Need info on Hilton Head ?

[bearville]

I know this has been asked before but I'm having trouble finding anything on what to do at Hilton Head. Would the end of April be a good time to go? Are there enough activities for a 5 year old to keep him occupied? What about sight seeing? Do we need a rental car? Can you buy groceries on island or need to go to mainland and how far is that? Is that enough questions for one post??? Have never been close to the ocean by the Carolinas so would appreciate any info. Thanks.....Bearville <IMG SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif" alt="confused">

 

[RobDoc]

Late April is a great time to be at HH. There are a multitude of activities for all ages. The resort has a nice activities staff with programs for the kids.

You will want a car. The island is too large to walk everywhere and there are plenty of services available without needing to go to the mainland for anything.

Tommy Towery has a great <a href="http://www.members.tripod.com/~ttowery/">HH website</a> with lots of useful information. Enjoy!

Doc
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[KarenC]

We just got back from a 5 night stay at HH. It was our first time there. We have a 15 y/o DD and almost-13 y/o DS, so their interests are far different from a 5 y/o.

I'd recommend you give the resort a call regarding what activities will be available for kids at the time of your visit. We went down expected at least 3 activities for my kids based on what I'd seen on the boards. There was only one planned activity for teens during our entire stay. So if you're counting on planned activities, I would phone first!

That said, we found plenty to do. My husband and son golf. We rode bikes and saw more than a few kids on the bike trails on training wheels. We loved the Dolphin excursion. There's lots of miniature golf. And hanging out at the pool was fun for the kids, despite the cool weather--the pool is heated. Finally, the food is great!

 

[Lisa P.]

If you arrive and don't initially see enough activities that suit you, ASK at the front desk! You'll get an activities schedule but don't limit yourselves to that. Encourage family members to at least show up and check out an activity before assuming that they wouldn't like it. Look at the HH tourist guides available at check-in for nearby things to do, offsite as well.

We went sea kayaking through an unaffiliated company in March, mentioned by a staff member. Great time! We saw lots of oyster beds, sea birds and a couple of dolphins near our kayaks. Some of the teens had the best time when we went to Goofy Bingo, which drew a full crowd of varying ages, mostly adults! Seeing the crowd, the caller moved quickly and made some jokes that went right over the kids' heads. The little ones had fun too.

Besides the resort's regularly scheduled activities, the surrounding area has mini-golf and boating excursions of all kinds, for all ages. The resort also offers many family activities - not just for a small age range. We went on the marsh walk with Eric and there were kids through seniors with us, walking in those huge galoshes. Our 12 yr old DD was welcomed to attend the cooking class with me and we had a wonderful time. Teens with any interest in cooking would enjoy it. Crabbing & fishing off the pier draws people of all ages, from late April through late Sept. So does Big Murgie's Den, with a weekly magic performer (very good!), bedtime stories for the little ones and a billiard table for older kids and adults. There's table tennis, horseshoes, shuffleboard and a playground onsite. The Beach House pool has a water volleyball net and a water basketball hoop.

If someone can't find something to do - they just aren't looking around enough! Even with a late winter, weeklong visit, we were never bored. I'd encourage you to keep an open mind, ask for suggestions, try out a variety of things and see for yourself what appeals most to your family. Have fun!!!

 

[maryisme]

The last time we were at HH, we took a daytrip to Daufuskie Island--don't hold me to the spelling .

My daughter was 4 at the time. I don't recall the boat ride being too long. Sorry but its been about two years since we did that--my memory is failing me. I do recall that we all had a great time. Once arriving at Daufuskie, we rented a golf cart and rode around the entire island. It was loads of fun! My daughter loved it! They had different size vehicles available or you can take a guided tour. After getting lost, we ended up at an amazing stretch of beach--great shelling. Also found a potter who made incredible pieces.

All in all--a memorable trip.

 

[Fenceman]

Last weeks activities for a 5 year old (by memory)
Unbirthday party, Paint balsa birdhouse, Mickeys creative chefs (decorated a grahm cracker house with candy & frosting), gyatoka (painting a fish and imprinting it on a tee shirt- it is a lot more fun than it sounds, Kids Night Out(feed kids pizza and take them to movie or put-put golf - 3 hours so you can go to dinner without them, campfire with smores - 3 nights a week, Sweet Goodnights (come in your pajammas for a story and milk and cookies). This including the above posted activities will keep your tike as busy as you want him to be.

 

[sparkysfriends]

We were at HH in Feb. and had a blast. My son and I did animation art & gyutoko (fish painting). My son and my husband went horseback riding on the beach (I'm pregnant and couldn't go). They had a great time. We all went sea Kayakaing, on a Dolphin exploration boat ride (dolphins came up out of the water to greet us, very exciting), cooking classes, Goofy Bingo, campfires, fishing, nature walks, etc. There is plenty to do. Have fun. Definitely check out Tommy's website. It's very informative!

-Alyson

 

[bearville]

Thanks for all the great info! I'm afraid I will have to use it for our next trip because we just got 4 nights at VWL on April 21!!! I didn't think we would have a chance at getting anything but maybe 1 or 2 nites this soon. But all of you have made HH sound so neat that I think we may be trying to go there next. MS told me HH was booked solid until Sept and I didn't think it would be this early. Is it always like this? Our 2nd choice was VB because I didn't think I had a chance at getting anything on property! Never hurts to ask!!!Thanks again for taking the time to answer.........Bearville