How to have a family-friendly spring break on hilton head island

WHERE TO STAY

First thing’s first: make sure you’re staying surfside. Hilton Head Island is home to some of America’s favorite beaches, and the best way to enjoy the beach is to make the beach your backyard. Early risers can sneak in a sunrise each morning, while sleepy teens can bask in the sun all afternoon.

Many of Hilton Head Island’s resorts offer oceanfront views and close proximity to surf and sand. The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island offers a “Just Us Kids” supervised children’s club to keep the kiddos entertained at the resort. The program includes game time, beach adventures, swimming and arts and crafts.

Depending on your family’s size, a vacation home might give everyone the space they need. There are plenty of beachside rentals available throughout Hilton Head Island. From condos and villas with just one bedroom, to larger homes accommodating large groups of sometimes 15 or more people, we’re sure you’ll find a great vacation rental on Hilton Head Island that will suit everyone’s needs.

WHAT TO EAT

You simply can’t leave the Island without sampling our fresh seafood, and Southern favorites like hushpuppies, shrimp and grits, Lowcountry boil, and oysters—they’re Hilton Head Island staples! Taste your way through Hilton Head Island and enjoy over 250 with these family-friendly restaurants. Options may even include pet-friendly patios, fine dining or dining al fresco close to the water.

WHAT TO DO

Destination? Check. Home base? Check. Now, it’s time to plan out how you’ll keep the kiddos busy. Spring is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors on Hilton Head Island—the weather is just right. It’s easy to fill your day on Hilton Head Island with activities located either on property, or near your resort. Try a new sport like pickleball (a special twist on tennis), rent a kayak or test your putting skills with miniature golf.

If you want to keep everyone off the couch: Grab some bikes. The best way to get around Hilton Head Island is on two wheels—the American League of Bicyclists named the Island a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community—and spring is the perfect time for a pedal. Many resorts can reserve your bike for you ahead of your visit. Save our biker’s guide to Hilton Head Island to your Pinterest board to learn everything you need to know about hitting the road on over 50 miles of available paths that criss-cross the Island.

If you want to feel the rush: Take your vacation to new heights. The kids will love catching a bird’s-eye view of Hilton Head Island on a zip lining, parasailing, or helicopter adventure.

If want to learn something new: Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum. On the 68-acre Historic Honey Horn property, you’ll learn about our beautiful environment, history, culture, and art. Here, the kids can explore the Museum’s many trails and spot ancient live oaks. The Kids’ Zone, located in the Discovery House, makes learning about our natural and cultural history fun through activities like a scavenger hunt, make-your-own-puppets, puzzles, games, and more. During the spring, you can take a peek at the Museum’s “bird nest cam” to watch as eggs are laid, incubated, and hatched. 

Arrrrrre you lookin’ for treasure on vacation?  Take a ride on the a pirate ship. A family favorite for years, pirate tours, take the young and the young at heart on pirate cruises two to four times daily, complete with a treasure hunt and water cannons. Need we say more?

Make an event of it: There’s always a party on Hilton Head Island, and Spring Break is no exception. Use our Connect Calendar to find festivals and events taking place nearby during your stay.

FURTHER READING: MORE TIPS & TRICKS

Planning a family vacation is not always an easy task. Check out these handy guides to help plan your next trip to the number two island in the world today:

1. Planning a multi-generational spring break? Read up on How to Plan a Vacation That Pleases Everyone.
2. Use these Nine Picture-Perfect Family Vacation Photos from Hilton Head Island to inspire your selfie shot list when you visit.
3. Turning spring break into a family road trip? Here are five tips to make it stress-free.
4. Save this guide to packing for your family beach vacation to save you a lot of time and headaches before you visit.

Families have been making Hilton Head Island their spring break go-to for decades, and we think you can see why. Before you book, sign up to become a Hilton Head Insider and browse our travel offers for family-friendly savings.