Fun & Economical Family Activities Near Hunting Island State Park

Families camping at Hunting Island State Park can easily spend their entire vacation at the park while enjoying the natural beauty and hands-on educational programs offered in and around the campground. For those who wish to venture out a bit, a wide variety of fun activities are a short drive away, including:

• River Safari on Port Royal
• Water fun and more at Wardle Family YMCA at Port Royal
• A visit to The Chocolate Tree and large playground in Beaufort.
• Go on a River Safari at Port Royal Near Hunting Island Campground

Campers who would enjoy a boat ride without the hassle of pulling their own watercraft might enjoy a 90-minute boat ride at Port Royal. Captain Bill offers rides on a 24-foot pontoon boat with full-sized mounted chairs for comfort. Riders can enjoy the beauty of the water and learn about Port Royal as Captain Bill tells of the various animals and plants, history of the area, and perhaps a surprise or two. He might even let one of the kids be captain for a bit.

Captain Bill provides tours seven days per week. Early morning or late evening tours tend to be more comfortable during warmer weather, and Captain Bill may be able to accommodate longer tours if requested.

If you are looking for more great camping ideas, check out Globe Trotter Guides.

Visit the Wardle Family YMCA While Camping at Hunting Island

Although Hunting Island offers the Atlantic Ocean, loggerhead turtles, a lighthouse, fishing pier, and many other water-related activities, some people may prefer to swim in a pool. At the time this article was published, the Wardle Family YMCA participates in the A.W.A.Y. (Always Welcome at the YMCA) program. This means that if a camper has a membership at their hometown YMCA, this facility will allow that member in for free. Check with the YMCA regarding the number of free visits offered during the dates of the vacation.

This facility offers an indoor and outdoor pool. If the weather does not work for swimming, the Wardle Family YMCA offers group exercise classes, including Zumba and Zumba Kids, as well as weightlifting, and other health- and fitness-oriented activities. Childcare is provided per their schedule. A playground outside encourages kids to climb, slide, and play.

Watch Candy Being Made at The Chocolate Tree in Beaufort, SC

Feel like a kid in a candy store when visiting The Chocolate Tree. This store offers a nice variety of unique candies and confections and relief from the heat. During certain times, the friendly staff will make the candy in a room with a viewing window. Surrounded by chocolates and sugary treats, it is hard to pass up a taste test at this store. They also offer baskets, tins, and trays for campers who wish to spend a bit more and purchase a gift or a souvenir.

Just down the road from The Chocolate Tree is a large park full of a wide variety of play equipment for children of different ages. The older kids might want to check out the huge rainbow-shaped see-saw while the younger kids may love to bounce on an animal. The playground is nicely shaded with bathroom facilities on site.

Active Play for Kids Near Hunting Island State Park Campground

People who camp at Hunting Island State Park near Hilton Head, South Carolina can enjoy a nice variety of engaging, unique activities located near the campground. Whether the family wants to look for dolphins and other aquatic animals on a boat ride, watch candy-making, or work off the extra calories at the YMCA, these short trips may provide leisure activities that are fun for the entire family