Eating out at a restaurant is an exciting experience for adults, but it can be a bit of a challenge when you have little ones in tow.
Planning family vacations often involves finding kid-friendly dining options, and luckily many restaurants are now catering to families with young children. Most restaurant owners are aware of the challenges parents face when trying to keep their children entertained while dining out. That’s why more and more restaurants are now offering kid-friendly options on their menu, as well as creating a welcoming environment for families.
Some common features of kid-friendly dining include:
- Family-Friendly Menus: Restaurants that are truly family-friendly will often have menus with options specifically designed for children. These may include smaller portion sizes, simplified versions of popular dishes or meal combos that come with a side and drink. Some restaurants even offer healthier options for kids, such as fruit or vegetable sides instead of fries.
- Play Areas or Playgrounds: Some family-friendly restaurants have designated areas or outdoor playgrounds where children can run around and play before or after their meal. This is especially helpful for parents with restless little ones who need to burn off energy.
- Special Events or Promotions: Many restaurants hold special events or promotions specifically geared towards families, such as Kids Eat Free nights, character visits, or holiday-themed activities. These can be a fun and affordable option for families looking to dine out together.
- Unique Experiences: Hey, you’re on vacation on Hilton Head! Why not combine what makes our area like no other while making memories for the kids and you? Think outdoor and waterfront dining, where the views make the meal an adventure.
Some of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants:
1. Salty Dog Café
Keep the kids entertained and smiling at the Salty Dog Café! From tie-dye shirt making and face painting to magical acts and photo ops with Jake the Salty Dog, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Don’t forget to check out the “Little Explorers” kids’ menu or grab a bite at Jake’s Salty Dog Pizza and Salty Dog Ice Cream, located right on the dock. Website.
2. Top Dawg Tavern & Pizzeria
Looking for a family-friendly spot where the kids can have as much fun as you? Bring them to the at Top Dawg Tavern & Pizzeria! Lil’ Dawg House Kids Room has an Interactive Gaming Floor. Parents can watch them laugh and play as they enjoy the exciting, immersive games. There is a Chalkboard Wall and a Bubble Machine. Creativity meets fun with a space to draw and bubbles to chase! And the best part? Kids eat for just $6 every day! With seven meal options to choose from, each meal comes with a side, drink, and ice cream. Website.
3. Big Jim’s BBQ, Burgers, Pizza & Catering
Big Jim’s is located at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Serving signature Southern dishes, including BBQ, gourmet burgers and specialty pizzas for mom and dad and a kids’ menu, with $7 entrees, including a side. But what makes Big Jime’s different is that onsite is the Toptracer Range. It’s a fun and interactive golf experience for all ages, where guests can play virtual courses. With 14 hitting bays featuring high-speed cameras, TV monitors, and engaging games, it’s a driving range like no other. Website.
4. The Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek:
Families will love the onsite playground, a captivating saltwater fish tank, live music, and exciting crab races during summer evenings—all set against the backdrop of stunning Lowcountry sunsets. With spacious indoor seating and a large pet-friendly deck, it’s the perfect spot for everyone, including your furry friends. The kids will be thrilled with menu favorites like hotdogs, burgers, mac ‘n’ cheese and pizza. Also on the menu is a selection of their Dolphin Drinks for virgin versions of the adult favorite summer cocktails. Website.
5. Skull Creek Boathouse & Dockside
These two eateries are adjacent to each other and owned by the same company, so we listed them as one. The restaurants offer a family-friendly recreation area nestled between Dockside and Boathouse. This space features a waterfront stage for live music, a dedicated adult zone with games, and the newly added Shrimp Boat playground. Kids can have fun while families wait for a table or simply take in the stunning views. Of course, Dockside has a kids’ menu, but it’s a little more sophisticated than the average fare for the little ones with Broiled Seafood and a petite Surf & Turf. And, the Boathouse features their “Little Shuckers Menu.”
Skull Creek Boathouse Website. Skull Creek Dockside Website.
Outside Hilton Head’s Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise
For something completely different, set sail for an unforgettable evening aboard the luxurious Ohana catamaran with Outside Hilton Head’s Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise. The menu is something you will only get in the South. Appetizers are crab cakes and pimento cheese biscuits. And the Main Course of a Classic Lowcountry Boil is a huge favorite with kids. It’s an adventure on a plate, featuring wild-caught Carolina shrimp, savory andouille sausage, sweet corn, and tender red potatoes, all simmered to perfection in an Old Bay citrus broth. And it’s perfectly ok to use your hands to indulge in the shrimp and corn on the cob. Top off the feast with Southern classics like peach cobbler and key lime pie for dessert! Not to mention, your entire crew is sure to spot playful dolphins and a multitude of local wildlife on this one-of-a-kind dining cruise. Website.
