Hilton Head Island is home to one of three Disney Resort Hotels not located near Disney Parks. Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is not only beautiful, but bustling with activities for guests of all ages. Besides lounging at the pool and playing outdoor yard games that are situated around the resort, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort also has a full itinerary of daily activities which even includes Disney character meet and greets!
Guests of Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort will find plenty of things to do on property and the island itself boasts of a variety of activities suited for many interests. While navigating the island, you’ll notice the dedication to maintaining the island’s natural environment with its lush vegetation and requirements and restrictions for each building’s height and aesthetic. While it is home to pristine beaches, you won’t feel like you are visiting a typical east coast beach town when on Hilton Head Island. As a result, you might wonder if Hilton Head even has kid-friendly activities on the island! Below is a guide to 5 fun things to do off property during your stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.
The Sandbox Children’s Museum
If you need a break from the sun and water, be sure to visit The Sandbox Children’s Museum. Designed for children ages 2-12, visitors will find interactive exhibits where children will learn hands-on. Older children can take part in creating and inventing in the Art Studio and Maker Space. Younger guests have an area designed to be explored through playing, crawling, and sliding. The museum is open daily, but reservations must be made online. The Sandbox also offers special events, parents night outs, and summer camps.
Adventure Playground
Hilton Head Island is home to several notable playgrounds. The biggest, and perhaps the best, is Adventure Playground located near Coligny Shopping Plaza and The Sandbox Children’s Museum. Adventure Playground is large area with multiple play structures, most notably a pirate ship equipped with bridges, rope crossings, slides, and even working water misting cannons! While it is often busy with young families during the summer months, children could spend hours exploring this entertaining area and the swings and wading stream around it. It may be a good idea to have children wear swimsuits and water shoes when visiting this playground! Another popular play area is located at Shelter Cove Shopping Center. It’s the perfect place for children to play before or after a delicious meal on the water or while waiting for the evening fireworks which are scheduled each Tuesday June through August.
Pirate Cruise
If you’d like to take your pirate adventure out on the water, depart on a Pirate Cruise from Harbour Town Marina in Sea Pines. This 1.5-hour adventure transforms passengers into a Pirate crew as they search for treasure on Hilton Head Island. Each child will receive a Pirate name, learn how to speak in Pirate, and, of course, sail the open sea. Recommended for ages 2-10, one adult per child is required to be on board, but the number of adults allowed is not restricted as long as there is availability. Leave time before or after your pirate adventure for playing on The Gregg Russell Harbour Town Playground.
Mini Golf
Hilton Head Island is home to three unique miniature golf courses. Choose from Legendary Golf, Adventure Cove Mini Golf, and Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf. Legendary Golf has an island theme with waterfalls, flowers, and even real water hazards on select holes. Adventure Cove Mini Golf also has a few waterfalls, a cave, and hosts a small arcade for indoor fun on a rainy day. Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf has two pirate-themed courses that either take you over a waterfall or through a cave. Play your turn at putt-putt while listening to a festive pirate-themed soundtrack. All three minature golf courses on Hilton Head Island have lights for play after dark!
Bike rentals
Hilton Head Island is a very bike-friendly island with bike paths located all along the island’s main road and through many of the neighborhoods. What’s more is that you can ride right on the beach during low tide! Bike rentals of all sizes are available right at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. Choose from adult and kids sizes as well as tandem bikes. Biking really is the best way to get to know the island! Stop for lunch or a smoothie while out and about or treat yourself to a Mickey Ice Cream Bar or Dole Whip when you return from your adventure.
When visiting Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, you’ll find plenty of things to do with children both on and off of the resort property. No matter which activity your family chooses, you are sure to have fun and make lasting memories! Which would your children enjoy doing the next time you visit Hilton Head Island? Tell us in the comments below!
Written by
Shelley Wehler
Contributing Writer
Shelley is a stay-at-home mother of two girls living outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love of all things Disney has grown even more as she sees the magic come alive through the lens of her young daughters. She spends her free time keeping up with the latest in Disney news and daydreaming of her next trip to the parks!
