them on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. It sure beats dealing with the traffic.  You can easily pedal on over to the nearest miniature golf course, since these courses are located in just about every neighborhood on the island. Golfing is a big deal on Hilton Head – everyone knows that – but not everyone can play the professional courses, especially if you’re just ten years old, or so. The local putt-putt courses have different themes and the holes can be pretty challenging. Nighttime rounds are a lot of fun. Special lights and music add to the atmosphere and some of the courses are part of complexes that include video games, ping-pong, batting boxes and other kids’ pastimes.

If you’re talking little kids’ pastimes, you’ll want to investigate the playgrounds at Harbour Town, Shelter Cove and the Island Recreation Center, located near Hilton Head public schools, right off the Cross Island Parkway. The Rec Center has super kids programs and even a playground for moms and dads.

MOVIES, MUNCHIES AND MORE
Even Hilton Head has rainy days. Don’t worry, mom and dad. Movie theaters at either end of the island feature a regular rotating movie line-up – all of the latest in thrills and chills. Get your tickets ahead of time during the summer months, since the features fill up fast. The same goes for eating-out. Plan ahead and do your homework. Not all of the island’s restaurants have kids’ menus and not all dining environments are designed with our cooler, younger generation in mind. Target the restaurants and snack bars that go out of their way to look-out for kids, with crayons, games and even a magician or other kinds of entertainment. And forget about the decaf latte! One double hot fudge sundae, please!

See our event calendar for more activities (click here)