The best things to do in Pawleys Island with kids are Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, a guided paddle with Black River Outdoor Center and an afternoon of creek crabbing. If you do one, make it Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden, zoo and Lowcountry nature reserve on one site, with the Enchanted Storybook Forest built for younger children. Huntington Beach State Park is the other big day, with a beach, a marsh boardwalk and alligators to spot from the causeway. Crabbing off a creek dock costs almost nothing and fills an afternoon.
| Activity Name | Best For | Key Highlight | Recommended Age | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookgreen Gardens | All Ages | A sculpture garden, zoo and Lowcountry nature reserv… | All ages | View Details → |
| Huntington Beach State Park | All Ages | Beach, marsh boardwalk, hiking trails and the Mooris… | All ages | View Details → |
| Black River Outdoor Center | School-Aged Kids | Guided canoe and kayak tours of the tidelands runnin… | School-aged | View Details → |
| Creek crabbing | All Ages | Dropping a line off a creek dock with a chicken neck… | All ages | View Details → |
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens puts a sculpture garden, a zoo and a Lowcountry nature reserve on one site.
- The Fun: The Enchanted Storybook Forest, which is aimed squarely at younger children, and the animals at the zoo.
- Best Age Group: All ages.
Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park has a beach, a marsh boardwalk, hiking trails and the Moorish-style Atalaya Castle in one park.
- The Fun: Looking for alligators from the causeway is the part children remember.
- Best Age Group: All ages.
Black River Outdoor Center
Black River Outdoor Center runs guided canoe and kayak tours of the tidelands, two or four hours long.
- The Fun: Turtles and wading birds along the way. The shorter trip is the realistic one with children aboard.
- Best Age Group: School-age kids.
Creek crabbing
Creek crabbing is the local childhood activity here, and many rentals come with dock access.
- The Fun: Dropping a line off a creek dock with a chicken neck. It costs almost nothing and fills an entire afternoon.
- Best Age Group: All ages.
Where to Stay in Pawleys Island
We book the room first and build the days around it. Here is what Pawleys Island has open, with hotels on one side and family sized rentals on the other.
FAQs About Things to Do in Pawleys Island with Kids
What is the best time of year for these activities?
Late spring and early fall tend to offer the best weather and smaller crowds in Pawleys Island.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for popular spots, especially during peak summer season, to guarantee availability.
Are these activities suitable for young kids?
Most are. The best age group for each one is listed above.
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