Wondering what to do on Isle of Palms with kids once you have had your fill of the beach? The island is packed with family-friendly Isle of Palms activities on and off the water, plus it’s only a short drive to some of the Charleston area’s top attractions. Here is what to work into your trip.
Why Isle of Palms Is a Great Family Vacation Spot
Isle of Palms delivers a laid-back beach town with plenty for kids to do, minus the crowds and traffic of bigger destinations. Isle of Palms sits about 20 minutes from historic downtown Charleston, close enough to visit for a day trip but far enough to keep the pace calm.
The island itself is walkable and bike-friendly, with wide beaches, a marina, a county park, and family restaurants all within a short drive. Traffic is manageable, parking is available, and most attractions are geared for kids or work well for mixed-age groups.
Outdoor Family Activities
Some of the best things to do on Isle of Palms with kids happen off the sand. Below are a few outdoor picks that work for families with kids of all ages.
Biking the Island’s Family-Friendly Paths
Isle of Palms is flat, compact, and full of quiet residential streets that make biking easy for kids. Many of our vacation rentals include bikes for guests, and island bike shops can deliver them right to your door. Front Beach, Palm Boulevard, and the connector to Sullivan’s Island are all doable rides with kids.
Fishing off Isle of Palms County Park Pier
The Isle of Palms County Park has a public fishing pier with easy walk-on access and no fishing license required for recreational fishing off the pier. Bring your own gear or rent from local shops. Kids can fish for spot, croaker, whiting, and small sharks with a simple bottom rig.
Exploring Isle of Palms County Park
The Isle of Palms County Park sits at the north end of the island with 600 feet of beachfront, a playground, picnic pavilions, restrooms, changing rooms, a snack bar, and umbrella rentals. Parking is $10 to $20, depending on the season. It is the easiest one-stop shop for a beach day with kids who need shade and amenities.
Indoor and Rainy-Day Activities for Families
Even on a beach vacation, you need indoor backup for rainy afternoons or hot midday breaks. See our full list of family-friendly attractions for more ideas.
Mini Golf and Arcade Fun for Kids
Isle of Palms itself does not have a large mini golf or arcade center, but Mount Pleasant is just a short drive across the connector bridge. Frankie’s Fun Park in North Charleston has go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, and bumper boats, and works well as a rainy-day option. Confirm current hours before you go.
Family-Friendly Restaurants with Games and Activities
Coconut Joe’s Beach Grill on Front Beach has a rooftop bar with games, live music on select nights, and a Caribbean-themed vibe kids enjoy. Many casual island spots keep coloring books, board games, or outdoor space that makes waiting for food easier with young kids.
- Location: 1120 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
- Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM Monday-Friday
- 10 AM to 11 PM Saturday
- 10 AM to 10 PM Sunday
Boat Tours and Wildlife Excursions for Families
The Isle of Palms Marina is the launch point for most of the island’s family-friendly boat tours.
Dolphin Watching Tours from Isle of Palms Marina
Barrier Island Eco Tours runs family-friendly boat tours from the Isle of Palms Marina, with a naturalist guide on every trip. Tours include hands-on crabbing, dolphin watching, and beach cookouts on Capers Island. Vessels seat up to 16 people and work well for family groups.
- Location: 50 41st Avenue C-6, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
- Phone: (843) 886-5000
The 2.5-hour Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise runs year-round and lets you bring your own drinks and snacks. Bring layers, since evenings on the water can turn cool even in warmer months.
Family-Friendly Day Trips Near Isle of Palms
Wondering what to do on the Isle of Palms? If you have a car, there are three day trips worth checking out.
Exploring Historic Downtown Charleston with Kids
Downtown Charleston is 20 minutes across the bridge, with cobblestone streets, the Battery, Charleston City Market, carriage tours, and family-friendly restaurants. Give yourselves half a day for shopping, an afternoon carriage tour, and a walk along the waterfront.
Visiting Patriots Point and the USS Yorktown
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum sits in Mount Pleasant, 15 minutes from Isle of Palms. Kids can climb aboard the WWII aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, tour the destroyer USS Laffey, and explore the Medal of Honor Museum and Vietnam Experience.
- Location: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
- Phone: (843) 884-2727
- Price: Adults $28, Kids 6-12 $23, 5 and under free
A Day Trip to Boone Hall Plantation
Boone Hall Plantation is 15 minutes from Isle of Palms in Mount Pleasant. Kids enjoy the tractor tours across the property, the Butterfly Pavilion, and the Avenue of Oaks approach. Plan 2 to 3 hours for the full experience.
- Location: 1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
- Phone: (843) 884-4371
- Price: Adults $30, Kids 6-12 $12, 5 and under free
Where to Eat with Kids on Isle of Palms
The island has plenty of family-friendly restaurants that work for picky eaters, hungry teens, and everyone in between.
Casual, Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near the Beach
Acme Lowcountry Kitchen is one of the easiest yeses on the island for family dining. Expect a wide kids’ menu, casual coastal vibe, and breakfast, brunch, and dinner service.
- Location: 31 JC Long Boulevard, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
- Hours: 8 AM to 3 PM; 4:30 PM to 9 PM (10 PM Friday-Saturday)
Ice Cream and Treat Stops Kids Will Love
Shaka Shack is a surf-themed ice cream stand on Ocean Boulevard with around 20 flavors, perfect for after-beach cool-downs. Island Joe’s Ice Cream & Espresso, next to Coconut Joe’s, serves hand-dipped local Wholly Cow ice cream until 9 or 10 pm, depending on the day.
Reserve Your Vacation Rental Today
Ready to book? Our family-friendly rentals put you within walking or biking distance of most of the activities on this list. Reserve your stay today!
