Those who have kids know that keeping your children entertained on vacation can be hard. With all the plantation-style resorts on Hilton Head, this can be a bit of a challenge depending on where you’ve booked your vacation rental or room. Many resorts welcome children, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are kid friendly. We’ve put together a list of hotels that not only welcome kids, but also provide activities and fun games for them, so even the adults can squeeze in a little bit of vacation time.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Named by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the “Top 25 World’s Best Family Resorts,” Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers a ton of fun things for the entire family to enjoy. Every night during the summer, Palmetto Dunes hosts HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Marina. Live dance-along music, balloon animals, hair wrapping, sand art, food vendors and shopping can be enjoyed every week night during the summer. Tuesdays bring a bright array of fireworks that is bound to mesmerize and create amazing family vacation memories for years to come and Thursdays bring the Oyster Reefers at Parrot Palooza.
From kayaks and biking to tennis and golf, Palmetto Dunes always has some kind of activity going on, and with their numerous pro-rated family plans and priority activity access, you’ll get a huge bang for your buck. So be sure to check out the two hotels inside the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort – the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Hotel and the Marriott Resort and Spa.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
The Omni is perfect for the active family who loves games and is constantly moving. The resort offers 11 miles of great kayaking on the Palmetto Dunes lagoon. For the younger ones, the Omni also offers a kids’ camp. The camp keeps children entertained while you and your spouse have some vacation time as well!
Upon arrival to the camp, each child is given an activity bag packed with twisty straws, activity books and crayons, of course. There are two types of camps every day. The day camp from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and costs $65 per child. This and includes lunch. The night camp from 5-9 p.m. also costs $65 per child and includes dinner. There is hourly extension for the night camp up until 11 p.m. that costs up to $35 for each additional hour. The Omni has the basics. such as biking, beach access, pools and tennis. The Omni has added basketball and volleyball courts, and even offer a family Zip Line package. For two hours you and your family can take in Hilton Head’s beautiful views from above with trained guides.
Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa
With the Marriott Resort and Spa being so close to the Omni, as well as being located within Palmetto Dunes, it shares many of the same activities as the Omni. Kayaking, private beach access, indoor and outdoor pools, and much more is available. The fun thing about the Marriott is that on Friday nights there is a screen set up outside by the pool and the entire family can watch fun movies while swimming the evening away. The Marriott also has fun family activities like S’mores night, group beach walks, a scavenger hunt, trivia night, and cannon ball contests. All these events cater to the entire family, so if you don’t like leaving your child at a glorified hotel daycare while you go and traverse the island, this may be the best hotel for you.
The spa is open to children 12 and over, but reservations are required. The fitness center welcomes all ages as long as children under 18 are accompanied by an adult. Being located on Hilton Head, golf is everywhere and the Marriott Resort and Spa has access to Palmetto Dunes Golf Club, which has been said to boast one of the best holes on Hilton Head. Tee Times do require reservations, and lessons are available.
The Sea Pines Resort
One of the most popular resorts on Hilton Head, Sea Pines spans nearly one fourth of the island and is home to many of Hilton Head’s iconic sights. Filled to the brim with horseback riding, three world class golf courses and water sports at South Beach and the Harbour Town Marina, Sea Pines has everything you could ever need. Unfortunately, if you are not residing within the resort, you must purchase a day pass for $6 at one of the security gates that lasts until 10 p.m. that same day.
The Inn at Harbour Town
Located inside the Sea Pines Resort next to the Harbour Town marina, the Inn at Harbour Town is smack in the middle of it all. Harbour Town has everything including acclaimed restaurants, shopping and watersports. Hilton Head’s signature lighthouse and is just steps away from the Inn. Every April, Sea Pines also hosts the only PGA golf tour in South Carolina, the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament. Sea Pines is home 30 world class shops, great kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin tours. With outdoor pools, marina cruises and a playground, Harbour Town has everything needed for the perfect vacation without leaving the resort.
Shipyard Plantation
Inside Shipyard, you’ll experience a great mesh of permanent and seasonal residents, vacation rentals and hotel patrons. Located next to Palmetto Dunes, Shipyard is home to the Sonesta Resort. It is also home to the Heritage Golf Group’s three nine-hole courses at Shipyard Golf Club. If you are staying within Shipyard there are many activities and fun things to do right at your fingertips, including world class golf, kayaking and nature walks. Shipyard’s central location means that most things are only a short five-minute bike ride away.
Coligny
Coligny itself is not a private resort, but a very popular destination on the island. With both Coligny Plaza and Coligny Beach Park within steps of each other, there is no time for boredom. World class shopping, gorgeous views, and great walking and bike paths all mean that you and your family will be constantly busy throughout your stay. Also, because Coligny is not a private resort, you can invite friends and family in the area to come visit you with zero hassle.
Beach House
The Beach House, located on South Forest Beach, just steps away from Coligny Beach Park, offers many different family activities and even specially designed family suites! The Beach House has multiple onsite dining options and a pool just steps away from the beach so you and your family can alternate between the two with little to no hassle. Plus, great shopping, dining and fun activities outside of the hotel are right at your fingertips! No long drives to the other side of the island or worrying about forgetting something important back at the hotel. The Beach House also offers special pro-rated discounts with some local photographers for family portraits that are taken right on Coligny’s beach. Remember your family vacation with stunning views, and of course, your favorite loved ones.
