FEATURE STORY

School's out, and Hilton Head's family-friendly golf resorts are waiting

By William K. Wolfrum,
Staff Writer

Summer is here, and school is out. Looking to go away with the kids? Golfers know that Hilton Head Island is the place, with world class golf courses and great, family-friendly resorts like Disney Hilton Head Resort.

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One of the great things about Hilton Head Island is that, for its small size, it packs an enormous punch for travelers. And this South Carolina wonderland has more than enough to make it at once one of the world's great golf destinations, as well as one of the great places in the U.S. for a family to truly enjoy.

Measuring out at only about 12 miles in length and five miles in width, Hilton Head Island's only limitation is your imagination, as both adults and children will have the time of their life. Think that's hyperbole? Well, let's take a look at some of the Hilton Head resorts that will have a family golfing, and have the kids enjoying treats that can only be found in such a spectacular seaside destination.

Hilton Head Island family-friendly golf resorts

Let's face it, when it comes to kids, the word "Disney" is their version of catnip. And Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort will give kids every reason to fall in love all over again with the Magic Kingdom, while giving their folks the luxury they deserve.

While golfers will find themselves smack in the middle of the best golf courses the area has to offer, kids will be in seventh heaven at Disney's Hilton Head resort, as Mickey and crew will keep them busy and entertained sunrise to sunset. Swimming, arcade games, playgrounds and campfires are but a small slice of what this colorful resort has to offer kids, while luxurious accommodations and fine dining will have mom and dad living the high life.

While the golf fans of the family will fall in love with Shipyard Golf Club, keep in mind that the Hilton Head Crowne Plaza Resort offers not just top-quality luxury with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, it also gives kids a wonderland all their own at Camp Castaway.

Kids aged 3-12 are invited to Camp Castaway, where "Lagooney" the allisaurus - part alligator, part dinosaur - will offer lessons in surfing, volleyball, arts and crafts and other fun fare while the trained staff sets up such kid-friendly activities as trips to water parks, bowling, biking, kayaking, fishing and more. Add to that their "Kid's Evening Adventures" and your children will have a vacation that's all their own while you're enjoying more adult fare.

At first glance, the Sea Pines Resort seems like the perfect adult playground. The first thing to jump out at you when you take a look at this resort is the the golf, both the quality and quantity. With Harbour Town Golf Links, Sea Marsh, and the Ocean Course, this is ground zero for golfers.

There's plenty more to Sea Pines, however, especially for the kids. The "Fun For Kids!" camp will delight children ages four through 12, while older kids will thrive on the vast array of water sports, Eco Tours and other options available at this Atlantic Ocean dream resort.

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Of course, everywhere you look around Hilton Head has plenty to offer kids both young and old. The Westin Resort Hilton Head Island offers "Camp Wackatoo" for kids aged 4 to 12 and also "Awesome Adventures," where kids ages 9 to 16 can have a little more extreme excitement. The Hilton Resort is another place the staff will work hard to keep youngsters entertained in their "Vacation Station."

And while the resorts always cater to kids, keep in mind that this is Hilton Head, after all. Miles of beaches can't help but entertain the whole family, as will activities like kayaking, bike and helicopter tours. Add to that nature preserves like the Sea Pines Forest Preserve that will have the family discovering the nature and beauty of one of America's vacation hot spots.

So when you're lining up that Hilton Head golf package, remember the kids. Just a little extra planning and thought will mean your favorite little guys will have as much fun off course as golfers are having attacking the best golf Hilton Head Island has to offer.

July 9, 2007

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.