Looking for indoor things to do on Hilton Head Island?
If you are planning a visit to Hilton Head, indoor activities may not have been on your to-do list. But, when it’s too hot or rainy, having a backup to the beach is always a good idea.
Here’s a list of things to do indoors from KAG’s Kristina Hernandez.
When it rains, it pours on Hilton Head Island. The island usually has pretty good weather because of the Gulf Stream just outside the island that pushes storms off it inland. But other times, well, you need to find entertainment indoors because the downpours are pretty epic and there’s no way to enjoy anything outside.
But there are quite a few fun Hilton Head indoor activities and things to do if you’re on vacation and it’s raining. From painting your own pottery to playing skeeball and bowling to visiting free museums and learning about the local environment, this list has you covered!
Adventure Cove Arcade
During your vacation to Hilton Head, indoor activities are inevitable for a least some of the day. Arcades are the fix! While Adventure Cove has two great mini-golf courses, they also have a fantastic indoor arcade that has tons of games, including my favorite: skeeball! I may have sneakily grabbed a few tokens from my kids to play that game.
We were lucky and won 500 tickets on one of the games so my kids were thrilled when they got to choose two little unicorns from the prize table. We only planned on spending maybe an hour here but ended up leaving after almost three hours because it was so much fun!
18 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
843.842.9990
The Sandbox Children’s Museum
My kids (ages 8 and 5) absolutely loved this hands-on children’s museum right in the heart of the island. Everything about The Sandbox invites children to use their imaginations and play freely. With two floors of more than 11 hands-on exhibits, plan to spend at least a couple hours here, perfect for a rainy day. They also have free family fun nights in the spring, fall, and winter and Parents Night Out during the summer months.
80 Nassau Street, Hilton Head, SC
843.842.7645
Coastal Discovery Museum
I visited the Coastal Discovery Museum at the end of our trip but I’d recommend visiting instead at the beginning because you can learn all about the local ecosystem and what you will be seeing on the island. They have a kid’s room with an adorable replica of a loggerhead turtle nest plus books, educational toys, and fish tanks.
There is an enclosed butterfly garden that is freestanding and you can see the cocoons of various species of butterflies. There is a beautiful walking path that goes into the adjoining marsh, lined with oak trees and Spanish moss. Admission is free but they have several tours and events, like a Meet the Critters for kids, that do have fees associated.
70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island
843.689.6767
Kazoobie Kazoos
This is off HHI but nearby and a fun experience as it’s the only kazoo factory that imprints kazoos (like for companies, events, fundraisers) and one of only two in the entire country. They make around 5,000 kazoos per day!
You can take a tour of the factory and then make your own kazoo. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the instrument that dates before the First World War. The tour is really neat – they show you all kinds of different kazoos and whistles (my kids loved this part) and a short video about the history of kazoos. Then you get to see the inside of the small factory and then, of course, make your own kazoo.
12, 4290, John Galt Rd, Beaufort
$14.50/adult, $11.50/kids, ages 3 and under are free
Tours are Monday-Friday 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm
Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Aquarium
You could do this place and Kazoobie Kazoos on one rainy day as they aren’t far from each other. The Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Aquarium is totally free and sits on the Port Royal Sound and features all kinds of fish, baby alligators, turtles, and a vast amount of really neat history behind the surrounding waters. It’s not that big, which is great for the smaller kids, but is packed with interesting exhibits and a little area where kids can color.
310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie
Open Tuesday-Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Free & Wheelchair Accessible
Station 300
Located in Bluffton, just outside HHI, Station 300 is a bowling alley with an arcade and restaurant. If you visit on a rainy day during the summer, don’t forget to sign up for Kids Bowl Free beforehand as they are a participating bowling alley!
25 Innovation Drive, Bluffton
843.815.2695
More Indoor Things to Do on Hilton Head Island
Art Cafe & Rockfish
Right above Rockfish restaurant, the Art Cafe offers paint-your-own pottery in a laid-back, colorful setting. They welcome walk-ins (though reservations are recommended during busy seasons), and it’s great for all ages. Bonus: grab lunch at Rockfish downstairs afterward.
📍 5 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island, SC
🎨 Pottery prices vary; studio fee applies
The Art Café & Wine Bar
Not just for kids — adults can also enjoy paint nights with wine, making this a fun date-night or girls’ night option if you’re traveling with extended family or have access to a sitter.
📍 5 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island
🍷 21+ for evening events
Hilton Head Escape Room
Older kids and teens will love solving puzzles and working together in this family-friendly escape room experience. Choose from different themed rooms, and plan ahead — they book up fast on rainy days.
📍 10 Executive Park Road, Hilton Head
👥 Recommended for ages 10+
⏳ 1-hour experiences
Hilton Head Escape Room Website
Park Plaza Cinema
This cozy, locally-owned movie theater is perfect for a low-key break. They show first-run films and have a full bar and café, plus a therapy dog that sometimes greets guests!
📍 33 Office Park Road, Hilton Head
🍿 Comfy seating and great snacks
🐶 Yes, really—a dog!
Park Plaza Cinema Website
Hilton Head Library
The Hilton Head Branch of Beaufort County Library is a surprisingly fun stop. They offer storytimes, craft days, and free kids’ activities (especially in summer). Cool off, check out a few books, and let the kids explore.
📍 11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head
💰 Free
👶 Great for little ones and preschoolers
Bonus Nearby Option: Heyward House Historic Center (Bluffton)
If you want to sneak in a little education with your rainy-day fun, head over to Bluffton to explore this 1800s-era home and museum. They sometimes offer hands-on programs or scavenger hunts.
📍 70 Boundary St, Bluffton
📞 843.757.6293
💰 Small admission fee or donation
Heyward House Website
Check out these 20+ Family Friendly Things to Do on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina to have a truly epic vacation!
